Objectives of the new check-in system in Lagos:
- Use a transparent system to prevent revenue leakage
- Remove drivers from the ticketing process
- Increase the share of non-cash payments, while reducing the use of cash
- Increasing the cooperating bank's client base
- Financial inclusion of ordinary passengers
- Increase the city's prestige as a technology leader
After the previous negative experiences with the Asian supplier system, a pilot project with Mikroelektronika's system took place in 2016. Since the pilot operation proved successful, the entire system including the main BRT line was launched at the beginning of 2018. Every vehicle was equipped with two validators for check-in using contactless Mifare cards and EMV bank cards. The project also included the supply of pre-sales equipment, FareOn backoffice, inspection sites, and e-shop for online pre-sales services.
The fare collection system uses its zone tariff and tap in/tap out for Mifare and EMV cards. A time tariff can be selected as well. No time coupons valid for a longer period of time are used yet. Data transfer takes place via LTE network. EMV transactions take place both online and with delayed batch data transfer in their partially offline mode.
In Lagos, there are several transport systems of different operators whose vehicles feature their check-in devices from various manufacturers. Therefore, interoperability was launched in 2021, when it is possible to check in with a prepaid Cowry card in other operators’ transport means. However, only Mikroelektronika’s check-in system allows bank card payments. In the future, it is planned to expand the functionality through 2D code check-in (QR, Aztec,…).
