JTA buses to get smart card system in 2012

[thelakelander]

This is a great step in making our existing transit system more end user friendly and efficient.

Starting next year, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority will switch to a new, automated payment system with a smart card for bus passengers.

The smart card, which looks like a credit card, will replace the 20 or so different bus passes that exist today, part of a system that has been in place for a generation.

When the new system goes into place, the options for riding the bus will be the pass, tickets and cash, said JTA mass transit director Clinton Forbes. That will make it easier for bus drivers and eliminate fraud, he said.

"Right now there are so many different fares and passes," Forbes said, "and the bus drivers have to know what all of them are."

Bus ridership has increased by about 8 percent in 2011 over last year, and a better automated payment system should help increase ridership even more, said JTA spokeswoman Shannon Eller.

The cost of the conversion is $4.6 million, with the money coming from federal stimulus funds.

full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-07-05/story/jacksonville-buses-getting-automated-payment-system-2012

[Jaxson]

Finally!

[Dapperdan]

Will it still only take exact change?  Why not add credit card processing as well?

[wsansewjs]

JTA still continues to be a group of buffoons.

-golf claps- REALLLL classy!

The old ticket collection system is 20 years old. Once the new system is in place, JTA will look to sell the old one but isn't sure anyone will want to buy it.

It could just end up being sold for scrap metal, Forbes said.

Seriously, what the -bleepin-? Why do I need to know about how they are going to trash the old machine and being REAL concerned about who they can sell to WHEN they should be focusing on fixing their -bleepin- failing system.

It makes me so furious that I wouldn't hesitate in pressing the KNEEL button of the bus to clamp the buffoons' feet down prior them stepping in.

-Josh

[iMarvin]

Finally! Hopefully they have a machine at all the bus stops (or as many as possible) for people to buy the cards with.

[Charles Hunter]

Maybe I missed it in the article, but will the new fare machines be used at the Skyway stations, too?

[iMarvin]

Maybe I missed it in the article, but will the new fare machines be used at the Skyway stations, too?

It didn't say anything about it, but I would assume they would use it. If they didn't, it would be really dumb.

[Todd_Parker]

Maybe I missed it in the article, but will the new fare machines be used at the Skyway stations, too?

It didn't say anything about it, but I would assume they would use it. If they didn't, it would be really dumb.

Well, that settles it. The new fare machines will not be at the skyway stations.

[Doctor_K]

Maybe I missed it in the article, but will the new fare machines be used at the Skyway stations, too?

It didn't say anything about it, but I would assume they would use it. If they didn't, it would be really dumb.

Agree.  but then, "dumb" (or at least short- to no-sighted) is par for the course with JTA more often than not.

[fsujax]

maybe the Skyway will become free! no need for new equipment.

[iMarvin]

Maybe I missed it in the article, but will the new fare machines be used at the Skyway stations, too?

It didn't say anything about it, but I would assume they would use it. If they didn't, it would be really dumb.

Agree.  but then, "dumb" (or at least short- to no-sighted) is par for the course with JTA more often than not.

You're right. It's almost sad how JTA just does stuff without even thinking it out.

maybe the Skyway will become free! no need for new equipment.

Lol. Let's hope so!