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.

While the technology is still evolving, transit systems are hoping to outsource collection activities, reduce risk, and refocus time and effort on meeting their core goal: transporting people.

One of the benefits of letting riders pay fares using a smart card-based bank card is it allows the transit agency get out of the ticket business. However, costs are still a problem due to transaction fees charged by the banks offering them.

Transit agencies report that reviewing fare collection controls and system security is a continual process. Experts recommend appointing a revenue auditor to perform daily checks and reports, performing regular preventive maintenance on fareboxes and putting policies and procedures in writing.

Revamped systems have helped many agencies attain the information they need to implement fare increases, improve routes and scheduling, and increase revenues.