diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/auth-check/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/auth-check/page.tsx
index 0ef5c74ec..43775b1c7 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/auth-check/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/auth-check/page.tsx
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
 import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation';
 import { useAuthStore } from '@/lib/auth-store';
+import { useBookingStore } from '@/lib/booking-store';
 import { LogIn, UserPlus, ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
 
 function Tooltip({ children, content }: { children: React.ReactNode; content: string[] }) {
@@ -41,6 +42,23 @@ function Tooltip({ children, content }: { children: React.ReactNode; content: st
 export default function AuthCheckPage() {
   const router = useRouter();
   const { isAuthenticated, initialize } = useAuthStore();
+  const searchCriteria = useBookingStore((s) => s.searchCriteria);
+
+  const buildResultsUrl = () => {
+    if (!searchCriteria) return '/booking/results';
+    const params = new URLSearchParams({
+      tripType: searchCriteria.tripType,
+      origin: searchCriteria.originStationId,
+      destination: searchCriteria.destinationStationId,
+      date: searchCriteria.departureDate,
+      adults: searchCriteria.adultCount.toString(),
+      children: searchCriteria.childCount.toString(),
+      nationality: searchCriteria.nationality,
+    });
+    if (searchCriteria.returnDate) params.set('returnDate', searchCriteria.returnDate);
+    if (searchCriteria.promoCode) params.set('promoCode', searchCriteria.promoCode);
+    return `/booking/results?${params}`;
+  };
 
   useEffect(() => {
     initialize();
@@ -94,7 +112,7 @@ export default function AuthCheckPage() {
 
         <div className="mt-8 text-center">
           <button
-            onClick={() => router.push('/booking/results')}
+            onClick={() => router.push(buildResultsUrl())}
             className="inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-700 dark:hover:text-gray-200 transition-colors"
           >
             <ChevronLeft className="w-4 h-4" />
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/detail/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/detail/page.tsx
index 452484901..f01ab89c6 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/detail/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/detail/page.tsx
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import {
   Wallet
 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { format } from 'date-fns';
+import { formatTime, getTimePeriod } from '@/utils/format';
 import QRCode from 'qrcode.react';
 
 function BookingDetailContent() {
@@ -234,10 +235,10 @@ function BookingDetailContent() {
                       {/* Origin */}
                       <div className="pb-8">
                         <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                          {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.departureAt), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                          {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? formatTime(booking.schedule.departureAt) : '--:--'}
                         </div>
                         <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                          {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.departureAt), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                          {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? `${format(new Date(booking.schedule.departureAt), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(booking.schedule.departureAt)}` : 'N/A'}
                         </div>
                         <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                           {booking.schedule?.origin?.name}
@@ -267,10 +268,10 @@ function BookingDetailContent() {
                       {/* Destination */}
                       <div>
                         <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                          {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.arrivalAt), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                          {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? formatTime(booking.schedule.arrivalAt) : '--:--'}
                         </div>
                         <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                          {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.arrivalAt), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                          {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? `${format(new Date(booking.schedule.arrivalAt), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(booking.schedule.arrivalAt)}` : 'N/A'}
                         </div>
                         <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                           {booking.schedule?.destination?.name}
@@ -493,10 +494,10 @@ function BookingDetailContent() {
                   {/* Origin */}
                   <div className="pb-8">
                     <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                      {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.departureAt), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                      {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? formatTime(booking.schedule.departureAt) : '--:--'}
                     </div>
                     <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                      {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.departureAt), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                      {booking.schedule?.departureAt ? `${format(new Date(booking.schedule.departureAt), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(booking.schedule.departureAt)}` : 'N/A'}
                     </div>
                     <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                       {booking.schedule?.origin?.name}
@@ -526,10 +527,10 @@ function BookingDetailContent() {
                   {/* Destination */}
                   <div>
                     <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                      {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.arrivalAt), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                      {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? formatTime(booking.schedule.arrivalAt) : '--:--'}
                     </div>
                     <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                      {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? format(new Date(booking.schedule.arrivalAt), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                      {booking.schedule?.arrivalAt ? `${format(new Date(booking.schedule.arrivalAt), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(booking.schedule.arrivalAt)}` : 'N/A'}
                     </div>
                     <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                       {booking.schedule?.destination?.name}
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/passengers/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/passengers/page.tsx
index a15bba6cf..d5857ac98 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/passengers/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/passengers/page.tsx
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import { useBookingStore } from '@/lib/booking-store';
 import { useAuthStore } from '@/lib/auth-store';
 import { apiClient } from '@/lib/api-client';
 import { useState, useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
-import { CheckCircle, ExternalLink, Loader2, CalendarDays, X, Globe, ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
+import { CheckCircle, ExternalLink, Loader2, CalendarDays, X, Globe, ChevronLeft, AlertCircle } from 'lucide-react';
 import { gregorianToEthiopian, ethiopianToGregorian, ETHIOPIAN_MONTHS, getDaysInEthiopianMonth } from '@/lib/ethiopian-calendar';
 
 const GC_MONTHS = ['January','February','March','April','May','June','July','August','September','October','November','December'];
@@ -17,24 +17,73 @@ function daysInGCMonth(y: number, m: number) {
   return new Date(y, m, 0).getDate();
 }
 
+const ADULT_MIN_AGE = 6;   // adults must be older than 5 years
+const CHILD_MAX_AGE = 5;   // children must be 5 years old or younger
+const ADULT_MAX_AGE_SPAN = 110;
+const ADULT_DEFAULT_YEAR = 2000;
+
+// ─── fayda passenger tracking ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+// Fayda's OAuth redirect can land back on this route either inside the popup
+// window we opened, or — on browsers/mobile contexts that refuse to open a
+// popup — as a full-page navigation of this same tab. React state doesn't
+// survive that reload, so we track which passenger triggered the verification
+// in sessionStorage, which does survive same-tab navigation.
+const FAYDA_PENDING_INDEX_KEY = 'edr_fayda_pending_passenger_index';
+
+function getPendingFaydaIndex(): number | null {
+  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return null;
+  const raw = window.sessionStorage.getItem(FAYDA_PENDING_INDEX_KEY);
+  if (raw === null) return null;
+  const parsed = parseInt(raw, 10);
+  return Number.isNaN(parsed) ? null : parsed;
+}
+
+function setPendingFaydaIndex(index: number) {
+  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
+  window.sessionStorage.setItem(FAYDA_PENDING_INDEX_KEY, String(index));
+}
+
+function clearPendingFaydaIndex() {
+  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
+  window.sessionStorage.removeItem(FAYDA_PENDING_INDEX_KEY);
+}
+
+// Fayda may return gender as "MALE"/"M" etc — normalize to the form's expected values
+function normalizeFaydaGender(raw: unknown): 'Male' | 'Female' | '' {
+  const g = String(raw || '').trim().toUpperCase();
+  if (g === 'MALE' || g === 'M') return 'Male';
+  if (g === 'FEMALE' || g === 'F') return 'Female';
+  return '';
+}
+
 function DobPickerModal({
   value,
   onChange,
   error,
+  passengerType = 'ADULT',
 }: {
   value: string;
   onChange: (iso: string) => void;
   error?: string;
+  passengerType?: 'ADULT' | 'CHILD';
 }) {
   const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
   const [manualMode, setManualMode] = useState(false);
   const [calType, setCalType] = useState<'gregorian' | 'ethiopian'>('gregorian');
+  const isChild = passengerType === 'CHILD';
   const currentYear = new Date().getFullYear();
   const currentEthYear = gregorianToEthiopian(new Date()).year;
 
+  // Selectable year bounds, scoped to passenger type so the picker can't produce an invalid age
+  const minGCYear = isChild ? currentYear - CHILD_MAX_AGE : currentYear - ADULT_MAX_AGE_SPAN;
+  const maxGCYear = isChild ? currentYear : currentYear - ADULT_MIN_AGE;
+  const minEthYear = isChild ? currentEthYear - CHILD_MAX_AGE : currentEthYear - ADULT_MAX_AGE_SPAN;
+  const maxEthYear = isChild ? currentEthYear : currentEthYear - ADULT_MIN_AGE;
+
   // Parse stored ISO value (always Gregorian)
   const parsed = value ? value.split('-') : [];
-  const initGCYear  = parsed[0] ? parseInt(parsed[0]) : currentYear - 25;
+  const defaultGCYear = isChild ? maxGCYear : Math.min(Math.max(ADULT_DEFAULT_YEAR, minGCYear), maxGCYear);
+  const initGCYear  = parsed[0] ? parseInt(parsed[0]) : defaultGCYear;
   const initGCMonth = parsed[1] ? parseInt(parsed[1]) : 1;
   const initGCDay   = parsed[2] ? parseInt(parsed[2]) : 1;
 
@@ -44,7 +93,7 @@ function DobPickerModal({
   const [selGCDay,   setSelGCDay]   = useState(initGCDay);
 
   // Ethiopian drum state — initialise from parsed value if present
-  const initEth = value ? gregorianToEthiopian(new Date(initGCYear, initGCMonth - 1, initGCDay)) : { year: currentEthYear - 25, month: 1, day: 1 };
+  const initEth = value ? gregorianToEthiopian(new Date(initGCYear, initGCMonth - 1, initGCDay)) : { year: isChild ? maxEthYear : Math.min(Math.max(ADULT_DEFAULT_YEAR - 8, minEthYear), maxEthYear), month: 1, day: 1 };
   const [selEthYear,  setSelEthYear]  = useState(initEth.year);
   const [selEthMonth, setSelEthMonth] = useState(initEth.month);
   const [selEthDay,   setSelEthDay]   = useState(initEth.day);
@@ -60,8 +109,8 @@ function DobPickerModal({
   const gcSafeDay  = Math.min(selGCDay,  gcMaxDay);
   const ethSafeDay = Math.min(selEthDay, ethMaxDay);
 
-  const gcYears   = Array.from({ length: 100 }, (_, i) => currentYear - i);
-  const ethYears  = Array.from({ length: 100 }, (_, i) => currentEthYear - i);
+  const gcYears   = Array.from({ length: maxGCYear - minGCYear + 1 }, (_, i) => maxGCYear - i);
+  const ethYears  = Array.from({ length: maxEthYear - minEthYear + 1 }, (_, i) => maxEthYear - i);
   const gcMonths  = GC_MONTHS.map((m, i) => ({ label: m, value: i + 1 }));
   const ethMonths = ETHIOPIAN_MONTHS.map((m, i) => ({ label: m, value: i + 1 }));
   const gcDays    = Array.from({ length: gcMaxDay  }, (_, i) => i + 1);
@@ -115,11 +164,11 @@ function DobPickerModal({
 
   const gcDayHandler   = useRef(makeScrollHandler(dayRef,   setSelGCDay,   () => Array.from({ length: daysInGCMonth(selGCYear, selGCMonth) }, (_, i) => i + 1))).current;
   const gcMonthHandler = useRef(makeScrollHandler(monthRef, setSelGCMonth, () => GC_MONTHS.map((_, i) => i + 1))).current;
-  const gcYearHandler  = useRef(makeScrollHandler(yearRef,  setSelGCYear,  () => Array.from({ length: 100 }, (_, i) => new Date().getFullYear() - i))).current;
+  const gcYearHandler  = useRef(makeScrollHandler(yearRef,  setSelGCYear,  () => gcYears)).current;
 
   const ethDayHandler   = useRef(makeScrollHandler(dayRef,   setSelEthDay,   () => Array.from({ length: getDaysInEthiopianMonth(selEthYear, selEthMonth) }, (_, i) => i + 1))).current;
   const ethMonthHandler = useRef(makeScrollHandler(monthRef, setSelEthMonth, () => ETHIOPIAN_MONTHS.map((_, i) => i + 1))).current;
-  const ethYearHandler  = useRef(makeScrollHandler(yearRef,  setSelEthYear,  () => Array.from({ length: 100 }, (_, i) => gregorianToEthiopian(new Date()).year - i))).current;
+  const ethYearHandler  = useRef(makeScrollHandler(yearRef,  setSelEthYear,  () => ethYears)).current;
 
   const confirm = () => {
     let gregDate: Date;
@@ -137,16 +186,20 @@ function DobPickerModal({
 
   const confirmManual = () => {
     const d = parseInt(manDay), m = parseInt(manMonth), y = parseInt(manYear);
-    if (!d || !m || !y || m < 1 || m > 12 || d < 1 || d > daysInGCMonth(y, m) || y < currentYear - 110 || y > currentYear) return;
+    if (!d || !m || !y || m < 1 || m > 12 || d < 1 || d > daysInGCMonth(y, m) || y < minGCYear || y > maxGCYear) return;
     onChange(`${y}-${String(m).padStart(2,'0')}-${String(d).padStart(2,'0')}`);
     setOpen(false);
   };
 
   const manualValid = (() => {
     const d = parseInt(manDay), m = parseInt(manMonth), y = parseInt(manYear);
-    return d >= 1 && m >= 1 && m <= 12 && y >= currentYear - 110 && y <= currentYear && d <= daysInGCMonth(y, m);
+    return d >= 1 && m >= 1 && m <= 12 && y >= minGCYear && y <= maxGCYear && d <= daysInGCMonth(y, m);
   })();
 
