MJM to provide fare, data collection for Houston-based paratransit

MJM Innovations, a firm specializing in electronic transaction software solutions and management services for the transportation industry, was chosen by Harris County, Texas, to implement electronic fare and data technology for the county's RIDES program.

The RIDES program provides non-emergency transportation services to the elderly, individuals with disabilities as well as low-income residents of Harris County who are unable to access traditional Houston Metro services. Harris County, Texas is the third most-populous county in the U.S., and the RIDES program provides services in more than 1,500 vehicles.

Under the provisions of the contract, MJM Innovations will develop and provide the Harris County RIDES program with the infrastructure and data capture technology that will enable the RIDES program vehicles to accept electronic payments using a magnetic swipe card. By introducing the swipe cards, Harris County will be able to eliminate the paper vouchers it currently uses.

The new system will automatically collect and store valuable trip data that will include the date, time, distance traveled and fare information for each trip. With its new streamlined data collection process, Harris County will have increased ability to analyze the RIDES program's performance.

The RIDES program anticipates complete implementation of the new technology in September 2011.