FareFlow: An IoT and Cloud-Based Smart Bus Fare Collection System for Sustainable Urban Transport

Public transportation in developing countries, including Uganda, continues to rely heavily on manualcash-based fare collection methods. These systems are prone to inefficiencies such as delays duringboarding, revenue leakage, lack of transparency, and hygiene risks from physical cash handling. Thisstudy proposes FareFlow, a smart RFID-based bus fare payment system that leverages Internet of Things(IoT) devices and cloud computing to address these challenges while contributing to the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, and SDG 11:Sustainable Cities & Communities). The system integrates an RC522 RFID reader with a NodeMCUESP8266 microcontroller to enable contactless passenger identification and fare deduction. A GPSmodule provides real-time bus tracking, while cloud services based on Firebase Firestore and anExpress.js backend manage user accounts, balances, and transaction logs.FareFlow also features web-based applications for three stakeholder groups: passengers, bus operators,and administrators. Passengers can view balances, monitor transaction history, and receive SMS/emailalerts. Operators gain real-time visibility of fare activities on their routes, while administrators accesscentralized dashboards for system oversight, card registration, and revenue analysis. Prototypeimplementation and functional testing confirmed the system’s reliability, with transactions processed inunder 1.4 seconds and real-time updates synchronized across the cloud. Results demonstrateimprovements in efficiency, accountability, and user convenience. By enhancing operationaltransparency, reducing cash dependency, and enabling digital infrastructure for public transport,FareFlow illustrates how IoT and cloud technologies can support sustainable, inclusive, and resilienturban mobility in Uganda and similar contexts.