By RFID MFG Editorial Team · Updated June 14, 2026
Public transport runs on speed at the gate. Contactless fare media — cards, tokens and paper tickets with an embedded chip — let passengers tap and go in well under a second, far faster than cash or magnetic tickets.
The same RFID technology RFID MFG supplies for transit also serves library management, animal identification and toll collection, making it a versatile backbone for smart-city services.
Choosing the right fare media matters. Reusable HF cards (typically the MIFARE family) hold a secure, re-loadable balance for regular commuters, while single-use paper tickets with an embedded chip suit tourists and events — cheap to issue and easy to recycle. For open-road tolling, UHF windshield tags read vehicles at speed from several metres. Because we produce cards, tokens, paper tickets and windshield tags in-house, a transit authority can source one supplier for the whole fare ecosystem and encode every credential to its own keys before delivery.
RFID frequencies for transit & access
| Band | Range | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| LF 125 kHz | A few cm | Simple access tokens |
| HF 13.56 MHz | Tap (up to ~10 cm) | Fare cards, ticketing |
| UHF 860–960 MHz | Up to several metres | Vehicle / toll tags |
Key takeaways
- Sub-second tap-to-pay keeps gates flowing
- Durable fare cards and disposable paper tickets
- One platform spans transit, tolls and access
- HF for fare media, UHF for vehicle tolling
Related products & guides
Frequently asked questions
What chip is used for transit fare cards?
HF 13.56 MHz cards (e.g. MIFARE family) are the transit standard, balancing fast tap performance with secure, re-loadable stored value.
Can you supply both reusable cards and paper tickets?
Yes. We produce durable PVC fare cards as well as single-use paper/RFID tickets and tokens for events and short trips.