SMART Solution for Transportation Authority

Multi-faceted solution empowers passengers and transportation authority with contactless payment

This February, IBA Group engineers implemented and launched a SMART solution for the transportation authority of Oskemen, the administrative center of the East Kazakhstan Region of Kazakhstan.

The solution includes IBA’s proprietary Automated Fare Collection (AFC) and Automatic Vehicle Management (AVM) systems. It brings the legacy of IBA Group’s contactless payment expertise; and empowers passengers and the Oskemen Transportation Authority.

As a result of the project, passengers can use contactless cards to pay for rides on busses, trams, and minibuses. And the Transportation Authority can monitor and manage its fleet online.

Co-Creating SMART Cities

IBA engineers began nursing the idea of a smart city in the early 2000s. A partnership agreement with VISA gave momentum to bring these ideas to life. Using VISA technologies and the company’s IT expertise, IBA Group developed the Automated Fare Collection system to integrate advanced software and hardware, in compliance with payment card industry standards including PCI DSS.

In Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan law on Public-Private Partnership made co-creation of the Oskemen transportation authority project possible.

Contactless Payment and Remote Monitoring for Transportation Authorities

IBA Group’s first AFC system dates back to 2014. Currently, thanks to IBA Group solutions, the city transportation authorities can analyze passenger traffic, fare inspector performance, and system-wide operability. Passengers enjoy easy payment using transport cards, credit and debit cards, or smartphones (currently on the city subway, city rail lines, and the one tram route).

In Kazakstan, IBA Group started its engagement in Oskemen by adjusting the AFC system to the habits of city residents. The reliable, easy to use contactless payment process means passengers only need to bring their contactless cards to one of the many validators installed by each vehicle’s door. There, the ride’s fare is collected automatically. One contactless card holds up to 7 types of fare (for example, a monthly bus pass, a single fare ride for rail transport, etc.). This simple solution provides interfaces with an elaborate fare system, including distance-dependent fares, a discount program, and the ability to accept cash fare payments. Currently, IBA Group’s equipment and software function covers more than 500 vehicles.

State-of-the-Art Data Center for Transportation System

As part of the project, IBA delivered a state-of-the-art data center for the entire system. The company set up, configured server equipment and software, and trained local data center specialists on systems operation. Additionally, IBA Group delivered and deployed the processing facility to issue and process contactless cards at the Oskemen City Center for Passenger Transportation.

Automated Fleet Management

To further support the project, IBA Group implemented IBA AVM, an automated fleet management system. Using IBA AVM, Oskemen transport authorities can control and manage the public transportation traffic across the city.

IBA AVM monitors the schedule, traffic routes, and regularity of transportation. The solution minimizes vehicle delays and deviations from the approved traffic routes and schedules.

For the convenience of passengers, the Oskembus Mobile App, available on iOS and Android, provides public transportation schedules, and real-time traffic monitoring.

Read more about IBA Group’s automation projects for public transportation and the partnership with VISA on SMART Solutions.

Talk to IBA Group about how your business and your customers can benefit from our SMART contactless payments solutions.