Smart card technology reduces fare collection transaction time by more than 30 percent.

Los Angeles MTA experience with smart card technology.

Date Posted
02/09/2016
Identifier
2015-B01049
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Regional Fare Policy and Fare Allocation, Innovations in Fare Equipment and Data Collection

Summary Information

The objective of this study is to examine industry trends and experiences related to the institutional, technological, data management, customer acceptance, and costs and benefits of regional transit fare programs in the United States. Performed by the National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida, the study provides an overview of regional fare programs through the use of case studies and general guidance for transportation decision-makers evaluating the feasibility of introducing regional fare programs, including fare collection and fare policy options, and resources necessary for implementation.

A major customer and agency benefit of smart card technology for fare collection is a reduction in fare processing time. The average smart card fare processing time in the LA Metro study was 2.27 seconds, compared to the 3.07 seconds for non-smart card fare collection.
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