The TAP AFC Mobile Application is the commuter-facing channel of TAP’s Automated Fare Collection (AFC) platform. It gives commuters direct, self-service access to their fare accounts and fare-related services from their own mobile devices, reducing the need to visit physical service or ticketing points.
Built on an account-based model and developed in-house by TAP, the application connects securely to the central AFC back office. Every balance, transaction and fare product the commuter sees is drawn from the same central system that manages fares, validators and revenue across the network.
The result is a simple, convenient and connected way for commuters to manage their public transport fare services anytime and anywhere, fully aligned with the operator’s fare policy.
Principles
Four Principles Behind the Application
AFC Mobile Application is designed around four principles that define how commuters use it and how operators control it.
Account-Based
Each commuter's fare account is held centrally in the AFC back office, with the app acting as a secure window onto it.
Mobile Self-Service
Fare-related services are available on the commuter's own device, anytime and anywhere.
Centrally Integrated
Balances, transactions and fare products are synchronized with the central AFC System.
Secure Access
Every account is protected by secure user authentication.
Architecture
From the Commuter's Device to the AFC Back Office
The application is the front end of a single fare system. Requests from the app are authenticated, passed through TAP’s integration layer and served by the central AFC back office that also manages validators, POS terminals and revenue.
Key Capabilities
Six Core Capabilities
Each capability gives commuters direct control of their fare services while keeping every action within the operator’s central fare system.
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01
Fare Account Management
Account-Based TicketingCommuters manage their fare accounts directly from the application. Because the account is held in the central AFC back office rather than on a card or device, the commuter's fare entitlement remains under the operator's control and is consistent across every channel.
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02
Balance & Transaction Information
Stored Value and Transaction HistoryThe current account balance and a full transaction history are available to the commuter at any time. Each record is drawn from the central transaction database, giving commuters the same information the operator uses for reconciliation and reporting.
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03
Digital Fare Services
Mobile Self-ServiceAvailable fare-related services are delivered digitally through the application, so commuters can use them anytime and anywhere without visiting a physical service or ticketing point. The services offered follow the operator's configured fare products and policy.
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04
Travel Information
Passenger Information in the AppRelevant travel information is presented alongside the commuter's fare account, so fare and journey information are available in one place.
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05
Secure User Access
Authentication and Account ProtectionAccess to each fare account is protected by secure user authentication. Only the account holder can view balances, transactions and account details, protecting both the commuter and the operator's fare revenue.
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06
Central AFC Integration
Back-Office SynchronizationThe application is integrated with the central Automated Fare Collection System through TAP's integration layer. Account, balance and transaction data remain synchronized across the app, the back office and the wider fare network.
- 01Fare account held centrally
- 02Fare rules applied by the back office
- 03Balance and transactions synchronized
- 04Consistent across every fare channel
- 05Transaction-level audit trail
The Account Lives in the Back Office
In an account-based ticketing (ABT) model, the commuter’s fare account, balance and entitlements are held in the central back office rather than on a physical card or a single device.
The TAP AFC platform supports account-based and closed-loop fare products alongside QR and other electronic fare media. The mobile application gives commuters direct access to that central account, while fare rules, products and tariffs remain under the operator’s control.
INSIDE APP
What Commuters Can Access
The application brings the commuter’s fare information and services together in a single, secure mobile experience.
- Fare account profile
- Current balance
- Transaction history
- Fare product details
- Digital fare services
- Travel information
- Secure sign-in
- Synchronized account data
The Value
Value for Commuters and Operators
The application improves the fare experience for commuters while strengthening the operator’s control of fare collection.
A Better Fare Experience
Simple, convenient access to fare services on the go.
- Fare account managed from a mobile device
- Balance and transactions available anytime
- Fewer visits to service and ticketing points
- Fare and travel information in one place
A Stronger Fare System
A digital channel fully governed by the central AFC System.
- Account data held centrally in the back office
- Fare policy applied consistently across channels
- Transactions recorded for reconciliation and reporting
- Reduced load on physical service points
Related
Works Together With
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