Mobile Based Real-Time Public Bus Tracking and Contactless Fare Payment System

Abstract

Abstract This project presents an innovative approach to addressing the absence of a fully functional Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform in Sri Lanka, with a specific focus on public bus transportation. The goal is to enhance accessibility and popularity of public transportation by creating a comprehensive mobile-based solution, incorporating real-time bus tracking and contactless fare payment. The system features user-friendly Android mobile applications tailored for passengers, conductors, and managers, alongside a web portal for administrators. These applications enable passengers to find routes, track buses, estimate arrival times, and pay online securely. Managers will have a mobile portal for fleet management and reporting, while conductors can use a mobile app for ticket validation and emergency alerts. A review of similar systems, including Google Transit, MyBusSL, Uber, and Moovit, was performed. The rationale behind choosing the Modified Waterfall methodology was discussed, comparing it with other methodologies and justifying its selection. System architecture and other design decisions, such as use case diagrams, class diagrams, activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, and entity-relationship diagrams, were elaborated with visual representations. The frontend development was executed using Android Java and ReactJS, while the backend infrastructure was built with NodeJs and ExpressJS. Databases such as SQL Lite, MongoDB, and custom-built APIs were utilised, along with external services like Google Maps API, PayHere, Render, and GitHub. Testing strategies and test design approaches, including ziBlackbox and Whitebox testing, utilised both manual and automated techniques employing TestNG and Selenium. Test cases were documented using TestCollab and Jira, and defects were managed accordingly. Finally, user evaluation was conducted, and positive feedback was received. Overall, the project aims to rejuvenate Sri Lanka's public transportation by developing a comprehensive public transport information system exclusively accessible through widely available mobile smartphones. This initiative addresses convenience barriers that hinder the widespread usage of sustainable transportation among the general public.