+  const manualRangeMessage = isChild
+    ? `Child's date of birth must fall between ${minGCYear} and ${maxGCYear} (age 5 or younger)`
+    : `Adult's date of birth must fall between ${minGCYear} and ${maxGCYear} (age older than 5)`;
+
   // Display: always show Gregorian ISO as human-readable, with calendar label
   const displayValue = (() => {
     if (!value) return '';
@@ -276,11 +329,12 @@ function DobPickerModal({
                   </div>
                   <div>
                     <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase tracking-wide mb-1.5">Year</label>
-                    <input type="number" min={currentYear - 110} max={currentYear} value={manYear} onChange={(e) => setManYear(e.target.value)} placeholder="YYYY" className="input-field text-center text-lg font-semibold" />
+                    <input type="number" min={minGCYear} max={maxGCYear} value={manYear} onChange={(e) => setManYear(e.target.value)} placeholder="YYYY" className="input-field text-center text-lg font-semibold" />
                   </div>
                 </div>
+                <p className="text-xs text-gray-400">Valid years: {minGCYear} – {maxGCYear}</p>
                 {manDay && manMonth && manYear && !manualValid && (
-                  <p className="text-red-500 text-xs">Please enter a valid Gregorian date</p>
+                  <p className="text-red-500 text-xs">{manualRangeMessage}</p>
                 )}
               </div>
             ) : (
@@ -453,6 +507,21 @@ function PhoneInput({
   );
 }
 
+// ─── age calculation ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+function calculateAge(dateOfBirth: string): number | null {
+  if (!dateOfBirth) return null;
+  const dob = new Date(dateOfBirth);
+  if (isNaN(dob.getTime())) return null;
+  const today = new Date();
+  let age = today.getFullYear() - dob.getFullYear();
+  const monthDiff = today.getMonth() - dob.getMonth();
+  if (monthDiff < 0 || (monthDiff === 0 && today.getDate() < dob.getDate())) {
+    age--;
+  }
+  return age;
+}
+
 // ─── passenger zod schema ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 const passengerSchema = z.object({
@@ -460,8 +529,6 @@ const passengerSchema = z.object({
   dateOfBirth: z.string().min(1, 'Date of birth is required'),
   gender: z.string().min(1, 'Gender is required'),
   nationality: z.string().min(1, 'Nationality is required'),
-  phone: z.string(),
-  email: z.string().optional(),
   nationalId: z.string().optional(),
   passportNumber: z.string().optional(),
   passportCountry: z.string().optional(),
@@ -475,16 +542,6 @@ const passengerSchema = z.object({
   if (data.gender !== 'Male' && data.gender !== 'Female') {
     ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'Gender is required', path: ['gender'] });
   }
-  if (data.email && data.email.trim().length > 0) {
-    const emailRegex = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/;
-    if (!emailRegex.test(data.email)) {
-      ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'Invalid email format', path: ['email'] });
-    }
-  }
-  const phoneError = validatePhone(data.phone, data.nationality);
-  if (phoneError) {
-    ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: phoneError, path: ['phone'] });
-  }
   const isNonEthiopian = data.nationality !== 'ETHIOPIAN' && data.nationality !== 'Ethiopian';
   if (isNonEthiopian) {
     if (!data.passportNumber || data.passportNumber.trim().length === 0) {
@@ -496,12 +553,41 @@ const passengerSchema = z.object({
   }
 });
 
-const formSchema = z.object({
-  passengers: z.array(passengerSchema),
-  createAccount: z.boolean(),
-});
+function createFormSchema(adultCount: number) {
+  return z.object({
+    passengers: z.array(passengerSchema),
+    createAccount: z.boolean(),
+    contactPhone: z.string(),
+    contactEmail: z.string(),
+  }).superRefine((data, ctx) => {
+    if (!data.contactEmail || data.contactEmail.trim().length === 0) {
+      ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'Contact email is required', path: ['contactEmail'] });
+    } else {
+      const emailRegex = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/;
+      if (!emailRegex.test(data.contactEmail)) {
+        ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'Invalid email format', path: ['contactEmail'] });
+      }
+    }
+    const contactNationality = data.passengers[0]?.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN';
+    const phoneError = validatePhone(data.contactPhone, contactNationality);
+    if (phoneError) {
+      ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: phoneError, path: ['contactPhone'] });
+    }
 
-type FormData = z.infer<typeof formSchema>;
+    data.passengers.forEach((p, i) => {
+      const age = calculateAge(p.dateOfBirth);
+      if (age === null) return;
+      const isAdult = i < adultCount;
+      if (isAdult && age <= 5) {
+        ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'Adult passengers must be older than 5 years', path: ['passengers', i, 'dateOfBirth'] });
+      } else if (!isAdult && age > 5) {
+        ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'Child passengers must be 5 years old or younger', path: ['passengers', i, 'dateOfBirth'] });
+      }
+    });
+  });
+}
+
+type FormData = z.infer<ReturnType<typeof createFormSchema>>;
 
 export default function PassengersPage() {
   const router = useRouter();
@@ -509,17 +595,24 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
   const { user, isAuthenticated, updateUser } = useAuthStore();
   const isInitialized = useAuthStore((s) => s.isInitialized);
   const [faydaEnabled, setFaydaEnabled] = useState(true);
-  const [verificationStatus, setVerificationStatus] = useState<Record<number, 'success' | 'error'>>({});
+  const [verificationStatus, setVerificationStatus] = useState<Record<number, 'pending' | 'success' | 'error'>>({});
+  const [faydaErrors, setFaydaErrors] = useState<Record<number, string>>({});
+  // The passenger currently mid-verification (popup open / awaiting callback). Only one
+  // passenger can verify at a time so a stray callback can never be misapplied to the
+  // wrong passenger's form.
+  const [verifyingIndex, setVerifyingIndex] = useState<number | null>(null);
   const [saving, setSaving] = useState(false);
+  const [submitError, setSubmitError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [formInitialized, setFormInitialized] = useState(false);
   const [faydaParams, setFaydaParams] = useState<{ code: string; state: string } | null>(null);
   const [faydaCompleting, setFaydaCompleting] = useState(false);
 
 
   const totalPassengers = (searchCriteria?.adultCount || 1) + (searchCriteria?.childCount || 0);
+  const adultCount = searchCriteria?.adultCount || 1;
 
   const { register, control, handleSubmit, setValue, watch, formState: { errors } } = useForm<FormData>({
-    resolver: zodResolver(formSchema as any),
+    resolver: zodResolver(createFormSchema(adultCount) as any),
     mode: 'onChange',
     defaultValues: {
       passengers: Array.from({ length: totalPassengers }, (_, i) => {
@@ -530,8 +623,6 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
             dateOfBirth: stored.dateOfBirth || '',
             gender: (stored.gender as any) || undefined,
             nationality: stored.nationality || searchCriteria?.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN',
-            phone: stored.phone || '',
-            email: stored.email || '',
             nationalId: stored.nationalId || '',
             passportNumber: stored.passportNumber || '',
             passportCountry: stored.passportCountry || '',
@@ -547,8 +638,6 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
           dateOfBirth: '',
           gender: undefined,
           nationality: searchCriteria?.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN',
-          phone: '',
-          email: '',
           nationalId: '',
           passportNumber: '',
           passportCountry: '',
@@ -556,10 +645,12 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
           passportExpiryDate: '',
           passportIssuingAuthority: '',
           faydaVerified: false,
-          formExpanded: false,
+          formExpanded: i >= adultCount,
         };
       }),
       createAccount: false,
+      contactPhone: storedPassengers[0]?.phone || '',
+      contactEmail: storedPassengers[0]?.email || '',
     },
   });
 
@@ -584,15 +675,24 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
     const params = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);
     const code = params.get('code');
     const state = params.get('state');
-    if (code && state) setFaydaParams({ code, state });
+    if (code && state) {
+      setFaydaParams({ code, state });
+      const pendingIndex = getPendingFaydaIndex();
+      if (pendingIndex !== null) setVerifyingIndex(pendingIndex);
+    }
   }, []);
 
-  // Complete Fayda verification once the form is ready and callback params are present
+  // Complete Fayda verification once the form is ready and callback params are present.
+  // This effect runs whenever this route reloads with ?code&state — which happens either
+  // inside the verification popup, or, if the browser refused to open a popup, as a full
+  // navigation of this same tab. Either way, the index of the passenger who started the
+  // verification was stashed in sessionStorage before redirecting, so it survives the reload.
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!faydaParams || !formInitialized) return;
 
     const complete = async () => {
       setFaydaCompleting(true);
+      const targetIndex = getPendingFaydaIndex() ?? 0;
       try {
         const response: any = await apiClient.get(
           `/fayda/verification/complete?code=${encodeURIComponent(faydaParams.code)}&state=${encodeURIComponent(faydaParams.state)}`
@@ -600,25 +700,50 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
 
         if (response?.success && response?.data?.verified) {
           const d = response.data;
-          // Convert "1980/12/01" → "1980-12-01"
-          const dob = d.birthdate ? (d.birthdate as string).replace(/\//g, '-') : '';
+          const faydaSub: string | undefined = d.sub || d.faydaSub || d.fin;
 
-          setValue('passengers.0.name', d.fullName || '', { shouldValidate: true });
-          if (dob) setValue('passengers.0.dateOfBirth', dob, { shouldValidate: true });
-          if (d.email) setValue('passengers.0.email', d.email, { shouldValidate: true });
-          if (d.phoneNumber) setValue('passengers.0.phone', d.phoneNumber, { shouldValidate: true });
-          setValue('passengers.0.faydaVerified', true);
-          setValue('passengers.0.formExpanded', true);
-          setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, 0: 'success' }));
+          // A single Fayda identity can't be reused across two different passengers.
+          const usedByOther = faydaSub && passengers.some(
+            (p, i) => i !== targetIndex && (p as any).faydaSub === faydaSub,
+          );
 
-          // Remove code/state from the URL so a refresh doesn't re-trigger
-          router.replace('/booking/passengers');
+          if (usedByOther) {
+            setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'This Fayda identity is already linked to another passenger on this booking.' }));
+            setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'error' }));
+          } else {
+            // Convert "1980/12/01" → "1980-12-01"
+            const dob = d.birthdate ? (d.birthdate as string).replace(/\//g, '-') : '';
+
+            setValue(`passengers.${targetIndex}.name`, d.fullName || '', { shouldValidate: true });
+            if (dob) setValue(`passengers.${targetIndex}.dateOfBirth`, dob, { shouldValidate: true });
+            const normalizedGender = normalizeFaydaGender(d.gender);
+            if (normalizedGender) setValue(`passengers.${targetIndex}.gender`, normalizedGender, { shouldValidate: true });
+            if (faydaSub) setValue(`passengers.${targetIndex}.faydaSub`, faydaSub);
+            // Contact info is shared across all passengers — only fill it in if nobody has
+            // entered it yet, so verifying passenger 2 can't clobber passenger 1's contact.
+            if (d.email && !watch('contactEmail')) setValue('contactEmail', d.email, { shouldValidate: true });
+            if (d.phoneNumber && !watch('contactPhone')) setValue('contactPhone', d.phoneNumber, { shouldValidate: true });
+            setValue(`passengers.${targetIndex}.faydaVerified`, true);
+            setValue(`passengers.${targetIndex}.formExpanded`, true);
+            setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'success' }));
+            setFaydaErrors((prev) => { const next = { ...prev }; delete next[targetIndex]; return next; });
+          }
+        } else {
+          setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'error' }));
+          setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'Fayda verification could not be completed. Please try again or enter details manually.' }));
         }
+
+        // Remove code/state from the URL so a refresh doesn't re-trigger
+        router.replace('/booking/passengers');
       } catch (error) {
         console.error('Failed to complete Fayda verification:', error);
+        setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'error' }));
+        setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [targetIndex]: 'Fayda verification failed. Please try again or enter details manually.' }));
       } finally {
         setFaydaCompleting(false);
         setFaydaParams(null);
+        setVerifyingIndex(null);
+        clearPendingFaydaIndex();
       }
     };
 
@@ -656,8 +781,8 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
         setValue('passengers.0.dateOfBirth', passengerData?.dateOfBirth || user.dateOfBirth || '');
         if (passengerData?.gender || user.gender) setValue('passengers.0.gender', (passengerData?.gender || user.gender) as any);
         setValue('passengers.0.nationality', passengerData?.nationality || user.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN');
-        if (passengerData?.phone || user.phone) setValue('passengers.0.phone', passengerData?.phone || user.phone || '');
-        if (passengerData?.email || user.email) setValue('passengers.0.email', passengerData?.email || user.email || '');
+        if (passengerData?.phone || user.phone) setValue('contactPhone', passengerData?.phone || user.phone || '');
+        if (passengerData?.email || user.email) setValue('contactEmail', passengerData?.email || user.email || '');
         if (passengerData?.passportNumber) setValue('passengers.0.passportNumber', passengerData.passportNumber);
         if (passengerData?.passportCountry) setValue('passengers.0.passportCountry', passengerData.passportCountry);
         if (passengerData?.passportIssueDate) setValue('passengers.0.passportIssueDate', passengerData.passportIssueDate);
@@ -678,6 +803,16 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
 
   const openFaydaVerification = async (index: number) => {
     if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
+    // Only one passenger can verify at a time — this keeps the status poll below
+    // (which has no passenger identifier of its own) unambiguous about who it belongs to.
+    if (verifyingIndex !== null) return;
+
+    setVerifyingIndex(index);
+    setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'pending' }));
+    setFaydaErrors((prev) => { const next = { ...prev }; delete next[index]; return next; });
+    // Persist which passenger this is for so it survives a full-page redirect/reload
+    // if the browser can't open a popup (e.g. some mobile browsers).
+    setPendingFaydaIndex(index);
 
     try {
       const response: any = await apiClient.post('/fayda/verification/start', {
@@ -698,33 +833,67 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
         `width=${width},height=${height},left=${left},top=${top},scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes`
       );
 
