TAP’s device software runs on every passenger-facing point of the fare system: fare validation on validators and handheld PDAs, self-service sales on Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), and fare gate control at station entry and exit.
At its core is the TAP Fare Validator Application, the software interface responsible for validating passenger fare media during travel. Integrated with the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) ecosystem, it applies the operator’s fare rules at the point of travel, indicates the validation result and records the transaction information required for operational monitoring, reconciliation and reporting.
Developed by TAP, the device software family keeps every validation, sale and gate transaction consistent with the central AFC back office.
Device Coverage
One Software Family, Four Device Types
Each device type runs TAP software matched to its role in the fare system. All four share the same fare rules and the same connection to the central AFC back office.
| Software function | Validator | Handheld PDA | TVM | Fare Gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fare media validation | ||||
| Fare-rule processing | ||||
| Validation status indication | ||||
| Fare inspection | ||||
| Self-service fare sales | ||||
| Gate control | ||||
| Transaction recording | ||||
| Back-office synchronization |
Fare Validator Application
Seven Core Capabilities
The Fare Validator Application is the software interface that validates passenger fare media during travel. Its seven capabilities cover the full validation transaction, from reading the fare media to reporting centrally.
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01
Fare Validation
Fare Media AuthenticationPassenger fare media is read and authenticated at the point of travel, confirming that the passenger holds a valid fare before boarding or entry.
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02
Fare-Rule Processing
Rules EngineThe operator's fare rules are applied to each validation, so fare products, tariffs and passenger categories configured centrally are enforced consistently on every device.
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03
Transaction Recording
Transaction LogEvery validation is recorded as a transaction, capturing the information required for operational monitoring, reconciliation and reporting.
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04
Validation Status Indication
Passenger FeedbackThe validation result is indicated clearly to the passenger, supporting fast boarding and entry at high passenger volumes.
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05
Device Integration
Hardware InterfaceThe application is integrated with the validator hardware on which it runs, so fare media reading, status indication and transaction recording operate as one controlled process.
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06
Operational Synchronization
Back-Office Data ExchangeDevices synchronize with the central AFC System, uploading recorded transactions and keeping fare configuration consistent across the network.
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07
Centralized Transaction Reporting
Central ReportingValidation transactions feed centralized reporting in the AFC back office, supporting ridership, revenue and device-level analysis.
Validation Transaction
Validation Working
Every validation follows the same controlled sequence at the device, with the resulting transaction synchronized to the central AFC back office.
Device Software
Software for Each Point of the Fare System
Select a device type to see the role its software plays in the operator’s fare collection network.
Fare Validation on Validators
Validators at stations and on board run the Fare Validator Application, authenticating passenger fare media, applying fare rules and recording each validation for central reporting.
- Fare media validation at entry and boarding
- Validation status shown to the passenger
- Transactions synchronized with the AFC back office
Handheld Inspection on PDAs
Handheld PDAs used by operations staff validate and inspect passenger fare media during travel, extending fare control beyond fixed validators and gates.
- Fare validation on handheld devices
- Fare inspection by operations staff
- Inspection records synchronized centrally
Self-Service Sales on TVMs
Ticket Vending Machines provide self-service fare sales, allowing passengers to purchase or recharge fare products with minimal staff involvement.
- Self-service purchase of fare products
- Fare media recharge
- Sales recorded for reconciliation
Fare Gate Control
Gate software controls fare gates at station entry and exit points, linking passage through the gate to a valid fare validation.
- Gate passage tied to fare validation
- Entry and exit control at stations
- Gate transactions recorded centrally
Key Terms
The Terminology of Fare Validation
The Fare Validator Application is the software interface that validates passenger fare media during travel. Its seven capabilities cover the full validation transaction, from reading the fare media to reporting centrally.
- Fare Media
- The ticket or credential a passenger presents for travel, such as a QR ticket, smart card or other electronic fare media supported by the AFC platform.
- Fare Rules
- The operator's configured fare products, tariffs and passenger categories, applied by the device software at every validation.
- Validation
- The process of reading and authenticating fare media at the point of travel and deciding whether the passenger holds a valid fare.
- Validation Status
- The result of a validation, indicated to the passenger at the device so boarding or entry can proceed without delay.
- Transaction Record
- The data captured for each validation, sale or gate passage, used for monitoring, reconciliation and reporting.
- Back-Office Synchronization
- The exchange of transaction and configuration data between field devices and the central AFC System.
Key Benefits
Reliable fare validation at the device, full visibility at the center.
Fast
Fare media validated quickly at the point of travel.
Controlled
The operator's fare rules applied consistently on every device.
Recorded
Every validation, sale and gate passage captured for reconciliation.
Integrated
All device software synchronized with the central AFC System.
Related Services
Hardware & Software
Management
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