By Component (Hardware, Software), By Technology, By System, By Application, and By Region -Market Forecast, 2025 - 2034
The global automated fare collection market size was valued at USD 14.00 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.70% during 2025 to 2034. Key factors driving demand for automated fare collections include growing consumer demand for convenient, fast payment options and rapid urbanization.

To Understand More About this Research:Request a Free Sample Report
Automated fare collection (AFC) systems have become a revolutionary solution in various industry offering significant attributes such as end-to-end, no-contact solution that enhances the efficiency and speed of the ticketing process, allowing transport authorities to offer hassle-free services to commuters. The integration of advanced technology, such as electronic payment, contactless technology, and smart cards, has enabled AFC systems to reduce the costs of manual ticketing systems, while minimizing fraud and ensuring transparency. As a result, AFC systems have become an attractive alternative to conventional ticketing systems, driving growth in the market.
For instance, in June 2021, The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in India declared that it would implement an automatic fare collection system for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The proposed system is planned to incorporate QR Code-based ticketing systems, vending machines, and pre-paid/credit/debit card readers as part of an automated fare collection system.
The transportation sector's rapid growth, driven by a rising population and increasing commuters, has led to the development of Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems that streamline ticketing. These systems, increasingly used in urban public transportation, have moved from paper tickets to digital ones like contactless smart cards, resulting in greater efficiency and improved data collection. Smart cities trend is driving demand for AFC systems by integrating advanced technologies into municipal operations, boosting Automated Fare Collection Market growth potential.

For Specific Research Requirements, Request for a Customized Report
Growth Drivers
The increasing usage of smartphones for online ticketing has played a significant role in boosting the growth of the automated fare collection market. Standalone smartphone applications for bus and train travel simplify ticket purchases with cashless payments and quicker boarding. Customers can buy any ticket type and use preloaded cards to enhance travel convenience. Mobile application-based ticketing speeds up boarding and reduces cash handling. The UPI payment mode in India has also contributed heavily to the automatic fare collection system. Advancements in UPI and E-Wallet technology are expected to further fuel the growth of the automated fare collection system in the future.
Furthermore, the automatic fare collection market has experienced growth due to the convenience of cashless travel and the trend toward card payments. The AFC system allows for direct debit from a driver/owner's bank account, eliminating the need to carry cash. Smart card payment with AFC also eliminates the need for cash payments, simplifies payment handling, and speeds up transactions, with information instantly added to a database. The AFC system offers self-service options, quick service, and quicker transaction validation, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency. These benefits have increased the effectiveness of fare box collection, improved the travel experience for commuters, and fueled market expansion.
The market is primarily segmented based on component, technology, system, application, and region.
|
By Component |
By Technology |
By System |
By Application |
By Region |
|
|
|
|
|
To Understand the Scope of this Report: Speak to Analyst
The hardware segment registered for the largest market share owing to the growth of transportation and infrastructure in developing regions, as well as the implementation of smart and automated fare collection systems as part of government initiatives.
During the forecast period, the software segment is expected to experience a high CAGR. Automatic fare collection systems facilitate the transfer and handling of information by continuously processing shared information through a back-end panel. The increasing use of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, & machine learning in developing such systems enables operators to gain operational insights, and the customer details.

The smart card segment held a significant market share in 2024, as it offers users an integrated digital payment option that provides flexibility in terms of location, platform, and payment mode. This chip technology that can be scanned on several platforms for payment of transportation tickets, online shopping, and other transactions. With a centralized and single payment solution, smart cards offer higher flexibility, ease of tracking payments, reduced complexities, & enhanced user experience. These notable factors are expected to drive the segment’s growth.
Moreover, NFC segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This technology enables the storage of data of the customers to be linked with the customer's account. It forms a seamless connection between NFC-enabled devices and personal devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and wearables. NFC eliminates the need for physical cards & cash by connecting a user's virtual wallet, resulting in faster payments. Additionally, NFC employs a token system, providing increased security and privacy for transaction.
The ticket vending machine (TVM) segment had a substantial market share. With the ability to accept card or e-wallet payments, modern TVMs have eliminated the need for cash transactions and provide a seamless ticket buying experience. TVMs reduce waiting times and offer 24/7 availability, making them highly convenient. Moreover, they reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for ticketing staff and offering flexible payment options. These advantages fueling the market growth at rapid pace.
The Integrated Circuit (IC) card segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period due to its superior features compared to traditional cards. IC cards use powerful and large-capacity embedded IC chips to store a significant amount of information, allowing for cashless payments in various locations. The increasing demand for cashless payment solutions is a major driving factor for the growth of the IC card market. The integration of IC cards with mobile devices such as smartphones and wearables are also expected to fuel market growth. Additionally, the adoption of contactless payment technology in various sectors is expected to drive the demand for IC cards. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of e-commerce and online shopping is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the IC card market during the forecast period.
The North America region dominated the global market in 2024, due to its advanced public transportation infrastructure, and internet penetration. The region's leading players in the industry are also major factors driving the growth of the automated fare collection market. For example, Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) won a contract from the Port Authority of New Jersey and New York in 2022 to upgrade and deliver an innovative fare payment system at the Port Authority of the Trans-Hudson.
Asia Pacific is expected to experience significant growth in the market due to increasing digitization and higher government initiatives towards infrastructure development. The large population of travelers, and adoption of innovative technologies also contributing to the region’s growth. For instance, in October 21, Singapore Land Transport Authority awarded Thales Group a contract to modernize AFC gates on the Singapore's MRT.

Some of the major players operating in the global market include Advanced Card Systems, Atos, Cubic Transportation Systems, GMV, Indra Sistemas, LECIP Holdings, LG Corporation, Siemens, Thales Group, Omron Corporation, Masabi, Nippon Signal, Scheidt & Bachmann, Samsung SDS.
|
Report Attributes |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2024 |
USD 14.00 billion |
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 15.89 billion |
|
Revenue forecast in 2034 |
USD 50.47 billion |
|
CAGR |
13.80% from 2025 –2034 |
|
Base year |
2024 |
|
Historical data |
2020– 2023 |
|
Forecast period |
2025– 2034 |
|
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
|
Segments covered |
|
|
Regional scope |
|
|
Key companies |
Advanced Card Systems Ltd., Atos SE, Cubic Transportation Systems, GMV, Indra Sistemas SA, LECIP Holdings Corporation, LG Corporation, Siemens AG, Thales Group, Omron Corporation, Masabi Ltd., Nippon Signal, Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH, Samsung SDS Co. Ltd |
In today’s hyper-connected world, running a business around the clock is no longer an option. And at Polaris Market Research, we get that. Our sales & analyst team is available 24x5 to assist you. Get all your queries and questions answered about the Automated Fare Collection Market report with a phone call or email, as and when needed.
Browse Our Top Selling Reports
Trim Tabs Market Size, Share 2024 Research Report
Universal Remote Controls Market Size, Share 2024 Research Report
Seed Cracker Market Size, Share 2024 Research Report
Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Market Size, Share 2024 Research Report
The global automated fare collection market size is expected to reach USD 50.47 billion by 2034.
Key Players in the Automated Fare Collection Market are Advanced Card Systems, Atos, Cubic Transportation Systems, GMV, Indra Sistemas, LECIP Holdings, LG Corporation.
North America contribute notably towards the global Automated Fare Collection Market.
The global automated fare collection market expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.80% during the forecast period.
The Automated Fare Collection Market report covering key segments are component, technology, system, application, and region.