+      if (!popup) {
+        setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'error' }));
+        setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'Unable to open the Fayda verification window. Please allow pop-ups and try again.' }));
+        setVerifyingIndex(null);
+        clearPendingFaydaIndex();
+        return;
+      }
+
       const checkPopup = setInterval(async () => {
-        if (popup?.closed) {
+        if (popup.closed) {
           clearInterval(checkPopup);
           try {
             const statusResponse: any = await apiClient.get('/fayda/verification/status');
             if (statusResponse.verified) {
-              setValue(`passengers.${index}.name`, statusResponse.fullName || '');
-              setValue(`passengers.${index}.faydaVerified`, true);
-              setValue(`passengers.${index}.formExpanded`, true);
-              setVerificationStatus({ ...verificationStatus, [index]: 'success' });
+              const faydaSub: string | undefined = statusResponse.sub || statusResponse.faydaSub || statusResponse.fin;
+              const usedByOther = faydaSub && passengers.some(
+                (p, i) => i !== index && (p as any).faydaSub === faydaSub,
+              );
 
-              if (index === 0 && isAuthenticated) {
-                updateUser({
-                  fullName: statusResponse.fullName,
-                  faydaVerified: true,
-                  faydaVerifiedAt: statusResponse.verifiedAt,
-                });
+              if (usedByOther) {
+                setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'error' }));
+                setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'This Fayda identity is already linked to another passenger on this booking.' }));
+              } else {
+                setValue(`passengers.${index}.name`, statusResponse.fullName || '', { shouldValidate: true });
+                if (statusResponse.dateOfBirth) setValue(`passengers.${index}.dateOfBirth`, statusResponse.dateOfBirth, { shouldValidate: true });
+                const normalizedGender = normalizeFaydaGender(statusResponse.gender);
+                if (normalizedGender) setValue(`passengers.${index}.gender`, normalizedGender, { shouldValidate: true });
+                if (faydaSub) setValue(`passengers.${index}.faydaSub`, faydaSub);
+                setValue(`passengers.${index}.faydaVerified`, true);
+                setValue(`passengers.${index}.formExpanded`, true);
+                setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'success' }));
+                setFaydaErrors((prev) => { const next = { ...prev }; delete next[index]; return next; });
+
+                if (index === 0 && isAuthenticated) {
+                  updateUser({
+                    fullName: statusResponse.fullName,
+                    faydaVerified: true,
+                    faydaVerifiedAt: statusResponse.verifiedAt,
+                  });
+                }
               }
+            } else {
+              setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'error' }));
+              setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'Fayda verification was not completed. Please try again or enter details manually.' }));
             }
           } catch (error) {
             console.error('Failed to get verification status:', error);
+            setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'error' }));
+            setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'Failed to confirm verification status. Please try again or enter details manually.' }));
+          } finally {
+            setVerifyingIndex(null);
+            clearPendingFaydaIndex();
           }
         }
       }, 1000);
     } catch (error) {
       console.error('Failed to start Fayda verification:', error);
-      alert('Failed to start verification. Please try again.');
+      setVerificationStatus((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'error' }));
+      setFaydaErrors((prev) => ({ ...prev, [index]: 'Failed to start verification. Please try again.' }));
+      setVerifyingIndex(null);
+      clearPendingFaydaIndex();
     }
   };
 
@@ -732,8 +901,15 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
     setValue(`passengers.${index}.formExpanded`, !passengers[index].formExpanded);
   };
 
+  const onInvalid = () => {
+    // Sections still behind the Fayda verify screen stay collapsed here — they only expand
+    // when the user explicitly clicks "Skip for now" / "Enter details manually".
+    setSubmitError('Please fix the highlighted errors before continuing.');
+  };
+
   const onSubmit = async (data: FormData) => {
     setSaving(true);
+    setSubmitError(null);
     try {
       let passengerId = '';
       
@@ -759,8 +935,8 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
         passportIssueDate: p.passportIssueDate,
         passportExpiryDate: p.passportExpiryDate,
         passportIssuingAuthority: p.passportIssuingAuthority,
-        phone: p.phone || '',
-        email: p.email || '',
+        phone: data.contactPhone,
+        email: data.contactEmail,
         isPrimaryPassenger: i === 0,
         passengerId: i === 0 && passengerId ? passengerId : undefined,
       }))
@@ -809,7 +985,9 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
           <div className="max-w-lg mx-auto text-center">
             <Loader2 className="w-8 h-8 animate-spin mx-auto text-blue-600" />
             <p className="text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mt-4">
-              {faydaCompleting ? 'Completing Fayda verification...' : 'Loading passenger details...'}
+              {faydaCompleting
+                ? `Completing Fayda verification for Passenger ${(verifyingIndex ?? 0) + 1}...`
+                : 'Loading passenger details...'}
             </p>
           </div>
         </div>
@@ -823,22 +1001,26 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
         <div className="max-w-6xl mx-auto">
           <h1 className="text-3xl font-bold mb-6 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">Passenger details</h1>
 
-          <form onSubmit={handleSubmit(onSubmit)} className="space-y-6">
+          <form onSubmit={handleSubmit(onSubmit, onInvalid)} className="space-y-6">
             {fields.map((field, index) => {
               const isEthiopian = passengers[index]?.nationality === 'ETHIOPIAN';
               const isFormExpanded = passengers[index]?.formExpanded;
               const status = verificationStatus[index];
               const isPrimaryPassenger = index === 0;
+              const isChildPassenger = index >= adultCount;
               const isLoggedInAndVerified = isPrimaryPassenger && isAuthenticated && user?.faydaVerified;
               const isLoggedInNotVerified = isPrimaryPassenger && isAuthenticated && !user?.faydaVerified;
-              const showVerifyButton = isEthiopian && faydaEnabled && !isFormExpanded && !isLoggedInAndVerified;
-              const showManualEntryLink = isEthiopian && !faydaEnabled && !isFormExpanded;
+              const showVerifyButton = isEthiopian && faydaEnabled && !isFormExpanded && !isLoggedInAndVerified && !isChildPassenger;
+              const showManualEntryLink = isEthiopian && !faydaEnabled && !isFormExpanded && !isChildPassenger;
+              const isVerifyingThis = verifyingIndex === index;
+              const isVerifyingOther = verifyingIndex !== null && verifyingIndex !== index;
+              const faydaError = faydaErrors[index];
 
               return (
                 <div key={field.id} className="card">
                   <h3 className="text-lg font-semibold mb-4 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
                     Passenger {index + 1} {index === 0 && '(Primary)'}
-                    {index < (searchCriteria.adultCount || 1) ? ' - Adult' : ' - Child'}
+                    {isChildPassenger ? ' - Child' : ' - Adult'}
                     <span className="ml-2 text-sm font-normal text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">
                       ({isEthiopian ? 'Ethiopian' : searchCriteria.nationality === 'DJIBOUTIAN' ? 'Djiboutian' : 'Other'})
                     </span>
@@ -853,18 +1035,40 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                           </p>
                         </div>
                       )}
+                      {faydaError && (
+                        <div className="mb-4 p-3 bg-red-50 dark:bg-red-900/30 border border-red-200 dark:border-red-800 rounded-lg flex items-center gap-2">
+                          <AlertCircle className="w-4 h-4 text-red-600 dark:text-red-400 flex-shrink-0" />
+                          <p className="text-sm text-red-700 dark:text-red-300">{faydaError}</p>
+                        </div>
+                      )}
                       <button
                         type="button"
                         onClick={() => openFaydaVerification(index)}
-                        className="btn-primary flex items-center justify-center gap-2 mx-auto"
+                        disabled={isVerifyingThis || isVerifyingOther}
+                        className="btn-primary flex items-center justify-center gap-2 mx-auto disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed"
                       >
-                        <ExternalLink className="w-5 h-5" />
-                        {isLoggedInNotVerified ? 'Verify with Fayda' : 'Verify with Fayda'}
+                        {isVerifyingThis ? (
+                          <>
+                            <Loader2 className="w-5 h-5 animate-spin" />
+                            Waiting for verification...
+                          </>
+                        ) : (
+                          <>
+                            <ExternalLink className="w-5 h-5" />
+                            Verify with Fayda
+                          </>
+                        )}
                       </button>
+                      {isVerifyingOther && (
+                        <p className="text-xs text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500 mt-2">
+                          Finish verifying Passenger {(verifyingIndex ?? 0) + 1} first
+                        </p>
+                      )}
                       <button
                         type="button"
                         onClick={() => toggleForm(index)}
-                        className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 hover:underline mt-3 block mx-auto"
+                        disabled={isVerifyingThis}
+                        className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 hover:underline mt-3 block mx-auto disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed"
                       >
                         Skip for now
                       </button>
@@ -889,10 +1093,16 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                           {status === 'success' && (
                             <div className="p-3 bg-green-50 dark:bg-green-900/30 border border-green-200 dark:border-green-800 rounded-lg mb-4">
                               <p className="text-green-700 dark:text-green-300 text-sm flex items-center gap-2">
-                                <CheckCircle className="w-4 h-4" /> Verified with Fayda
+                                <CheckCircle className="w-4 h-4" /> Verified with Fayda — details auto-filled below
                               </p>
                             </div>
                           )}
+                          {status === 'error' && faydaError && (
+                            <div className="p-3 bg-red-50 dark:bg-red-900/30 border border-red-200 dark:border-red-800 rounded-lg mb-4 flex items-center gap-2">
+                              <AlertCircle className="w-4 h-4 text-red-600 dark:text-red-400 flex-shrink-0" />
+                              <p className="text-red-700 dark:text-red-300 text-sm">{faydaError}</p>
+                            </div>
+                          )}
 
                           <div className="grid md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
                             {/* Full Name */}
@@ -915,6 +1125,7 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                                 value={passengers[index]?.dateOfBirth || ''}
                                 onChange={(iso) => setValue(`passengers.${index}.dateOfBirth`, iso, { shouldValidate: true })}
                                 error={errors.passengers?.[index]?.dateOfBirth?.message}
+                                passengerType={isChildPassenger ? 'CHILD' : 'ADULT'}
                               />
                             </div>
 
@@ -944,32 +1155,6 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                                 disabled
                               />
                             </div>
-
-                            {/* Phone */}
-                            <div>
-                              <label className="block text-sm font-medium mb-1 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">Phone Number *</label>
-                              <PhoneInput
-                                nationality={passengers[index]?.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN'}
-                                storedValue={passengers[index]?.phone || ''}
-                                onInterimChange={(v) => setValue(`passengers.${index}.phone`, v)}
-                                onNormalized={(v) => setValue(`passengers.${index}.phone`, v, { shouldValidate: true })}
-                                error={errors.passengers?.[index]?.phone?.message}
-                              />
-                            </div>
-
-                            {/* Email */}
-                            <div>
-                              <label className="block text-sm font-medium mb-1 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">Email</label>
-                              <input
-                                type="email"
-                                {...register(`passengers.${index}.email`)}
-                                className={`input-field ${errors.passengers?.[index]?.email ? 'border-red-500' : ''}`}
-                                placeholder="email@example.com"
-                              />
-                              {errors.passengers?.[index]?.email && (
-                                <p className="text-red-500 text-xs mt-1">{errors.passengers[index]?.email?.message}</p>
-                              )}
-                            </div>
                           </div>
                         </>
                       ) : (
@@ -995,6 +1180,7 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                                 value={passengers[index]?.dateOfBirth || ''}
                                 onChange={(iso) => setValue(`passengers.${index}.dateOfBirth`, iso, { shouldValidate: true })}
                                 error={errors.passengers?.[index]?.dateOfBirth?.message}
+                                passengerType={isChildPassenger ? 'CHILD' : 'ADULT'}
                               />
                             </div>
 
@@ -1024,32 +1210,6 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                                 disabled
                               />
                             </div>
-
-                            {/* Phone */}
-                            <div>
-                              <label className="block text-sm font-medium mb-1 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">Phone Number *</label>
-                              <PhoneInput
-                                nationality={passengers[index]?.nationality || 'OTHER'}
-                                storedValue={passengers[index]?.phone || ''}
-                                onInterimChange={(v) => setValue(`passengers.${index}.phone`, v)}
-                                onNormalized={(v) => setValue(`passengers.${index}.phone`, v, { shouldValidate: true })}
-                                error={errors.passengers?.[index]?.phone?.message}
-                              />
-                            </div>
-
-                            {/* Email */}
-                            <div>
-                              <label className="block text-sm font-medium mb-1 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">Email</label>
-                              <input
-                                type="email"
-                                {...register(`passengers.${index}.email`)}
-                                className={`input-field ${errors.passengers?.[index]?.email ? 'border-red-500' : ''}`}
-                                placeholder="email@example.com"
-                              />
-                              {errors.passengers?.[index]?.email && (
-                                <p className="text-red-500 text-xs mt-1">{errors.passengers[index]?.email?.message}</p>
-                              )}
-                            </div>
                           </div>
 
