Transit agencies across the country are discovering that passengers want to pay for fares the same way they pay for everything else — with their own bank cards or smartphones.

Crowd control, ticketing and providing timely service can become challenging in the midst of large events. Establishing a command center, deploying volunteers and conducting outreach through the media can help.

Through its partnership with INIT, DART was able to more efficiently manage its extensive light rail network.

While funding and technology integration remain key issues, some U.S. rail operators are looking to meet the 2015 Congressional deadline, including Southern California’s Metrolink, which aims to have its system in place by next year.

The International Bus Roadeo, held in conjunction with APTA’s Bus and Paratransit Conference in Long Beach, Calif., gave operators and mechanics the chance to compete against the best.

Redeployed its 140 police and fare enforcement officers so it has a uniformed presence on every train.

STV has worked with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) since the mid-1990s to bring a light rail network to the Dallas area.

The first section of the Green Line opened in September 2009 and connects Pearl Station on the east side of Downtown Dallas to MLK, Jr. Station on the west side of Fair Park.

This past summer saw three new light rail lines open in Dallas, Portland, Ore. and Seattle. With significant community support each city had successful rollouts, greater ridership than originally anticipated and voters are asking for more.

Layoffs, salary freezes and other cutbacks have battered morale at many transit systems. Open communication and investment in workforce development are key to keeping staff engaged and focused on the future.