Design of a Bus Payment System Using Near-Field Communication (NFC)

In Cambodia, the populace values convenience, speed, and cost-effectiveness when it comes to transportation. The transition from cycling to bus travel could potentially alleviate traffic congestion. However, the existing payment system, which relies on deposit boxes, can cause delays. Developers implementing a Near Field Communication (NFC) payment system must first understand the processes and components involved. The development of this system can be broadly divided into three stages: Hardware Development, Software Development, and Block Diagram and Coding. The Hardware Development stage involves selecting and setting up the necessary hardware components. This includes the NFC reader and the cards (NFC, Smart Card, and Tag Card). The Software Development stage entails creating software interacting with the hardware to process payments. This could involve setting up a database to store payment information, developing an interface for users to interact with, and implementing security measures to protect user data. The Block Diagram and Coding stage involves creating a block diagram to visualize the system’s operation and writing the code that will control the system. An experiment involving multiple NFC, Smart Card, and Tag Card scans was conducted to gather data. The NFC system demonstrated optimal performance at a distance of 3.5cm. The Smart Card system performed best from 2.5cm to 3cm. The Tag Card system had optimal performance at a distance of 1.5cm. Among these three types of cards, NFC was found to have the longest scanning distance for payments. This research provides valuable insights into developing an efficient NFC-based payment system for buses in Cambodia, potentially revolutionizing public transportation in the region.