Self-Managed NFC Contactless Payment System for Commercial Shuttles

Utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for contactless payments has emerged as a solution in contemporary commerce, facilitating seamless transactions through its short-range, high-frequency wireless communication capabilities. Embedded within the broader framework of Radio-frequency identification (RFID), NFC has widespread adoption across various domains, including retail point-of-sale systems, and public transportation fare systems. Within the context of shuttle services in Ghana, the current cash centric fare collection system results in delays, financial losses and health concerns particularly during pandemics. Mitigating these challenges requires payment interventions that are resilient against contagion risks and operational inefficiencies. This research integrates NFC enabled ID cards into the University of Ghana shuttle infrastructure for fare payments and facilitates self-funding of cards via a mobile application with diverse financial channels. A robust server-side application governs user data and transactional integrity, and a mobile and web-based administrative portal for streamlined oversight and management of the system. By integrating contactless payment technology into the shuttle system, both passengers and shuttle managers stand to benefit from improved operational efficiency and enhanced user experience.