Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Part of planned move to an open fare payment system would eliminated extra-fare zone charges on dozens of transit routes and there would be some consolidation of zones on regional rail.

One of the companies behind the Chicago Transit Authority’s Ventra open payment fare pass and debit card received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau. The rating was based on nearly 100 complaints in the last three years.

Beginning in summer 2013, Ventra will enable customers to pay for rides with contactless payment methods, including Ventra Cards; Ventra Tickets for single-ride and one-day passes; and personal bank-issued debit and credit cards equipped with a contactless chip.

During the meeting, agencies discussed strategies for accepting open bank card payments for public transportation; challenges and opportunities for commuter rail; best practices for transit business and technical architectures; financial industry technologies and directions that affect fare collection; and the impact of new fare collection systems on fare policy.

Launched a website for customers to sign up for project updates on its pilot program to let commuter rail riders purchase and display tickets on their smart phones. Expects to pilot the program on one commuter rail line in the early fall.

Company will transition the agency from its current agency-issued fare media to an open payment system where customers can use their existing credit or debit cards as a ticket, bringing the retail experience to transit ticketing.

Conductors will use Apple iPhone 4s equipped with a device that enables train crews to make credit and debit-as-credit sales and print out tickets in one transaction. The device will also be used to process onboard cash sales. The pilot is scheduled to run through Oct. 9.

A big part of the province’s decision to develop Presto cards for $250 million was to facilitate transit trips using one fare card across municipal systems. The move will make Presto more ubiquitous in the region since 85 per cent of area commuters include the TTC in their trips.

Riders will soon be able to pay for travel on trains, buses and trolleys using bank cards, mobile devices, and other emerging “smart” technologies. The board authorized a loan commitment agreement that will provide up to $175M in funding for the project and related improvements.

Technology will be integrated across PATCO’s 14-mile line, and will allow riders to pay fares with a debit or credit card. For the first half of the year-long pilot, Cubic’s banking partner will issue a branded reloadable prepaid card with a contactless interface. During the second half, riders can pay with any bank card containing a contactless chip.