The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is planning to install an automated fare collection system by 2004. Metal tokens will be replaced by smart cards at a cost of $120 million. The system is planned to be in place by July 2004 on subways and buses, and later expanded to ferries and commuter trains. MBTA officials said they're discussing using the cards as automatic banking cards, student identification and workplace access cards. Use of metal tokens in Boston is older than the system itself, as they were used as far back as 1837 for horse-drawn service.
MBTA to switch to fare cards
An automated fare collection system will be installed by 2004.
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Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
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Des Moines DART CEO Joins Minneapolis Metro Transit
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
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SEPTA to Launch New Bus Network Redesign in August
The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.
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CDTA Outlines Mobility Vision at 2026 State of the Authority Event
In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.
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WMATA Introduces Priority Seating Reminder Pilot for Metro Riders
The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.
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Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
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NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
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APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
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Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
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FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
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