Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Sixteen new machines are now operating at a dozen LINK stations. The move will make it easier, quicker and more convenient for bus passengers in the East Valley to purchase fares before riding transit.

In January 2012, NJ Transit became the first transit agency in North America to introduce Bank Note Recycler technology, which allows the machines to dispense change in the form of paper bills — ones, fives, tens and twenties — instead of dollar coins.

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.

In response to concerns about whether the agency was collecting all of its fare revenue, TriMet is increasing the number of staff dedicated to fare enforcement. It will also shift from a warning and education focus to issuing citations and exclusions if riders are found without a valid fare. The base fine for not having a valid fare is $175; exclusions from the system can extend up to 90 days.

The new fare collection equipment to be installed in nine Muni Metro stations this fall has been used in cities around the country and the world, such as London and Atlanta.