                           {/* Passport fields */}
@@ -1106,7 +1266,41 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                 </div>
               );
             })}
-            
+
+            <div className="card">
+              <h3 className="text-lg font-semibold mb-1 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">Contact Information</h3>
+              <p className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mb-4">
+                This phone number and email will be used for booking and ticketing communication for all passengers.
+              </p>
+              <div className="grid md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                {/* Contact Phone */}
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-sm font-medium mb-1 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">Phone Number *</label>
+                  <PhoneInput
+                    nationality={passengers[0]?.nationality || searchCriteria?.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN'}
+                    storedValue={watch('contactPhone') || ''}
+                    onInterimChange={(v) => setValue('contactPhone', v)}
+                    onNormalized={(v) => setValue('contactPhone', v, { shouldValidate: true })}
+                    error={errors.contactPhone?.message}
+                  />
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Contact Email */}
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-sm font-medium mb-1 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">Email *</label>
+                  <input
+                    type="email"
+                    {...register('contactEmail')}
+                    className={`input-field ${errors.contactEmail ? 'border-red-500' : ''}`}
+                    placeholder="email@example.com"
+                  />
+                  {errors.contactEmail && (
+                    <p className="text-red-500 text-xs mt-1">{errors.contactEmail.message}</p>
+                  )}
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+
             {!isAuthenticated && (
               <div className="card">
                 <label className="flex items-center gap-2 cursor-pointer">
@@ -1116,6 +1310,13 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
               </div>
             )}
 
+            {submitError && (
+              <div className="p-3 bg-red-50 dark:bg-red-900/30 border border-red-200 dark:border-red-800 rounded-lg flex items-center gap-2">
+                <AlertCircle className="w-4 h-4 text-red-600 dark:text-red-400 flex-shrink-0" />
+                <p className="text-sm text-red-700 dark:text-red-300">{submitError}</p>
+              </div>
+            )}
+
             <div className="flex gap-4">
               <button type="button" onClick={() => {
                 const params = new URLSearchParams({
@@ -1132,8 +1333,10 @@ export default function PassengersPage() {
                 <ChevronLeft className="w-4 h-4" />
                 Back
               </button>
-              <button type="submit" className="btn-primary flex-1" disabled={saving}>
-                {saving ? 'Saving...' : 'Continue to seat selection'}
+              <button type="submit" className="btn-primary flex-1 flex items-center justify-center gap-2" disabled={saving}>
+                {saving
+                  ? <Loader2 className="w-4 h-4 animate-spin" />
+                  : 'Continue to seat selection'}
               </button>
             </div>
           </form>
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/page.tsx
index 989516839..730d2ad92 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/page.tsx
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ import { apiClient } from "@/lib/api-client";
 import { useState, useEffect } from "react";
 import { PaymentMethod } from "@/types";
 import { format } from "date-fns";
+import { formatTime, getTimePeriod } from '@/utils/format';
+import { calculatePassengerFare, isChild, isFirstChild, formatFare } from '@/utils/fare-utils';
 import {
   CreditCard,
   Smartphone,
@@ -65,21 +67,21 @@ export default function PaymentPage() {
     enabled: !!selectedMethod && !!bookingId,
   });
 
-  // Fallback: estimate from local store while API hasn't responded yet
-  const outboundBaseFare = isRoundTrip && outboundSchedule ? passengers.reduce(
-    (sum) => sum + (outboundSchedule.baseFareAdult || 0),
-    0,
-  ) : 0;
+  // Fallback: estimate from local store while API hasn't responded yet.
+  // Uses the same first-child-free calculation as the review page so the
+  // breakdown shown here matches what the passenger already saw there.
+  const outboundBaseFare = isRoundTrip && outboundSchedule ? passengers.reduce((sum, _, i) => {
+    return sum + calculatePassengerFare(passengers, i, outboundSchedule.baseFareAdult || 0);
+  }, 0) : 0;
 
-  const inboundBaseFare = isRoundTrip && inboundSchedule ? passengers.reduce(
-    (sum) => sum + (inboundSchedule.baseFareAdult || 0),
-    0,
-  ) : 0;
+  const inboundBaseFare = isRoundTrip && inboundSchedule ? passengers.reduce((sum, _, i) => {
+    return sum + calculatePassengerFare(passengers, i, inboundSchedule.baseFareAdult || 0);
+  }, 0) : 0;
 
-  const baseFare = isRoundTrip ? (outboundBaseFare + inboundBaseFare) : passengers.reduce(
-    (sum) => sum + (selectedSchedule?.baseFareAdult || 0),
-    0,
-  );
+  const baseFare = isRoundTrip ? (outboundBaseFare + inboundBaseFare) : passengers.reduce((sum, _, i) => {
+    const farePerPassenger = selectedSchedule?.baseFareAdult || (selectedSchedule as any)?.fareAdult || (selectedSchedule as any)?.price || 0;
+    return sum + calculatePassengerFare(passengers, i, farePerPassenger);
+  }, 0);
 
   // API returns amount in major units (e.g. 11602.5 DJF); convert to minor for display consistency
   const totalAmount = bookingAmountData != null
@@ -203,10 +205,12 @@ export default function PaymentPage() {
           <div className="flex-1 flex flex-col pl-2">
             <div className="pb-5">
               <div className="text-lg font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                {schedule?.departureTime ? format(new Date(schedule.departureTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                {schedule?.departureTime ? formatTime(schedule.departureTime) : '--:--'}
               </div>
               <div className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
-                {schedule?.departureTime ? format(new Date(schedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : ''}
+                {schedule?.departureTime
+                  ? `${format(new Date(schedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(schedule.departureTime)}`
+                  : ''}
               </div>
               <div className="text-sm font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-1">{schedule?.origin}</div>
             </div>
@@ -216,10 +220,12 @@ export default function PaymentPage() {
             </div>
             <div>
               <div className="text-lg font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                {schedule?.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(schedule.arrivalTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                {schedule?.arrivalTime ? formatTime(schedule.arrivalTime) : '--:--'}
               </div>
               <div className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
-                {schedule?.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(schedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : ''}
+                {schedule?.arrivalTime
+                  ? `${format(new Date(schedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(schedule.arrivalTime)}`
+                  : ''}
               </div>
               <div className="text-sm font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-1">{schedule?.destination}</div>
             </div>
@@ -240,7 +246,9 @@ export default function PaymentPage() {
     <div className="card space-y-4">
       <h2 className="text-base font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100 pb-2 border-b border-gray-100 dark:border-gray-800">
         Order summary
-        <span className="ml-2 text-xs font-normal text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">Ref: {pnr}</span>
+        <span className="ml-2 text-xs font-normal text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+          Ref: <span className="font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">{pnr}</span>
+        </span>
       </h2>
 
       {isRoundTrip ? (
@@ -254,14 +262,58 @@ export default function PaymentPage() {
         <JourneyLeg schedule={selectedSchedule} label="Your journey" />
       )}
 
-      <div className="pt-2 border-t-2 border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 space-y-1.5">
-        <div className="flex justify-between text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">
-          <span>Passengers</span>
-          <span className="font-medium text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
-            {passengers.length} passenger{passengers.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
-          </span>
-        </div>
-        <div className="flex justify-between items-center pt-1">
+      {/* Fare breakdown — same first-child-free logic as the review page */}
+      <div className="pt-2 border-t-2 border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 space-y-2">
+        <h3 className="text-sm font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">Fare breakdown</h3>
+        {passengers.map((p, i) => {
+          const outFare = outboundSchedule?.baseFareAdult || 0;
+          const inFare = inboundSchedule?.baseFareAdult || 0;
+          const onewayFare = selectedSchedule?.baseFareAdult || 0;
+
+          const outboundFare = calculatePassengerFare(passengers, i, outFare);
+          const inboundFare = calculatePassengerFare(passengers, i, inFare);
+          const oneWayFare = calculatePassengerFare(passengers, i, onewayFare);
+
+          const passengerTotal = isRoundTrip ? outboundFare + inboundFare : oneWayFare;
+          const isChildPassenger = isChild(p);
+          const isFreeChild = isChildPassenger && isFirstChild(passengers, i);
+
+          return (
+            <div key={i} className="border-b border-gray-100 dark:border-gray-800 pb-2 last:border-0">
+              <div className="flex justify-between mb-0.5">
+                <span className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100 truncate max-w-[60%]">
+                  {p.name || `Passenger ${i + 1}`}
+                  {isChildPassenger && (
+                    <span className={`text-xs font-semibold ml-1 ${
+                      isFreeChild ? 'text-green-600' : 'text-blue-600'
+                    }`}>
+                      ({isFreeChild ? 'CHILD - FREE' : 'CHILD'})
+                    </span>
+                  )}
+                </span>
+                <span className="text-sm font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
+                  {formatFare(passengerTotal, displayCurrency)}
+                </span>
+              </div>
+              {isRoundTrip && (
+                <div className="pl-3 space-y-0.5 text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+                  <div className="flex justify-between">
+                    <span>Outbound {isFreeChild ? '(Free)' : ''}</span>
+                    <span>{formatFare(outboundFare, displayCurrency)}</span>
+                  </div>
+                  <div className="flex justify-between">
+                    <span>Return {isFreeChild ? '(Free)' : ''}</span>
+                    <span>{formatFare(inboundFare, displayCurrency)}</span>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          );
+        })}
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="pt-2 border-t-2 border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700">
+        <div className="flex justify-between items-center">
           <span className="font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">Total</span>
           <span className="text-xl font-bold text-primary flex items-center gap-1.5">
             {loadingAmount && (
@@ -311,6 +363,22 @@ export default function PaymentPage() {
         <div className="max-w-6xl mx-auto">
           <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">Complete payment</h1>
 
+          {/* Reservation confirmation banner */}
+          <div className="card bg-green-50 dark:bg-green-900/20 border border-green-200 dark:border-green-800 mb-4 flex items-start gap-3">
+            <CheckCircle className="w-6 h-6 text-green-600 dark:text-green-400 flex-shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
+            <div>
+              <p className="text-sm font-semibold text-green-800 dark:text-green-300">
+                Your booking is successfully reserved
+              </p>
+              <p className="text-sm text-green-700 dark:text-green-400 mt-0.5">
+                Booking Reference: <span className="font-bold">{pnr}</span>
+              </p>
+              <p className="text-xs text-green-700/80 dark:text-green-400/80 mt-1">
+                Please complete the payment below to confirm your booking. Your seats are held temporarily until payment is completed.
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
           {/* Payment Processing Overlay */}
           {isProcessing && (
             <div className="fixed inset-0 bg-black/60 flex items-center justify-center z-50">
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/telebirr/failure/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/telebirr/failure/page.tsx
index 04c2d8251..773afc79f 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/telebirr/failure/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/telebirr/failure/page.tsx
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import { useSearchParams, useRouter } from 'next/navigation';
 import { usePaymentStore } from '@/lib/payment-store';
 import { useEffect, Suspense } from 'react';
-import { XCircle, Loader2, RefreshCw, ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
+import { XCircle, Loader2, ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
 
 function TelebirrFailureContent() {
   const router = useRouter();
@@ -30,11 +30,6 @@ function TelebirrFailureContent() {
         {merchantOrderId && <p className="text-xs text-gray-400 mb-1">Order ID: {merchantOrderId}</p>}
         {trxRef && <p className="text-xs text-gray-400 mb-4">Ref: {trxRef}</p>}
         <div className="flex flex-col gap-3 mt-4">
-          <button onClick={() => router.push('/booking/payment')}
-            className="btn-primary w-full flex items-center justify-center gap-2">
-            <RefreshCw className="w-4 h-4" />
-            Try Again
-          </button>
           <button onClick={() => router.push('/booking/review')}
             className="btn-secondary w-full flex items-center justify-center gap-2">
             <ChevronLeft className="w-4 h-4" />
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/waafi/failure/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/waafi/failure/page.tsx
index 1e49d5889..6a32c388b 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/waafi/failure/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/payment/waafi/failure/page.tsx
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import { useSearchParams, useRouter } from 'next/navigation';
 import { usePaymentStore } from '@/lib/payment-store';
 import { useEffect, Suspense } from 'react';
-import { XCircle, Loader2, RefreshCw, ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
+import { XCircle, Loader2, ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
 
 function WaafiFailureContent() {
   const router = useRouter();
@@ -33,11 +33,6 @@ function WaafiFailureContent() {
           <p className="text-xs text-gray-400 mb-4">Ref: {referenceId || transactionId}</p>
         )}
         <div className="flex flex-col gap-3 mt-4">
-          <button onClick={() => router.push('/booking/payment')}
-            className="btn-primary w-full flex items-center justify-center gap-2">
-            <RefreshCw className="w-4 h-4" />
-            Try Again
-          </button>
           <button onClick={() => router.push('/booking/review')}
             className="btn-secondary w-full flex items-center justify-center gap-2">
             <ChevronLeft className="w-4 h-4" />
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/results/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/results/page.tsx
index 2f053d98c..810e0689a 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/results/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/results/page.tsx
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import { useBookingStore } from '@/lib/booking-store';
 import { Schedule } from '@/types';
 import { ArrowRight, Clock, Calendar, Users, ChevronLeft, Check, X, MapPin, Gift, Train, Bed, Armchair, Star } from 'lucide-react';
 import { format } from 'date-fns';
+import { formatTime, getTimePeriod } from '@/utils/format';
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 
 export default function ResultsPage() {
@@ -19,6 +20,10 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
   );
   const [classModal, setClassModal] = useState<Schedule | null>(null);
   const [promoData, setPromoData] = useState<{ code: string; discount: string; message: string } | null>(null);
+  const [roundTripStep, setRoundTripStep] = useState<'outbound' | 'inbound'>(() => {
+    const { outboundSchedule, searchCriteria: sc } = useBookingStore.getState();
+    return outboundSchedule && sc?.tripType === 'ROUND_TRIP' ? 'inbound' : 'outbound';
+  });
 
   const searchCriteria = useBookingStore((s) => s.searchCriteria);
   const setSearchCriteria = useBookingStore((s) => s.setSearchCriteria);
@@ -28,7 +33,7 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
     destinationStationId: searchParams.get('destination') || searchCriteria?.destinationStationId || '',
     date: searchParams.get('date') || searchCriteria?.departureDate || '',
     returnDate: searchParams.get('returnDate') || searchCriteria?.returnDate,
-    journeyType: searchParams.get('tripType') === 'ROUND_TRIP' ? 'ROUND_TRIP' : 'ONE_WAY',
+    journeyType: (searchParams.get('tripType') ?? searchCriteria?.tripType ?? 'ONE_WAY') === 'ROUND_TRIP' ? 'ROUND_TRIP' : 'ONE_WAY',
     adultCount: parseInt(searchParams.get('adults') || '') || searchCriteria?.adultCount || 1,
     childCount: parseInt(searchParams.get('children') || '') || searchCriteria?.childCount || 0,
     nationality: searchParams.get('nationality') || searchCriteria?.nationality || 'ETHIOPIAN',
@@ -111,6 +116,8 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
       return response;
     },
     enabled: !!searchData.originStationId && !!searchData.destinationStationId,
+    staleTime: 0,
+    gcTime: 0,
   });
 
   const isRoundTrip = searchData.journeyType === 'ROUND_TRIP';
@@ -188,18 +195,13 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
       seatClassName: (selectedCoachType as any).seatClassName || selectedCoachType.name,
     };
 
