TABLE OF CONTENT

About the Client

Chalo is a public transport tracking and ticketing platform that helps passengers access real-time locations of public vehicles, including buses and metro trains. Operating in 17 cities across India, Chalo has equipped over 15,000 vehicles with GPS tracking. To enhance the public transport experience, Chalo sought to develop a seamless e-ticketing solution, eliminating fare discrepancies and cash dependency while improving operational efficiency.

Business Situation

Inefficient Ticketing System: Manual fare collection led to errors and revenue leakage.
Obsolete Hardware: Older e-ticketing machines lacked modern functionalities and usability.
Data Synchronization Issues: Disparate hardware and databases caused data lags and inconsistencies.
Limited Payment Options: The system needed cashless transactions and RFID card integration.
Security & Compliance: Ensuring secure, tamper-proof operations for conductors and passengers.
Scalability Concerns: The system needed to be future-ready for multi-city expansions.

The Solution

Unthinkable began by analyzing existing hardware and software limitations, proposing a shift to Android-based e-ticketing devices. A single backend system was developed to ensure synchronization between fare collection, tracking, and reporting. The new Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) streamlined operations, integrating modernized ticketing, security measures, and seamless backend connectivity.

Android-Based E-Ticketing: Enabled conductors to manage trips and issue digital tickets.
RFID & QR Code Integration: Provided contactless ticketing via RFID cards and mobile QR codes.
Cloud-Based Backend: Migrated operations to AWS for real-time data access.
Kiosk Mode Security: Restricted unauthorized use of e-ticketing devices.
Automated Syncing: Ensured real-time fare collection and trip data updates.
Comprehensive Reporting: Offered detailed revenue tracking and operational insights.

The Impact

The implementation of Chalo’s smart e-ticketing system revolutionized public transport ticketing, enabling faster transactions, real-time tracking, and cashless payments. By shifting to a cloud-based solution, data synchronization improved significantly, reducing discrepancies and increasing efficiency. Over 15,000 public buses successfully integrated the new system, with plans for expansion into additional transport modes like trains, ferries, and taxis.

Conclusion

Unthinkable’s solution positioned Chalo as a leader in smart public transport management. With improved data accuracy, reduced fare leakage, and enhanced passenger experience, Chalo now offers a secure, scalable, and future-ready ticketing system. Looking ahead, Chalo aims to further innovate with AI-powered analytics, automated route optimization, and expanded integrations to transform urban mobility.