HKUST’s shuttle bus service, a vital lifeline for staff and students traveling to and from campus, faced growing demands for efficiency and security. With a fleet serving multiple routes and a goal of sustainable commuting for over 90% of its community, verifying passenger eligibility manually was becoming impractical. To modernize this process, HKUST partnered with Beautitag Limited in 2025 to develop and install a shuttle bus identification system, ensuring seamless and secure access for its users.
Beautitag delivered an innovative solution, launched in 2025, that integrates advanced identity verification into HKUST’s shuttle buses. The system allows staff and students to authenticate their identity using either their HKUST Card (NFC) or the HKUST e-Identity mobile app—previously developed by Beautitag. Compact kiosks, roughly the size of an iPad mini, were installed across over 30 shuttle buses, while two mobile units were created for special events or overflow needs, offering flexibility and scalability to HKUST’s transportation network.
The implementation was a testament to Beautitag’s technical prowess. Collaborating with HKUST’s Campus Services Office (CSO), the team designed kiosks to withstand the rigors of daily bus travel, integrating NFC readers and e-Identity authentication seamlessly with existing systems. Rigorous testing ensured reliability across diverse routes, from regular campus loops to special staff services. The addition of mobile units addressed peak demand during events like Information Day, with deployment supported by clear user instructions for quick adoption.
The shuttle bus ID system has elevated HKUST’s transportation experience. Boarding times have been slashed thanks to fast, automated verification, enhancing efficiency for thousands of daily commuters. Security is tighter, ensuring only authorized users access the service, while the mobile units provide adaptability for special occasions. Beautitag’s solution has reinforced HKUST’s commitment to sustainable, tech-driven commuting, setting a new standard for campus mobility.