-    // For round trip, store outbound and wait for inbound selection
+    // For round trip, store outbound and advance to inbound step
     if (isRoundTrip && isOutbound) {
       setOutboundScheduleData(scheduleData);
       setOutboundSchedule(scheduleData);
       setClassModal(null);
-      // Scroll to inbound section
-      setTimeout(() => {
-        const inboundSection = document.getElementById('inbound-section');
-        if (inboundSection) {
-          inboundSection.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'start' });
-        }
-      }, 100);
+      setRoundTripStep('inbound');
+      window.scrollTo({ top: 0, behavior: 'smooth' });
       return;
     }
 
@@ -256,10 +258,10 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
             <div className="flex items-center gap-4">
               <div className="text-center">
                 <div className="text-3xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
-                  {schedule.departureAt ? format(new Date(schedule.departureAt), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                  {schedule.departureAt ? formatTime(schedule.departureAt) : '--:--'}
                 </div>
                 <div className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                  {schedule.departureAt ? format(new Date(schedule.departureAt), 'MMM d') : ''}
+                  {schedule.departureAt ? `${format(new Date(schedule.departureAt), 'MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(schedule.departureAt)}` : ''}
                 </div>
                 <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">{schedule.origin?.name || 'Origin'}</div>
               </div>
@@ -283,10 +285,10 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
 
               <div className="text-center">
                 <div className="text-3xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
-                  {schedule.arrivalAt ? format(new Date(schedule.arrivalAt), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                  {schedule.arrivalAt ? formatTime(schedule.arrivalAt) : '--:--'}
                 </div>
                 <div className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5 flex items-center justify-center gap-1">
-                  <span>{schedule.arrivalAt ? format(new Date(schedule.arrivalAt), 'MMM d') : ''}</span>
+                  <span>{schedule.arrivalAt ? `${format(new Date(schedule.arrivalAt), 'MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(schedule.arrivalAt)}` : ''}</span>
                   {isNextDay && <span className="text-orange-500 font-medium">(+1)</span>}
                 </div>
                 <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">{schedule.destination?.name || 'Destination'}</div>
@@ -699,6 +701,33 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
               Modify search
             </button>
             <h1 className="section-title">Available schedules</h1>
+            {isRoundTrip && (
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-3 mt-4">
+                <div className={`flex items-center gap-2 px-4 py-2 rounded-full text-sm font-semibold transition-all ${
+                  roundTripStep === 'inbound'
+                    ? 'bg-green-100 dark:bg-green-900/30 text-green-700 dark:text-green-300'
+                    : 'bg-primary text-white shadow-md shadow-primary/30'
+                }`}>
+                  {roundTripStep === 'inbound'
+                    ? <Check className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                    : <span className="text-xs leading-none">1</span>}
+                  <span>Outbound</span>
+                </div>
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
+                  <div className="w-4 h-0.5 bg-gray-300 dark:bg-gray-600" />
+                  <ArrowRight className="w-3 h-3 text-gray-400" />
+                  <div className="w-4 h-0.5 bg-gray-300 dark:bg-gray-600" />
+                </div>
+                <div className={`flex items-center gap-2 px-4 py-2 rounded-full text-sm font-semibold transition-all ${
+                  roundTripStep === 'inbound'
+                    ? 'bg-primary text-white shadow-md shadow-primary/30'
+                    : 'bg-gray-100 dark:bg-gray-800 text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500'
+                }`}>
+                  <span className="text-xs leading-none">2</span>
+                  <span>Return</span>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
             <div className="hidden sm:flex flex-wrap items-center gap-4 text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mt-3">
               <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
                 <Calendar className="w-4 h-4" />
@@ -718,39 +747,74 @@ export default function ResultsPage() {
           </div>
 
           <div className="space-y-8">
-            {outboundSchedules.length > 0 && (
-              <div>
-                {isRoundTrip && (
+            {isRoundTrip ? (
+              roundTripStep === 'outbound' ? (
+                <div>
                   <div className="mb-4">
                     <h2 className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white flex items-center gap-2">
                       <ArrowRight className="w-5 h-5 text-primary" />
-                      Outbound Journey
+                      Select Outbound Journey
                     </h2>
                     <p className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">
                       {searchData.date ? format(new Date(searchData.date), 'EEEE, MMMM d, yyyy') : ''}
                     </p>
                   </div>
-                )}
-                <div className="space-y-4">
-                  {outboundSchedules.map((schedule: Schedule) => renderScheduleCard(schedule, true))}
+                  <div className="space-y-4">
+                    {outboundSchedules.map((schedule: Schedule) => renderScheduleCard(schedule, true))}
+                  </div>
                 </div>
-              </div>
-            )}
-
-            {isRoundTrip && inboundSchedules.length > 0 && outboundScheduleData && (
-              <div id="inbound-section">
-                <div className="mb-4">
-                  <h2 className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white flex items-center gap-2">
-                    <ArrowRight className="w-5 h-5 text-primary rotate-180" />
-                    Return Journey
-                  </h2>
-                  <p className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">
-                    {searchData.returnDate ? format(new Date(searchData.returnDate), 'EEEE, MMMM d, yyyy') : ''}
-                  </p>
-                </div>
-                <div className="space-y-4">
-                  {inboundSchedules.map((schedule: Schedule) => renderScheduleCard(schedule))}
+              ) : (
+                <div>
+                  {outboundScheduleData && (
+                    <div className="mb-6 bg-green-50 dark:bg-green-900/20 border border-green-200 dark:border-green-800 rounded-xl p-4 flex items-center justify-between">
+                      <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+                        <div className="w-8 h-8 bg-green-100 dark:bg-green-900/40 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center flex-shrink-0">
+                          <Check className="w-4 h-4 text-green-600 dark:text-green-400" />
+                        </div>
+                        <div>
+                          <p className="text-sm font-semibold text-green-900 dark:text-green-200">Outbound journey selected</p>
+                          <p className="text-xs text-green-700 dark:text-green-400 mt-0.5">
+                            {outboundScheduleData.origin} → {outboundScheduleData.destination}
+                            {outboundScheduleData.selectedSeatClassName ? ` · ${outboundScheduleData.selectedSeatClassName}` : ''}
+                          </p>
+                        </div>
+                      </div>
+                      <button
+                        onClick={() => {
+                          setRoundTripStep('outbound');
+                          const prevId = outboundScheduleData?.id;
+                          setOutboundScheduleData(null);
+                          if (prevId) {
+                            setSelectedCoachTypes(prev => {
+                              const next = { ...prev };
+                              delete next[prevId];
+                              return next;
+                            });
+                          }
+                        }}
+                        className="text-xs font-semibold text-primary hover:underline flex-shrink-0 ml-4"
+                      >
+                        Change
+                      </button>
+                    </div>
+                  )}
+                  <div className="mb-4">
+                    <h2 className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white flex items-center gap-2">
+                      <ArrowRight className="w-5 h-5 text-primary rotate-180" />
+                      Select Return Journey
+                    </h2>
+                    <p className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">
+                      {searchData.returnDate ? format(new Date(searchData.returnDate), 'EEEE, MMMM d, yyyy') : ''}
+                    </p>
+                  </div>
+                  <div className="space-y-4" id="inbound-section">
+                    {inboundSchedules.map((schedule: Schedule) => renderScheduleCard(schedule, false))}
+                  </div>
                 </div>
+              )
+            ) : (
+              <div className="space-y-4">
+                {outboundSchedules.map((schedule: Schedule) => renderScheduleCard(schedule, true))}
               </div>
             )}
           </div>
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/review/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/review/page.tsx
index 67422ad69..3e7abd2d3 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/review/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/review/page.tsx
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import { useAuthStore } from '@/lib/auth-store';
 import { useMutation } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import { apiClient } from '@/lib/api-client';
 import { format } from 'date-fns';
+import { formatTime, getTimePeriod } from '@/utils/format';
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { ChevronLeft } from 'lucide-react';
 import { calculatePassengerFare, isChild, isFirstChild, formatFare } from '@/utils/fare-utils';
@@ -93,6 +94,14 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
     return suffix ? `${base}${suffix}` : base;
   };
 
+  // The seat class/category is chosen once per leg (coach type selected on /booking/seats),
+  // so every seat on that leg shares it — no need to look it up per-seat.
+  const formatSeatClass = (schedule: any): string => {
+    const raw = schedule?.selectedSeatClassName || schedule?.seatClassName || schedule?.selectedSeatClass;
+    if (!raw) return 'Standard';
+    return String(raw).replace(/_/g, ' ');
+  };
+
   useEffect(() => {
     const fetchSeatDetails = async () => {
       try {
@@ -525,10 +534,12 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                     {/* Origin */}
                     <div className="pb-8">
                       <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                        {outboundSchedule.departureTime ? format(new Date(outboundSchedule.departureTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                        {outboundSchedule.departureTime ? formatTime(outboundSchedule.departureTime) : '--:--'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                        {outboundSchedule.departureTime ? format(new Date(outboundSchedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                        {outboundSchedule.departureTime
+                          ? `${format(new Date(outboundSchedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(outboundSchedule.departureTime)}`
+                          : 'N/A'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                         {outboundSchedule.origin}
@@ -556,10 +567,12 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                     {/* Destination */}
                     <div>
                       <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                        {outboundSchedule.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(outboundSchedule.arrivalTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                        {outboundSchedule.arrivalTime ? formatTime(outboundSchedule.arrivalTime) : '--:--'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                        {outboundSchedule.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(outboundSchedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                        {outboundSchedule.arrivalTime
+                          ? `${format(new Date(outboundSchedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(outboundSchedule.arrivalTime)}`
+                          : 'N/A'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                         {outboundSchedule.destination}
@@ -598,10 +611,12 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                     {/* Origin */}
                     <div className="pb-8">
                       <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                        {inboundSchedule.departureTime ? format(new Date(inboundSchedule.departureTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                        {inboundSchedule.departureTime ? formatTime(inboundSchedule.departureTime) : '--:--'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                        {inboundSchedule.departureTime ? format(new Date(inboundSchedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                        {inboundSchedule.departureTime
+                          ? `${format(new Date(inboundSchedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(inboundSchedule.departureTime)}`
+                          : 'N/A'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                         {inboundSchedule.origin}
@@ -629,10 +644,12 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                     {/* Destination */}
                     <div>
                       <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                        {inboundSchedule.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(inboundSchedule.arrivalTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                        {inboundSchedule.arrivalTime ? formatTime(inboundSchedule.arrivalTime) : '--:--'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                        {inboundSchedule.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(inboundSchedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                        {inboundSchedule.arrivalTime
+                          ? `${format(new Date(inboundSchedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(inboundSchedule.arrivalTime)}`
+                          : 'N/A'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                         {inboundSchedule.destination}
@@ -671,10 +688,12 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                     {/* Origin */}
                     <div className="pb-8">
                       <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                        {selectedSchedule.departureTime ? format(new Date(selectedSchedule.departureTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                        {selectedSchedule.departureTime ? formatTime(selectedSchedule.departureTime) : '--:--'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                        {selectedSchedule.departureTime ? format(new Date(selectedSchedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                        {selectedSchedule.departureTime
+                          ? `${format(new Date(selectedSchedule.departureTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(selectedSchedule.departureTime)}`
+                          : 'N/A'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                         {selectedSchedule.origin}
@@ -702,10 +721,12 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                     {/* Destination */}
                     <div>
                       <div className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                        {selectedSchedule.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(selectedSchedule.arrivalTime), 'HH:mm') : '--:--'}
+                        {selectedSchedule.arrivalTime ? formatTime(selectedSchedule.arrivalTime) : '--:--'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mt-0.5">
-                        {selectedSchedule.arrivalTime ? format(new Date(selectedSchedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d') : 'N/A'}
+                        {selectedSchedule.arrivalTime
+                          ? `${format(new Date(selectedSchedule.arrivalTime), 'EEE, MMM d')} · ${getTimePeriod(selectedSchedule.arrivalTime)}`
+                          : 'N/A'}
                       </div>
                       <div className="text-base font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mt-2">
                         {selectedSchedule.destination}
@@ -736,18 +757,27 @@ export default function ReviewPage() {
                           <p className="font-semibold text-sm text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
                             {(p as any).outboundSeatId ? (seatDetails[`outbound-${(p as any).outboundSeatId}`] || 'Loading...') : 'Auto-assign'}
                           </p>
+                          {(p as any).outboundSeatId && (
+                            <p className="text-[10px] text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500 mt-0.5">{formatSeatClass(outboundSchedule)}</p>
+                          )}
                         </div>
                         <div className="bg-gray-50 dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg p-2">
                           <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">Return Seat</p>
                           <p className="font-semibold text-sm text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
                             {(p as any).inboundSeatId ? (seatDetails[`inbound-${(p as any).inboundSeatId}`] || 'Loading...') : 'Auto-assign'}
                           </p>
+                          {(p as any).inboundSeatId && (
+                            <p className="text-[10px] text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500 mt-0.5">{formatSeatClass(inboundSchedule)}</p>
+                          )}
                         </div>
                       </div>
                     ) : (
                       <div className="text-right">
                         <p className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">Seat</p>
                         <p className="font-medium text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">{p.seatId ? (seatDetails[p.seatId] || 'Loading...') : 'Auto-assign'}</p>
+                        {p.seatId && (
+                          <p className="text-[10px] text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500 mt-0.5">{formatSeatClass(selectedSchedule)}</p>
+                        )}
                       </div>
                     )}
                   </div>
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/search/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/search/page.tsx
index d173a1263..92e0ced68 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/search/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/search/page.tsx
@@ -4,14 +4,13 @@ import { useForm } from "react-hook-form";
 import { zodResolver } from "@hookform/resolvers/zod";
 import { z } from "zod";
 import { useRouter, useSearchParams } from "next/navigation";
-import { useQuery } from "@tanstack/react-query";
+import { useQuery, useQueryClient } from "@tanstack/react-query";
 import { useAuthStore } from "@/lib/auth-store";
 import { apiClient } from "@/lib/api-client";
 import { useBookingStore } from "@/lib/booking-store";
 import { Station } from "@/types";
 import {
   MapPin,
-  ArrowRight,
   ArrowLeftRight,
   Plus,
   Minus,
@@ -23,7 +22,6 @@ import {
   X,
   ChevronLeft,
   Clock,
-  Zap,
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { useEffect, useRef, useState, useCallback } from "react";
 import ModernDatePicker from "@/components/ModernDatePicker";
@@ -79,12 +77,6 @@ const searchSchema = z
 
