Project Hub /Security Surveillance & Defense/RFID / NFC Access Systems/RFID-Based Smart Metro Ticketing System Using Arduino and IoT

Intermediate

ARDUINO

Project Specific

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

RFID-Based Smart Metro Ticketing System Using Arduino and IoT

An automated metro ticketing system using RFID and IoT that allows passengers to use cards for rides, automatically deducting fares and updating balances.

Originally published on ElectronicsForU

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

TowerPro SG90 Mini Servo – 180 degree Rotation – Standard Quality Rs. 179.00
RFID Reader/Writer RC522 SPI S50 with RFID Card and Tag Rs. 190.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Other Dev Board (Indusboard / Maixduino / misc)
Writer

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How It Works

The RFID-Based Smart Metro Ticketing System operates by using radio frequency identification to manage automated access and fare deductions. At the heart of the setup are two RC522 RFID Reader/Writer modules interfaced with an Arduino-compatible microcontroller such as the IndusBoard Coin. When a commuter taps their RFID tag or card against the entry reader, the RC522 module uses SPI communication to read the unique identification number stored on the card. The microcontroller processes this data, checks the user's current balance, and if sufficient funds are available, commands a servo motor to rotate, physically opening a barrier gate to grant entry. A second RC522 reader can be positioned at the exit point to log the end of the journey and automatically deduct the appropriate fare based on distance or time traveled. The entire system bridges hardware interaction with software logic, running code written in the Arduino IDE using the MFRC522 library to handle card authentication and peripheral control smoothly.

Why Build This

Understand how modern cashless public transit infrastructure and automated fare collection systems operate in the real world.

Gain hands-on experience integrating multiple SPI-based peripheral devices like dual RFID readers with a single microcontroller.

Learn to combine input sensors with mechanical output actuators such as servo motors to create functional access control prototypes.

Real-World Application

Automated public transit fare collection, smart station access control systems, and cashless transit infrastructure.

Skills You'll Learn

SPI communication protocol

RFID data reading and writing

servo motor control

microcontroller GPIO interfacing

digital logic implementation

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

RFID

IOT

RC522

ARDUINO

SERVO MOTOR

SMART TICKETING

WIRELESS MONITORING

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two RC522 RFID readers with a single IndusBoard Coin or Arduino Uno?

Yes, both readers can share the same SPI bus (MOSI, MISO, SCK) as long as they use separate Chip Select (SS/SDA) pins connected to the microcontroller.

How does the servo motor know when to open the gate?

The microcontroller evaluates the card's data read by the RC522 module; if the card is validated successfully, the code triggers a PWM signal to rotate the servo motor to a specific angle.

What software do I need to program the system?

You will need the Arduino IDE installed on your computer along with the MFRC522 RFID library to properly communicate with the reader modules.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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