TMN’s Cloud-based Payment System’s Walk-Through Payment PoC is Selected for Niigata City Subsidy

Transaction Media Networks, Inc. (TMN) is pleased to announce that its "Cloud-based Mobility Multi-Payment System PoC Project" (hereinafter referred to as the "PoC Project") has been selected for Niigata City Digital Innovation Creation Promotion Subsidy Program for Japan fiscal year 2025 (FY Reiwa 7).

The purpose of this PoC project is to improve the recognition accuracy required for walk-through face recognition payments by utilizing face recognition technology using AI cameras. We will also verify the use of OD (Origin-Destination) data obtained by AI cameras installed in the vehicle.

TMN has conducted a total of four PoC in Niigata City and in Shibukawa City, and has been working to improve the accuracy of face recognition by identifying various issues such as camera installation positions, image processing methods, and information acquisition methods in a cloud environment.

TMN will continue to utilize the same subsidy from last year awarded from Niigata City in FY2025 to improve the accuracy of the face recognition AI system based on the previous year’s PoC results, further verify for practical use, and aim to realize a more advanced mobility services by integrating with the payment field.

Areas Utilizing Origin-Destination (OD)Data

Utilizing the OD data created from facial recognition data can possibly solve the problems of bus operators who are facing operational issues caused by driver shortages and population decline.

In April 2023, Japan’s Road Traffic Act was amended, lifting the ban on Level 4 autonomous driving (unmanned driving) on public roads. Automation and sophistication of payments is essential for the realization of safe and convenient autonomous driving services, with the advent of new transportation infrastructure. This PoC project is also looking at the spread of autonomous driving in the future, and TMN believes that the PoC will contribute to improving the public transportation sustainability in the region.

1.Utilizing Data to Revise Operation Plans

Grasp the actual usage and congestion status of each route based on OD data. This makes it possible to consider the timetable setting and vehicle deployment that meet the regional needs.

2.Simplifying Payment Operations and Curbing Equipment Costs

Fare is calculated on cloud-based server and linked with the payment terminal, based on the OD data. The aim is to reduce the burden on drivers and equipment costs related to fare collection. Bus passengers will not need to operate when boarding, increasing convenience.

3.Simplifying Boarding and Disembarking Procedures with Walk-Through Payments

Aiming to realize "walk-through payment" that automatically recognizes and authenticates when boarding and disembarking.

This project will be driven using Amazon Web Services (AWS) and utilize cloud-native architecture and Edge AI.
TMN will continue to collaborate with local governments, public transportation operators, and technology partners to contribute to the social implementation of next-generation mobility.

<An Overview of TMN’s Efforts Related to the Bus Digital Transformation to Date>

• April 2023：
  Shibukawa City, Kan-etsu Transportation, and TMN sign a three-party partnership agreement
• June 2023：
  Selected for Niigata City's “JFY2023 Niigata City Proof-of-Concept Study Support Subsidy Program”
• December 2023：
  PoC (1)Niigata Kotsu Bus (Niigata City)
• February 2024：
  PoC (2)：Kan-etsu Transportation Bus (Autonomous Operation Demonstration) (Shibukawa City)
• June 2024：
  Selected for “Niigata City Digital Innovation Promotion Subsidy Program for Japan Fiscal year 2024”
• December 2024：
  PoC (3)：Niigata Kotsu Bus (Niigata City)
• April 2025：
  PoC (4)：Kan-etsu Transportation Bus (Shibukawa City)
• May 2025：
  Selected for “Niigata City Digital Innovation Promotion Subsidy Program for Japan Fiscal year 2025”

　

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