Evaluation of an RDO's Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for Compliance with the Interoperable Automated Fare Collection System (IAFCS) Philippine National Standard (PNS)

Abstract

This study explored how an RDO, through its subsidiary, can strategically expand and promote technology acceptance and utilization of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), in the Philippine public transportation sector. Specifically, this study aims to assess the RDO’s capabilities against the requirements needed to fulfill the business and operational rules in operating a local AFCS infrastructure.

In line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) is the government’s initiative to implement an Interoperable Automated Fare Collection System (IAFCS). The IAFCS applies to all public transportation modes for the improvement of the public transport environment, passenger convenience, and the implementation of the transfer system among all public transportation modes.

In 2024, the RDO and its subsidiary along with other partner organizations, had successfully launched a proof of concept in implementing an interoperable automated fare collection system among identified buses within Metro Manila. Following this success, the RDO’s subsidiary agreed to conduct research that focuses on evaluating the conformance of an RDO’s AFCS solution that is aligned with the objectives of the Philippine National Standard.