FARE COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

In order to assist managers of transit properties with the design or modification of their fare collection systems and equipment, a project was initiated with the following objectives: 1) to prepare an inventory of fare collection systems and equipment in use around the world; 2) to prepare guidelines for designing and implementing a fare collection system; and 3) to hold a roundtable discussion on experience with fare collection systems and equipment. The results of the study are presented in this report. It is concluded that fare collection system improvements are required in the areas of fare differentiation, fare control, passenger statistics, passenger convenience, social equity and fare integration. The following recommendations are also put forth: 1) that transport properties give serious consideration to alternative media such as magnetically-encoded tickets and passes for fare payment; 2) that the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) coordinate the development of industry standards for magnetic passes; and 3) that CUTA approach senior government officials for sponsorship to conduct an exhaustive testing program of the magnetic ticket readers on the market to assist in selecting the product that most adequately meets Canadian needs.