Title
CATS Fare Box Replacement and Smart Card System
Action
Action:
Approve a contract with Genfare-SPX in the amount of $7,712,827 to replace fare boxes on CATS buses and to implement smart card technology for the fare payment system.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Larry Kopf, CATS
Explanation
* CATS currently has a fleet of 316 fixed-route buses, and each is equipped with a fare box system that was purchased in 1998. The system and equipment are beyond their useful life and the parts are not always readily available to procure.
* CATS has experienced increased fare box malfunctions while in service, resulting in lost revenue from passenger fare.
* The contract with Genfare-SPX will allow CATS to replace the fare box system and equipment on CATS buses. The contract includes:
* New fare boxes on buses and 34 spare fare boxes. The spare boxes will be used during preventative maintenance services, allowing CATS buses to remain in service while repairs are made;
* The procurement of data and revenue gathering equipment; and
* Appropriate hardware for two CATS garage locations.
* The new system will accept many different forms of payment (e.g. cash, debit/credit cards, etc.) CATS will phase in smart card technology, which will allow a passenger to wave a fare card over the fare box, resulting in the deduction of the proper fare from the card. CATS will also phase in mobile payment option, allowing passengers to purchase a ticket via a smart phone. The ticket will display on the smart phone, and will be recognized by the fare box system as a valid ticket.
* The new fare collection system is also characterized by:
* The ability to load value onto a reusable smart card remotely;
* Barcoding, which will permit mobile payment (i.e., with a cell phone);
* Enhanced currency recognition for customers who pay cash;
* The ability to issue change cards (change cards allows customer who insert a $5, $10 or $20 bill to pay for a transit ride to rece...
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