 type SearchForm = z.infer<typeof searchSchema>;
 
-const POPULAR_ROUTES = [
-  { from: "Sebeta", to: "Nagad", duration: "12h", icon: "🌆" },
-  { from: "Sebeta", to: "Diredawa", duration: "8h", icon: "🏔️" },
-  { from: "Diredawa", to: "Nagad", duration: "4h", icon: "🌊" },
-];
-
 // ─── Station Modal ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 function StationModal({
   stations,
@@ -530,6 +522,8 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
   const router = useRouter();
   const searchParams = useSearchParams();
   const setSearchCriteria = useBookingStore((s) => s.setSearchCriteria);
+  const clearBooking = useBookingStore((s) => s.clearBooking);
+  const queryClient = useQueryClient();
   const { user, isAuthenticated } = useAuthStore();
 
   const [passengerModalOpen, setPassengerModalOpen] = useState(false);
@@ -701,7 +695,10 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
 
   const onSubmit = (data: SearchForm) => {
     setHasInteracted(true);
+    // Clear previous booking selections and search cache before starting a new search
+    clearBooking();
     setSearchCriteria(data);
+    queryClient.removeQueries({ queryKey: ["search"] });
     if (data.originStationId) saveRecent(data.originStationId);
     if (data.destinationStationId) saveRecent(data.destinationStationId);
     const params = new URLSearchParams({
@@ -723,20 +720,6 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
   const originStation = getStationById(originId);
   const destStation = getStationById(destId);
 
-  const handlePopularRoute = (fromName: string, toName: string) => {
-    const origin = stations.find((s) =>
-      s.name.toLowerCase().includes(fromName.toLowerCase()),
-    );
-    const dest = stations.find((s) =>
-      s.name.toLowerCase().includes(toName.toLowerCase()),
-    );
-    if (origin && dest) {
-      setValue("originStationId", origin.id);
-      setValue("destinationStationId", dest.id);
-      window.scrollTo({ top: 0, behavior: "smooth" });
-    }
-  };
-
   return (
     <div className="bg-gray-50 dark:bg-gray-950">
       {/* Passenger modal (mobile) */}
@@ -790,9 +773,15 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
       )}
 
       {/* ── 90vh hero with banner image ── */}
+      {/* Round trip stacks an extra Return Date field into the widget on mobile, which grows
+          upward from its bottom-anchored position — give the hero extra height there so the
+          widget's top edge doesn't creep up into the sticky header. */}
       <section
-        className="relative"
-        style={{ height: "90vh", minHeight: "560px" }}
+        className={`relative ${
+          tripType === "ROUND_TRIP"
+            ? "h-[calc(90vh+60px)] min-h-[670px] md:h-[90vh] md:min-h-[560px]"
+            : "h-[94vh] min-h-[560px]"
+        }`}
       >
         {/* Background image with zoom - fully isolated */}
         <div className="absolute inset-0 overflow-hidden">
@@ -956,7 +945,7 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                       <label className="text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase tracking-wide">
                         Date
                       </label>
-                      <div className="relative z-30">
+                      <div>
                         <ModernDatePicker
                           value={
                             departureDate
@@ -980,7 +969,7 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                         <label className="text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase tracking-wide">
                           Return Date
                         </label>
-                        <div className="relative z-20">
+                        <div>
                           <ModernDatePicker
                             value={
                               returnDate
@@ -1059,7 +1048,11 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                               clearErrors("originStationId");
                               clearErrors("destinationStationId");
                             }}
-                            error={hasInteracted ? errors.originStationId?.message : undefined}
+                            error={
+                              hasInteracted
+                                ? errors.originStationId?.message
+                                : undefined
+                            }
                             onOpen={scrollWidgetIntoView}
                           />
                           {hasInteracted && errors.originStationId && (
@@ -1094,7 +1087,11 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                               if (s.id) saveRecent(s.id);
                               clearErrors("destinationStationId");
                             }}
-                            error={hasInteracted ? errors.destinationStationId?.message : undefined}
+                            error={
+                              hasInteracted
+                                ? errors.destinationStationId?.message
+                                : undefined
+                            }
                             onOpen={scrollWidgetIntoView}
                           />
                           {hasInteracted && errors.destinationStationId && (
@@ -1110,7 +1107,7 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                           <label className="text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase tracking-wide">
                             Date
                           </label>
-                          <div className="relative z-30">
+                          <div>
                             <ModernDatePicker
                               value={
                                 departureDate
@@ -1191,7 +1188,11 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                                 clearErrors("originStationId");
                                 clearErrors("destinationStationId");
                               }}
-                              error={hasInteracted ? errors.originStationId?.message : undefined}
+                              error={
+                                hasInteracted
+                                  ? errors.originStationId?.message
+                                  : undefined
+                              }
                               onOpen={scrollWidgetIntoView}
                             />
                             {hasInteracted && errors.originStationId && (
@@ -1226,7 +1227,11 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                                 if (s.id) saveRecent(s.id);
                                 clearErrors("destinationStationId");
                               }}
-                              error={hasInteracted ? errors.destinationStationId?.message : undefined}
+                              error={
+                                hasInteracted
+                                  ? errors.destinationStationId?.message
+                                  : undefined
+                              }
                               onOpen={scrollWidgetIntoView}
                             />
                             {hasInteracted && errors.destinationStationId && (
@@ -1242,7 +1247,7 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                             <label className="text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase tracking-wide">
                               Departure
                             </label>
-                            <div className="relative z-30">
+                            <div>
                               <ModernDatePicker
                                 value={
                                   departureDate
@@ -1272,7 +1277,7 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
                             <label className="text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase tracking-wide">
                               Return
                             </label>
-                            <div className="relative z-20">
+                            <div>
                               <ModernDatePicker
                                 value={
                                   returnDate
@@ -1497,41 +1502,6 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
         </div>
       </section>
 
-      {/* Popular Routes — below hero */}
-      <div className="bg-gray-50 dark:bg-gray-950 py-10">
-        <div className="container mx-auto px-4">
-          <div className="max-w-6xl mx-auto">
-            <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-4">
-              <Zap className="w-4 h-4 text-primary" />
-              <h2 className="text-base font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                Popular Routes
-              </h2>
-            </div>
-            <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-3 gap-3">
-              {POPULAR_ROUTES.map((route, idx) => (
-                <button
-                  key={idx}
-                  type="button"
-                  onClick={() => handlePopularRoute(route.from, route.to)}
-                  className="bg-white dark:bg-gray-900 border border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-800 rounded-xl p-4 hover:border-primary hover:shadow-md transition-all text-left active:scale-95"
-                >
-                  <div className="text-xl mb-2">{route.icon}</div>
-                  <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                    <span>{route.from}</span>
-                    <ArrowRight className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-primary flex-shrink-0" />
-                    <span>{route.to}</span>
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="text-xs text-gray-400 mt-1 flex items-center gap-1">
-                    <Clock className="w-3 h-3" />
-                    {route.duration} journey
-                  </div>
-                </button>
-              ))}
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-
       <style jsx>{`
         @keyframes slide-up {
           from {
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/seats/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/seats/page.tsx
index a02f00eec..d8fdd4da6 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/seats/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/booking/seats/page.tsx
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ const buildSeatLabel = (seat: any): string => {
   return suffix ? `${base}${suffix}` : base;
 };
 
-const BedCard = memo(({ bed, isSelected, onToggle }: any) => {
+const BedCard = memo(({ bed, isSelected, isAssignedToOther, onToggle }: any) => {
   const seatLabel = bed.label || bed.seatNumber || bed.number || "?";
   const bedPosition = bed.bedPosition || "";
   const bedType =
@@ -30,21 +30,28 @@ const BedCard = memo(({ bed, isSelected, onToggle }: any) => {
       : bedPosition === "middle"
         ? "Middle"
         : "Lower";
+  const isDisabled = bed.status !== "AVAILABLE" || isAssignedToOther;
 
   return (
     <button
       onClick={() => onToggle(bed.id)}
-      disabled={bed.status !== "AVAILABLE"}
+      disabled={isDisabled}
       className={`relative flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1 px-3 py-2 rounded-lg transition-all ${
         isSelected
           ? "bg-blue-50 border-2 border-blue-500 dark:bg-blue-900/20 dark:border-blue-400"
-          : bed.status === "AVAILABLE"
-            ? "bg-green-50 border border-green-300 hover:bg-green-100 dark:bg-green-900/20 dark:border-green-700"
-            : bed.status === "BOOKED"
-              ? "bg-red-50 border border-red-300 cursor-not-allowed dark:bg-red-900/20 dark:border-red-700"
-              : "bg-gray-100 border border-gray-300 cursor-not-allowed dark:bg-gray-800 dark:border-gray-700"
+          : isAssignedToOther
+            ? "bg-purple-50 border border-purple-300 cursor-not-allowed dark:bg-purple-900/20 dark:border-purple-700"
+            : bed.status === "AVAILABLE"
+              ? "bg-green-50 border border-green-300 hover:bg-green-100 dark:bg-green-900/20 dark:border-green-700"
+              : bed.status === "BOOKED"
+                ? "bg-red-50 border border-red-300 cursor-not-allowed dark:bg-red-900/20 dark:border-red-700"
+                : "bg-gray-100 border border-gray-300 cursor-not-allowed dark:bg-gray-800 dark:border-gray-700"
       }`}
-      title={`Bed ${seatLabel} - ${bedType} - ${bed.status}`}
+      title={
+        isAssignedToOther
+          ? `Bed ${seatLabel} - already assigned to another passenger`
+          : `Bed ${seatLabel} - ${bedType} - ${bed.status}`
+      }
     >
       <Image src="/bed.png" alt="bed" width={32} height={32} className="object-contain" />
       <div className="text-xs font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
@@ -63,6 +70,7 @@ const SeatButton = memo(
   ({
     seat,
     isSelected,
+    isAssignedToOther,
     onToggle,
     isBedCoach,
     bedLabel,
@@ -71,22 +79,29 @@ const SeatButton = memo(
     const seatLabel = seat.number || seat.label || seat.seatNumber || "?";
     const bedWidth = "w-24";
     const width = isBedCoach ? bedWidth : "w-10";
+    const isDisabled = seat.status !== "AVAILABLE" || isAssignedToOther;
 
     return (
       <div className="flex flex-col items-center">
         <button
           onClick={() => onToggle(seat.id)}
-          disabled={seat.status !== "AVAILABLE"}
+          disabled={isDisabled}
           className={`${width} h-11 rounded flex items-center justify-center transition-all ${
             isSelected
               ? "bg-[rgb(20_113_76)] text-white shadow-md scale-105"
-              : seat.status === "AVAILABLE"
-                ? "bg-green-500 hover:bg-green-600 text-white cursor-pointer hover:shadow-md"
-                : seat.status === "HELD"
-                  ? "bg-yellow-500 text-white cursor-not-allowed opacity-75"
-                  : "bg-gray-500 text-white cursor-not-allowed opacity-60"
+              : isAssignedToOther
+                ? "bg-purple-400 text-white cursor-not-allowed opacity-75"
+                : seat.status === "AVAILABLE"
+                  ? "bg-green-500 hover:bg-green-600 text-white cursor-pointer hover:shadow-md"
+                  : seat.status === "HELD"
+                    ? "bg-yellow-500 text-white cursor-not-allowed opacity-75"
+                    : "bg-gray-500 text-white cursor-not-allowed opacity-60"
           }`}
-          title={`Seat ${seatLabel}${bedLabel} - ${seat.status} - ${coachSeatClass}`}
+          title={
+            isAssignedToOther
+              ? `Seat ${seatLabel}${bedLabel} - already assigned to another passenger`
+              : `Seat ${seatLabel}${bedLabel} - ${seat.status} - ${coachSeatClass}`
+          }
           style={
             isBedCoach
               ? seat.row % 2 === 1
@@ -122,7 +137,10 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
     searchCriteria,
     bookingId,
   } = useBookingStore();
-  const [selectedSeats, setSelectedSeats] = useState<string[]>([]);
+  // Maps passenger index -> assigned seat id. A passenger can only get a seat while
+  // they are the "active" passenger, which prevents bulk/batch selection across passengers.
+  const [passengerSeatMap, setPassengerSeatMap] = useState<Record<number, string>>({});
+  const [activePassengerIndex, setActivePassengerIndex] = useState(0);
   const [selectedCoach, setSelectedCoach] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [currentJourneyType, setCurrentJourneyType] = useState<
     "outbound" | "inbound"
@@ -344,71 +362,87 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
     return seats;
   }, [allSeats, selectedCoachData, currentSchedule?.selectedSeatClass]);
 
