PAYSADA: An Architectural Design for An Automated Fare Collection and Tracking System for Jeepneys

Jeepneys have long served as a vital mode of public transportation in the Philippines. However, the traditional manual fare collection methods commonly used present challenges such as payment delays, human errors, and inefficiencies in route management. This study introduces an architectural design for an enhanced fare collection and tracking system that integrates automated fare processing with Global Positioning System technology. The system leverages Radio Frequency Identification to facilitate contactless fare collection, allowing passengers to pay electronically while enabling real-time tracking of jeepney locations. Targeting both jeepney operators and passengers, the system aims to optimize operations and improve the overall commuting experience. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select relevant participants, including jeepney operators, drivers, IT professionals, and passengers. Data were gathered through surveys, interviews, direct observations, and structured questionnaires. System development tools included Visual Studio Code for website implementation, Figma for user interface design, and Arduino IDE for hardware integration. Results indicate that the combination of RFID and GPS technologies significantly reduces fare-related errors, minimizes disputes, and eliminates the need for manual fare handling. Moreover, the automated system accelerates boarding processes and allows operators to manage routes and fare collection more efficiently. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating modern technologies into jeepney operations can substantially enhance both operational efficiency and the commuting experience.