How PIS and AFC Systems can prove to be game changer in 2022 ?

by Harpreet Babbar Digital ORM & SEO Expert

Passenger information systems, also known as Passenger Information Display and Ticketing Systems, provide passengers with real-time system data about an airport or train station's operation. This includes informing passengers about boarding announcements and gate assignments.

In contrast, an automatic fare collection system is an electronic device or software program that allows payment for transportation services by deducting the appropriate amount from a stored-value card or registering with an e-fare media other than cash or coins.

What do Passenger Information systems do?

Passenger information systems (PIS) are computerized information displays that offer a variety of services to passengers. The main goal of such a system is revenue management, which authorities can accomplish by providing accurate information about on-time performance, boarding positions, destination, connection times, and delays.

Tracking passenger movements within the terminal, security alerts, evacuation instructions, and emergency contact numbers are other advantages of Passenger information systems.

One can also use the system for retail marketing by providing services to travelers visiting shopping malls, such as displaying current shopping promotions. Authorities can also use passenger information systems to monitor individual driver performance and, if necessary, disable the vehicle or take other appropriate action.

What are the benefits of a passenger information system?

A passenger information system (PIS) is a highly developed system that provides passengers with optimized communication about transportation information. A passenger information system is a critical component of the passenger transportation system. It is a mobility service center. Its job includes informing passengers about vehicle arrival and departure times, train and bus status, station and stop locations, and seat availability.

Additionally, passengers can purchase tickets, check for delayed and express services, view timetable information, consider the number of available seats, find the best route to their destination, the next stop if the service is interrupted, and view the current state of the service. These services can be accessed online or from a smartphone while on the go.

One of the advantages of Passenger information systems is that they can increase airport passenger throughput. However, when other factors, such as how much time passengers spend waiting at an airport, are considered, this effect on wait times may not be beneficial.

A passenger information system includes monitors, kiosks, signs, and other devices linked to centralized information systems. Train and bus drivers use electronic response units to communicate information to passengers. Passenger information systems are evolving to accommodate new technology. Drivers, for example, can communicate with passengers via text and voice messages.

What does an Automatic Fare Collection system do?

On the other hand, an Automatic Fare Collection System is a system that allows passengers to pay for transit services using stored value cards or by registering with an e-fare media other than cash or coins.

Automatic Fare Collection System facilitates automated revenue collection and improves overall efficiency by enabling passengers to buy tickets before boarding and calculating automatic fares. The smart card can function as a contactless payment card, a cashless physical access (such as a tube card), or an electronic fare media (e.g., electronic ticketing).

The card operates on swipe technology or near field communication, which transfers bits or digitally coded information easily and quickly between the card and the reader without the need for human intervention in front of the passenger using transit services.

Benefits of an Automatic Fare Collection System

A fare collection device with an integrated card reader is often deemed as an automatic fare collection system. It's also known as an "eTicket machine" or "fare box." There are numerous advantages to automating your fare collection process, but this blog post will focus on the most important ones: lowering labor costs; making paper ticket processing easier

Reduced labor costs

Because it replaces a human collector, an automatic fare collection system reduces the amount of labor you must pay your employees. Another advantage is that it can aid in the processing of paper tickets.

Many transit agencies issued "pay on the way" tickets, which required employees to count each ticket at the end of their shift and enter the information into transit management systems (TMS).

When an automatic fare collection system scans a card, it can generate a ticket with the same information, eliminating the need for a human to count the tickets.

Streamlining the Processing of Paper Tickets

Customers who do not pay their fares will be issued late tickets. They may have their hours canceled if they do not show up at the end of their shift to redeem those tickets. The use of an automatic fare collection system aids in the processing of paper tickets.

Conclusion

There are quite a few similarities in the functioning of the Passenger Information system and the Automatic fare collection system. Yet, we can say that both these system operates in a different manner to serve their respective purposes.