Role of WiFi in Bus Fare Collection Systems (Onboard Systems) and Its Limitations

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Author : Kathy
Update time : 2025-06-03 18:54:04

 I. Core Functions of WiFi in Bus Fare Collection Systems

  1. Real-time Data Transmission

    • Ticketing Information Synchronization: Records of fare payments (e.g., WeChat, Alipay, IC card transactions) are uploaded to the backend in real time via WiFi, preventing data backlog and improving settlement efficiency.

    • Vehicle Location Monitoring: Integrated with GPS/BeiDou modules, real-time transmission of vehicle location and driving trajectories supports backend dispatching and route optimization.

  2. Remote Management and Upgrades

    • Remote Parameter Deployment: Enables backend remote updates of fare tables, route information.

    • Firmware Upgrades: Batch deployment of system updates via WiFi reduces manual maintenance costs.

  3. Multi-source Data Integration

    • Video Surveillance Transmission: Security footage from onboard cameras can be transmitted in real time to monitoring centers (requiring 4G/5G routers), enhancing public safety response capabilities.

    • Health Code Verification: Upgraded systemsuse WiFi connectivity to verify passengers’ nucleic acid status, automatically issuing alerts for expired results.

      ⚠️ II. Key Limitations and Challenges

  1. Network Stability Issues

    • Mobile Environment Interference: Signal interruptions or delays occur during vehicle movement due to tunnels, high-rise obstructions, or base station handovers .

    • Bandwidth Bottlenecks: Early 3G/4G networks struggled with concurrent multi-device data (e.g., video surveillance + ticketing data), requiring 5G or dual-SIM aggregation routers for mitigation.

  2. High Deployment and Maintenance Costs

    • Hardware Investment: High unit cost of smart terminals with fleet-wide coverage requirements.

    • Data and Access Fees: Annual operator data fees and "access fees" paid to bus companies create significant cost pressure.

    • Fragile Profit Model: Advertising or data service revenue often fails to cover costs, relying on government subsidies or joint ventures.

  3. Security and Compliance Risks

    • Data Encryption Requirements: Compliance with Ministry of Public Security’s "Level 3 Cybersecurity Certification" necessitates end-to-end encryption, increasing hardware complexity .

    • Transmission Protocol Vulnerabilities: Public WiFi risks hijacking, requiring dedicated APNs or VPN tunnels for isolation (e.g., GPRS private network solutions).

  4. Compatibility and Coverage Limitations

    • Legacy Device Adaptation Difficulty: Some terminals require optional WiFi modules.

    • Uneven Coverage: Priority deployment on high-passenger routes leaves remote areas underserved long-term.

 III. Conclusion

WiFi in bus fare systems serves as the "data artery" of intelligent transportation, delivering significant value in real-time operations and remote management. However, network instabilitycost pressures, and security risks remain key bottlenecks. Future solutions demand:

  • 5G technology upgrades,

  • Government-enterprise cost-sharing (e.g., waiving access fees),

  • Edge computing (local preprocessing to reduce bandwidth dependency),
    while exploring dual-profit models.

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