U-Pass Manager

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Group 6 (Final Presentation).pdf (12.4 MB)
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Group6_U-pass-manager-demo.mp4 (11.98 MB)
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Final Capstone Presentation.MOV (1.07 GB)
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Abstract

The U-Pass Manager is a cloud-based web application designed to automate and streamline the distribution of university transit passes, replacing outdated, manual Excel-based workflows with a scalable, secure, and real-time platform. Developed as part of a Capstone Project, at Virginia Tech, the system features robust role-based access controls for administrators and distributors, integrated NFC scanning for quick card assignment, AWS-powered backend services for data processing and communication, and a detailed analytics dashboard to support informed decision-making. By eliminating inefficiencies, the application enhances the accuracy, transparency, and scalability of public transit access for students, while enabling seamless coordination with external organizations such as WMATA.

Description

Our project U-Pass Manager, directly aligns with Virginia Tech’s mission of using technology to enhance operational efficiency and student services. Public Good Applications: The U-Pass Manager transforms the way universities distribute public transportation passes by providing real-time allocation, reducing administrative errors, and ensuring data accuracy. The system allows administrators to upload student eligibility data securely, send tailored notifications via AWS SES, and access interactive analytics dashboards for tracking participation, disclaimer signing, and pass replacements. Role-Based Interfaces & Automation: The application features distinct, role-based interfaces for administrators and distributors, optimizing each workflow. Distributors can verify eligibility and use NFC-enabled devices to allocate passes, reducing manual entry and ensuring secure traceability. Administrators can manage distributor access, process student data files uploaded to AWS S3, and trigger backend AWS Lambda functions for automated data ingestion and communication. AWS-Powered Infrastructure: Leveraging AWS Lambda, S3, RDS, and SES ensures secure, scalable, and efficient data processing. The frontend is built using React and Next.js with customized routing and UI components, while backend operations support seamless data validation, record updates, and notification management. Security, Scalability, and Usability: The project adheres to core development principles such as security (verified user authentication, encrypted data flow), scalability (cloud-native architecture), and usability (intuitive dashboards, filters, and dynamic messaging). Our data export and visualization capabilities empower stakeholders like Sustainable Transport Team, Hokie One Stop and University Libraries with real-time access to compliance reports and program statistics. Through this project, we demonstrate the value of custom-built, cloud-integrated applications in addressing institutional needs while enabling better student services, streamlined operations, and public transit accessibility. The U-Pass Manager exemplifies how universities can modernize legacy processes with minimal overhead and maximum impact.

Keywords

NFC Card, AWS, Data Visualization, Cloud-based Web Application, U-Pass, Transit Management

Citation

Persistent link

https://hdl.handle.net/10919/132468

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CS5934: Capstone Project