-  const handleSeatClick = useCallback(
-    (seatId: string) => {
-      setSelectedSeats((prev) => {
-        if (prev.length < passengers.length) {
-          return [...prev, seatId];
-        } else {
-          return [seatId];
-        }
-      });
-    },
-    [passengers.length],
+  // Seats already claimed by any passenger in this journey leg
+  const assignedSeatIds = useMemo(
+    () => new Set(Object.values(passengerSeatMap)),
+    [passengerSeatMap],
   );
 
-  const handleContinue = async () => {
-    if (isRoundTrip && currentJourneyType === "outbound") {
-      if (selectedSeats.length > 0) {
-        try {
-          await holdMutation.mutateAsync(selectedSeats);
-          const updatedPassengers = passengers.map((p, i) => {
-            const seatData = validSeats?.find(
-              (s: any) => s.id === selectedSeats[i],
-            );
-            return {
-              ...p,
-              outboundSeatId: selectedSeats[i],
-              outboundSeatNumber: seatData ? buildSeatLabel(seatData) : '',
-            };
-          });
-          setPassengers(updatedPassengers);
-        } catch (error: any) {
-          setModalState({
-            isOpen: true,
-            title: "Seat Hold Failed",
-            message:
-              error?.response?.data?.message ||
-              "Failed to hold seats. Please try again.",
-            type: "error",
-          });
-          return;
-        }
-      }
-      setCurrentJourneyType("inbound");
-      setSelectedSeats([]);
-      setSelectedCoach(null);
-      return;
-    }
+  // The furthest passenger a user is allowed to jump to — cannot skip ahead of the
+  // first passenger who still needs a seat.
+  const firstUnassignedIndex = useMemo(
+    () => passengers.findIndex((_, i) => !passengerSeatMap[i]),
+    [passengers, passengerSeatMap],
+  );
+  const maxSelectableIndex =
+    firstUnassignedIndex === -1 ? passengers.length - 1 : firstUnassignedIndex;
 
-    if (selectedSeats.length > 0) {
+  const isSeatSelected = useCallback(
+    (seatId: string) => passengerSeatMap[activePassengerIndex] === seatId,
+    [passengerSeatMap, activePassengerIndex],
+  );
+
+  const isSeatAssignedToOther = useCallback(
+    (seatId: string) =>
+      Object.entries(passengerSeatMap).some(
+        ([idx, sid]) => Number(idx) !== activePassengerIndex && sid === seatId,
+      ),
+    [passengerSeatMap, activePassengerIndex],
+  );
+
+  const handleSelectPassenger = useCallback(
+    (index: number) => {
+      if (index > maxSelectableIndex) return; // no skipping ahead of unassigned passengers
+      setActivePassengerIndex(index);
+    },
+    [maxSelectableIndex],
+  );
+
+  const handleSeatClick = useCallback(
+    (seatId: string) => {
+      // Seat already claimed by a different passenger — never allow duplicate assignment
+      const takenByOther = Object.entries(passengerSeatMap).some(
+        ([idx, sid]) => Number(idx) !== activePassengerIndex && sid === seatId,
+      );
+      if (takenByOther) return;
+
+      const isDeselecting = passengerSeatMap[activePassengerIndex] === seatId;
+      const next = { ...passengerSeatMap };
+      if (isDeselecting) {
+        delete next[activePassengerIndex];
+      } else {
+        next[activePassengerIndex] = seatId;
+      }
+      setPassengerSeatMap(next);
+
+      if (!isDeselecting) {
+        // Move on to the next passenger who still needs a seat — one passenger at a time
+        const nextUnassigned = passengers.findIndex(
+          (_, i) => i !== activePassengerIndex && !next[i],
+        );
+        if (nextUnassigned !== -1) setActivePassengerIndex(nextUnassigned);
+      }
+    },
+    [passengerSeatMap, activePassengerIndex, passengers],
+  );
+
+  const allSeatsAssigned =
+    passengers.length > 0 &&
+    passengers.every((_, i) => !!passengerSeatMap[i]);
+
+  const handleContinue = async () => {
+    if (!allSeatsAssigned) return;
+    const seatIds = passengers.map((_, i) => passengerSeatMap[i]);
+
+    if (isRoundTrip && currentJourneyType === "outbound") {
       try {
-        await holdMutation.mutateAsync(selectedSeats);
+        await holdMutation.mutateAsync(seatIds);
         const updatedPassengers = passengers.map((p, i) => {
-          const seatData = validSeats?.find(
-            (s: any) => s.id === selectedSeats[i],
-          );
-          if (isRoundTrip && currentJourneyType === "inbound") {
-            return {
-              ...p,
-              inboundSeatId: selectedSeats[i],
-              inboundSeatNumber: seatData ? buildSeatLabel(seatData) : '',
-            };
-          }
+          const seatData = validSeats?.find((s: any) => s.id === seatIds[i]);
           return {
             ...p,
-            seatId: selectedSeats[i],
-            seatNumber: seatData ? buildSeatLabel(seatData) : '',
+            outboundSeatId: seatIds[i],
+            outboundSeatNumber: seatData ? buildSeatLabel(seatData) : '',
           };
         });
         setPassengers(updatedPassengers);
@@ -423,42 +457,32 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
         });
         return;
       }
-    }
-    router.push("/booking/review");
-  };
-
-  const handleAutoAssign = async () => {
-    const availableSeats =
-      validSeats?.filter((s: any) => s.status === "AVAILABLE") || [];
-    if (availableSeats.length < passengers.length) {
-      setModalState({
-        isOpen: true,
-        title: "Not Enough Seats",
-        message: `Only ${availableSeats.length} seat(s) available in this coach, but you need ${passengers.length} seat(s). Please select another coach.`,
-        type: "warning",
-      });
+      setCurrentJourneyType("inbound");
+      setPassengerSeatMap({});
+      setActivePassengerIndex(0);
+      setSelectedCoach(null);
       return;
     }
 
-    const autoSelectedSeats = availableSeats
-      .slice(0, passengers.length)
-      .map((s: any) => s.id);
-    setSelectedSeats(autoSelectedSeats);
-
     try {
-      await holdMutation.mutateAsync(autoSelectedSeats);
+      await holdMutation.mutateAsync(seatIds);
       const updatedPassengers = passengers.map((p, i) => {
-        const seatData = availableSeats[i];
+        const seatData = validSeats?.find((s: any) => s.id === seatIds[i]);
+        if (isRoundTrip && currentJourneyType === "inbound") {
+          return {
+            ...p,
+            inboundSeatId: seatIds[i],
+            inboundSeatNumber: seatData ? buildSeatLabel(seatData) : '',
+          };
+        }
         return {
           ...p,
-          seatId: autoSelectedSeats[i],
+          seatId: seatIds[i],
           seatNumber: seatData ? buildSeatLabel(seatData) : '',
         };
       });
       setPassengers(updatedPassengers);
-      router.push("/booking/review");
     } catch (error: any) {
-      console.error("Failed to hold seats:", error);
       setModalState({
         isOpen: true,
         title: "Seat Hold Failed",
@@ -467,7 +491,38 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
           "Failed to hold seats. Please try again.",
         type: "error",
       });
+      return;
     }
+    router.push("/booking/review");
+  };
+
+  const handleAutoAssign = () => {
+    const unassignedIndices = passengers
+      .map((_, i) => i)
+      .filter((i) => !passengerSeatMap[i]);
+
+    if (unassignedIndices.length === 0) return;
+
+    const availableSeats = (
+      validSeats?.filter((s: any) => s.status === "AVAILABLE") || []
+    ).filter((s: any) => !assignedSeatIds.has(s.id));
+
+    if (availableSeats.length < unassignedIndices.length) {
+      setModalState({
+        isOpen: true,
+        title: "Not Enough Seats",
+        message: `Only ${availableSeats.length} seat(s) available in this coach, but you need ${unassignedIndices.length} more seat(s). Please select another coach.`,
+        type: "warning",
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const next = { ...passengerSeatMap };
+    unassignedIndices.forEach((passengerIndex, offset) => {
+      next[passengerIndex] = availableSeats[offset].id;
+    });
+    setPassengerSeatMap(next);
+    setActivePassengerIndex(passengers.length - 1);
   };
 
   const handleBackToPassengers = () => {
@@ -494,8 +549,9 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
   ]);
 
   useEffect(() => {
-    if (bookingId && selectedSeats.length > 0) {
-      bookSeatsMutation.mutate(selectedSeats);
+    const heldSeatIds = Object.values(passengerSeatMap);
+    if (bookingId && heldSeatIds.length > 0) {
+      bookSeatsMutation.mutate(heldSeatIds);
     }
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
   }, [bookingId]);
@@ -636,7 +692,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <div key={bed.id} className="relative">
                                 <BedCard
                                   bed={bed}
-                                  isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                  isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                   onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                   bedLabel="U"
                                 />
@@ -661,7 +718,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <div key={bed.id} className="relative">
                                 <BedCard
                                   bed={bed}
-                                  isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                  isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                   onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                   bedLabel="L"
                                 />
@@ -695,7 +753,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <BedCard
                                 key={bed.id}
                                 bed={bed}
-                                isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                 onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                 bedLabel="L"
                               />
@@ -713,7 +772,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <BedCard
                                 key={bed.id}
                                 bed={bed}
-                                isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                 onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                 bedLabel="L"
                               />
@@ -739,7 +799,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <BedCard
                                 key={bed.id}
                                 bed={bed}
-                                isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                 onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                 bedLabel="M"
                               />
@@ -757,7 +818,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <BedCard
                                 key={bed.id}
                                 bed={bed}
-                                isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                 onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                 bedLabel="M"
                               />
@@ -783,7 +845,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <BedCard
                                 key={bed.id}
                                 bed={bed}
-                                isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                 onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                 bedLabel="U"
                               />
@@ -801,7 +864,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                               <BedCard
                                 key={bed.id}
                                 bed={bed}
-                                isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(bed.id)}
+                                isSelected={isSeatSelected(bed.id)}
+                                isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(bed.id)}
                                 onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                                 bedLabel="U"
                               />
@@ -880,7 +944,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                       <SeatButton
                         key={seat.id}
                         seat={seat}
-                        isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(seat.id)}
+                        isSelected={isSeatSelected(seat.id)}
+                        isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(seat.id)}
                         onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                         isBedCoach={true}
                         bedLabel={getBedLabel(seat.bedPosition)}
@@ -992,7 +1057,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                       <SeatButton
                         key={seat.id}
                         seat={seat}
-                        isSelected={selectedSeats.includes(seat.id)}
+                        isSelected={isSeatSelected(seat.id)}
+                        isAssignedToOther={isSeatAssignedToOther(seat.id)}
                         onToggle={handleSeatClick}
                         isBedCoach={false}
                         bedLabel=""
@@ -1065,7 +1131,8 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
     );
   }
 
-  const allSelected = selectedSeats.length === passengers.length;
+  const assignedCount = passengers.filter((_, i) => !!passengerSeatMap[i]).length;
+  const activePassenger = passengers[activePassengerIndex];
   const isBedCoach =
     selectedCoachData?.isBedCoach === true ||
     selectedCoachData?.rooms?.length > 0 ||
@@ -1081,18 +1148,18 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
         </h3>
         <span
           className={`text-xs font-semibold px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full ${
-            allSelected
+            allSeatsAssigned
               ? "bg-green-100 text-green-700 dark:bg-green-900/30 dark:text-green-400"
               : "bg-amber-100 text-amber-700 dark:bg-amber-900/30 dark:text-amber-400"
           }`}
         >
-          {selectedSeats.length}/{passengers.length} selected
+          {assignedCount}/{passengers.length} selected
         </span>
       </div>
       <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mb-4">
-        {allSelected
+        {allSeatsAssigned
           ? "All seats selected — ready to continue"
-          : `Select ${passengers.length - selectedSeats.length} more seat(s)`}
+          : `Selecting seat for ${activePassenger?.name || `Passenger ${activePassengerIndex + 1}`} (${activePassengerIndex + 1} of ${passengers.length})`}
       </p>
 
