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.

Agencies are looking beyond conventional ads and tapping new technology, such as virtual grocery stores, regenerative braking and Groupon, to bring in more funds.

Metal scavengers have stolen copper wires from SEPTA's tracks. The agency is spending up to $500,000 yearly to repair and replace the damaged equipment.

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.

To improve customer service as well as decrease confrontations with passengers and driver assaults, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) teamed up with Philadelphia's Red Kite Project LLC to create a unique training program that focuses on the life experiences of the drivers.

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.

GM Joseph M. Casey, who has led the agency for the past three years, is implementing his vision in the form of improved customer service, sustainability programs and plans for technology upgrades.

NJ Transit is publicizing the Quiet Commute cars on its Website and also plans to wrap one of the cars to advertise their availability.