Concept for a security aware automatic fare collection system using HF/UHF dual band RFID transponders

Established automatic fare collection (AFC) solutions for public transport systems that use proximity HF radio frequency identification (RFID) smart cards are lacking a convenient method to determine the alighting point of a passenger. This paper considers an AFC system based on passive HF/UHF dual band RFID transponders. A UHF RFID link is envisaged for remote passenger detection. The paper discusses the general system architecture of the proposed AFC system. Furthermore, an appropriate security layer is introduced that also covers privacy concerns related to the remote passenger detection. We identify that the RF performance of the UHF RFID sub-system of a HF/UHF dual band RFID transponder is critical for the reliability of the remote passenger detection. The architecture and implementation challenges of a corresponding future HF/UHF dual band transponder IC are discussed.