       {/* Progress bar */}
@@ -1100,75 +1167,88 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
         <div
           className="h-full bg-[rgb(20,113,76)] rounded-full transition-all duration-300"
           style={{
-            width: `${(selectedSeats.length / passengers.length) * 100}%`,
+            width: `${(assignedCount / passengers.length) * 100}%`,
           }}
         />
       </div>
 
       <div className="space-y-2 mb-5">
         {passengers.map((p, i) => {
-          const assignedSeat = selectedSeats[i]
-            ? validSeats?.find((s: any) => s.id === selectedSeats[i])
+          const assignedSeatId = passengerSeatMap[i];
+          const assignedSeat = assignedSeatId
+            ? validSeats?.find((s: any) => s.id === assignedSeatId)
             : null;
-          const seatLabel = assignedSeat
-            ? assignedSeat.number ||
-              assignedSeat.label ||
-              assignedSeat.seatNumber ||
-              "—"
-            : "—";
-          const bedLabel = assignedSeat
-            ? getBedLabel(assignedSeat.bedPosition)
-            : "";
+          const seatLabel = assignedSeat ? buildSeatLabel(assignedSeat) : "";
+          const isActive = i === activePassengerIndex;
+          const isClickable = i <= maxSelectableIndex;
           return (
-            <div
+            <button
               key={i}
-              className="flex items-center justify-between py-2 border-b border-gray-100 dark:border-gray-800 last:border-0"
+              type="button"
+              onClick={() => handleSelectPassenger(i)}
+              disabled={!isClickable}
+              className={`w-full flex items-center justify-between py-2 px-2 rounded-lg border text-left transition-all ${
+                isActive
+                  ? "border-[rgb(20,113,76)] bg-[rgb(20,113,76)]/5 dark:bg-[rgb(20,113,76)]/10"
+                  : "border-transparent"
+              } ${
+                isClickable
+                  ? "cursor-pointer hover:bg-gray-50 dark:hover:bg-gray-800/60"
+                  : "cursor-not-allowed opacity-50"
+              }`}
             >
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2 min-w-0">
                 <div
                   className={`w-6 h-6 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-xs font-bold flex-shrink-0 ${
                     assignedSeat
                       ? "bg-[rgb(20,113,76)] text-white"
-                      : "bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-500"
+                      : isActive
+                        ? "bg-[rgb(20,113,76)]/20 text-[rgb(20,113,76)] ring-2 ring-[rgb(20,113,76)]"
+                        : "bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-500"
                   }`}
                 >
                   {i + 1}
                 </div>
-                <span className="text-sm text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 truncate max-w-[120px]">
-                  {p.name}
-                </span>
+                <div className="min-w-0">
+                  <span className="text-sm text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 truncate block max-w-[120px]">
+                    {p.name}
+                  </span>
+                  {isActive && !assignedSeat && (
+                    <span className="text-[10px] font-semibold text-[rgb(20,113,76)] uppercase tracking-wide">
+                      Now selecting
+                    </span>
+                  )}
+                </div>
               </div>
               <span
-                className={`text-sm font-semibold ${
+                className={`text-sm font-semibold flex-shrink-0 ${
                   assignedSeat ? "text-[rgb(20,113,76)]" : "text-gray-400"
                 }`}
               >
-                {assignedSeat ? `${seatLabel}${bedLabel}` : "Not selected"}
+                {assignedSeat ? `Seat ${seatLabel}` : "Not Assigned"}
               </span>
-            </div>
+            </button>
           );
         })}
       </div>
 
       <button
         onClick={handleContinue}
-        disabled={selectedSeats.length === 0 || holdMutation.isPending}
+        disabled={!allSeatsAssigned || holdMutation.isPending}
         className="w-full py-3 bg-[rgb(20,113,76)] hover:bg-[rgb(16,89,60)] disabled:opacity-40 disabled:cursor-not-allowed text-white font-bold text-sm rounded-xl transition-all shadow-lg"
       >
         {holdMutation.isPending
           ? "Holding seats..."
           : isRoundTrip && currentJourneyType === "outbound"
             ? "Continue to Return Seats"
-            : allSelected
-              ? "Continue"
-              : "Continue with partial selection"}
+            : "Continue"}
       </button>
       <button
         onClick={handleAutoAssign}
-        disabled={holdMutation.isPending}
+        disabled={holdMutation.isPending || allSeatsAssigned}
         className="w-full mt-2 py-2.5 bg-gray-100 dark:bg-gray-700 hover:bg-gray-200 dark:hover:bg-gray-600 disabled:opacity-40 text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 font-semibold text-sm rounded-xl transition-all"
       >
-        Auto-assign seats
+        Auto Assign Seats
       </button>
     </>
   );
@@ -1183,21 +1263,17 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
         type={modalState.type}
       />
 
-      {/* Mobile summary bottom-sheet */}
-      {selectedSeats.length > 0 && (
-        <>
-          <div
-            className="fixed inset-x-0 bottom-0 z-50 lg:hidden bg-white dark:bg-gray-900 rounded-t-2xl shadow-2xl p-5"
-            style={{
-              animation: "seats-slide-up 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.32,0.72,0,1)",
-            }}
-          >
-            <div className="w-10 h-1 bg-gray-300 dark:bg-gray-600 rounded-full mx-auto mb-4" />
-            <SummaryContent />
-          </div>
-          <style>{`@keyframes seats-slide-up{from{transform:translateY(100%)}to{transform:translateY(0)}}`}</style>
-        </>
-      )}
+      {/* Mobile summary bottom-sheet — always visible so the active passenger is clear */}
+      <div
+        className="fixed inset-x-0 bottom-0 z-50 lg:hidden bg-white dark:bg-gray-900 rounded-t-2xl shadow-2xl p-5 max-h-[70vh] overflow-y-auto"
+        style={{
+          animation: "seats-slide-up 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.32,0.72,0,1)",
+        }}
+      >
+        <div className="w-10 h-1 bg-gray-300 dark:bg-gray-600 rounded-full mx-auto mb-4" />
+        <SummaryContent />
+      </div>
+      <style>{`@keyframes seats-slide-up{from{transform:translateY(100%)}to{transform:translateY(0)}}`}</style>
 
       <div className="min-h-screen bg-gray-50 dark:bg-gray-900">
         {/* Header */}
@@ -1211,15 +1287,22 @@ export default function SeatsPage() {
                 <ChevronLeft className="w-4 h-4" />
                 Back
               </button>
-              <h1 className="text-base font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                {isRoundTrip
-                  ? currentJourneyType === "outbound"
-                    ? "Select Outbound Seats"
-                    : "Select Return Seats"
-                  : "Select Seats"}
-              </h1>
+              <div className="text-center">
+                <h1 className="text-base font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
+                  {isRoundTrip
+                    ? currentJourneyType === "outbound"
+                      ? "Select Outbound Seats"
+                      : "Select Return Seats"
+                    : "Select Seats"}
+                </h1>
+                {!allSeatsAssigned && (
+                  <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+                    Now selecting: {activePassenger?.name || `Passenger ${activePassengerIndex + 1}`}
+                  </p>
+                )}
+              </div>
               <div className="text-sm font-semibold text-[rgb(20,113,76)]">
-                {selectedSeats.length}/{passengers.length}
+                {assignedCount}/{passengers.length}
               </div>
             </div>
           </div>
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/packages/[id]/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/packages/[id]/page.tsx
index a9b734c8f..8edd9f04a 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/packages/[id]/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/packages/[id]/page.tsx
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ function fmt(iso: string, opts?: Intl.DateTimeFormatOptions): string {
 
 function fmtTime(iso: string): string {
   try {
-    return new Date(iso).toLocaleTimeString("en-US", { hour: "2-digit", minute: "2-digit", hour12: false });
+    return new Date(iso).toLocaleTimeString("en-US", { hour: "numeric", minute: "2-digit", hour12: true });
   } catch { return iso; }
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/page.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/page.tsx
index c6684f8f6..93bf02fc2 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/app/page.tsx
@@ -1,12 +1,27 @@
 import { Suspense } from 'react';
+import { dehydrate, HydrationBoundary, QueryClient } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import SearchPage from '@/app/booking/search/page';
 import PackagesSection from '@/components/PackagesSection';
 
-export default function Home() {
+export default async function Home() {
+  const queryClient = new QueryClient();
+  const apiUrl = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL || 'http://localhost:4000';
+
+  await queryClient.prefetchQuery({
+    queryKey: ['stations'],
+    queryFn: async () => {
+      const res = await fetch(`${apiUrl}/stations`, { next: { revalidate: 3600 } });
+      const json = await res.json();
+      return json?.data ?? json;
+    },
+  });
+
   return (
-    <Suspense>
-      <SearchPage />
-      <PackagesSection />
-    </Suspense>
+    <HydrationBoundary state={dehydrate(queryClient)}>
+      <Suspense>
+        <SearchPage />
+        <PackagesSection />
+      </Suspense>
+    </HydrationBoundary>
   );
 }
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/AppHeader.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/AppHeader.tsx
index 6422e12fa..200b07222 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/AppHeader.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/AppHeader.tsx
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ export default function AppHeader() {
 
 
   return (
-    <header className="sticky top-0 z-50 bg-[rgb(20_113_76)] dark:bg-gray-900 border-b border-[rgb(16_89_60)] dark:border-gray-800 shadow-sm">
+    <header className="sticky top-0 z-[60] bg-[rgb(20_113_76)] dark:bg-gray-900 border-b border-[rgb(16_89_60)] dark:border-gray-800 shadow-sm">
       <div className="container mx-auto px-4">
         <div className="max-w-6xl mx-auto">
           <div className="flex items-center justify-between h-16">
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/SearchWidget.tsx b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/SearchWidget.tsx
index 85154558e..36bd545e6 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/SearchWidget.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/components/SearchWidget.tsx
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ export function SearchWidget({ fullWidth = false, onSearch }: SearchWidgetProps)
             </div>
 
             {/* Date */}
-            <div className="space-y-2 relative z-30 md:col-span-1">
+            <div className="space-y-2 md:col-span-1">
               <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 text-left">Date</label>
               <ModernDatePicker
                 value={watch('departureDate') ? new Date(watch('departureDate') + 'T00:00:00') : undefined}
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/lib/generate-voucher.ts b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/lib/generate-voucher.ts
index 37dfa5ce9..4dd969d69 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/lib/generate-voucher.ts
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/lib/generate-voucher.ts
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ function drawJourneyLeg(doc: jsPDF, schedule: ScheduleInfo, label: string | null
 
   const dep = new Date(schedule.departureAt);
   doc.setFontSize(13); doc.setTextColor(...PRIMARY); doc.setFont('helvetica', 'bold');
-  doc.text(dep.toLocaleTimeString('en-US', { hour: '2-digit', minute: '2-digit', hour12: false }), margin + 5, y + 33);
+  doc.text(dep.toLocaleTimeString('en-US', { hour: 'numeric', minute: '2-digit', hour12: true }), margin + 5, y + 33);
   doc.setFontSize(7);  doc.setTextColor(...MED); doc.setFont('helvetica', 'normal');
   doc.text(dep.toLocaleDateString('en-US', { weekday: 'short', month: 'short', day: 'numeric', year: 'numeric' }), margin + 5, y + 38);
 
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ function drawJourneyLeg(doc: jsPDF, schedule: ScheduleInfo, label: string | null
 
   const arr = new Date(schedule.arrivalAt);
   doc.setFontSize(13); doc.setTextColor(...PRIMARY); doc.setFont('helvetica', 'bold');
-  doc.text(arr.toLocaleTimeString('en-US', { hour: '2-digit', minute: '2-digit', hour12: false }), dx, y + 33);
+  doc.text(arr.toLocaleTimeString('en-US', { hour: 'numeric', minute: '2-digit', hour12: true }), dx, y + 33);
   doc.setFontSize(7);  doc.setTextColor(...MED); doc.setFont('helvetica', 'normal');
   doc.text(arr.toLocaleDateString('en-US', { weekday: 'short', month: 'short', day: 'numeric', year: 'numeric' }), dx, y + 38);
 
diff --git a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/utils/format.ts b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/utils/format.ts
index 8e4294bfc..3743334ad 100644
--- a/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/utils/format.ts
+++ b/apps/edr-passenger-web/portal/src/utils/format.ts
@@ -13,9 +13,17 @@ export const formatDate = (date: string | Date, formatStr: string = 'MMM dd, yyy
 };
 
 export const formatDateTime = (date: string | Date): string => {
-  return format(new Date(date), 'MMM dd, yyyy HH:mm');
+  return format(new Date(date), 'MMM dd, yyyy h:mm a');
 };
 
 export const formatTime = (date: string | Date): string => {
-  return format(new Date(date), 'HH:mm');
+  return format(new Date(date), 'h:mm a');
+};
+
+export const getTimePeriod = (date: string | Date): string => {
+  const hour = new Date(date).getHours();
+  if (hour >= 5 && hour < 12) return 'Morning';
+  if (hour >= 12 && hour < 17) return 'Afternoon';
+  if (hour >= 17 && hour < 21) return 'Evening';
+  return 'Night';
 };