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Fare Collection

One of the central strategies to reducing the dwell time on a route is to reduce the time for passengers to board through the utilization of a fare collection technology that facilitates speedy boarding. Dwell time can comprise up to or even over 25% of the end to end travel time, thus the reduction of this component will be of major benefit to the both bus users and operating company. Several alternative fare collection systems exist, from the relatively low-tech using exact change to highly advance smartcard technologies.

The three primary attributes of a fare collection system are as follows:

• Fare Collection Process – i.e. how the fare is physically paid, processed and verified. This element can have an impact on the dwell time and reliability of the service. It also influences the fare evasion and enforcement procedures and has operating and capital cost impacts.
• Fare Media – The choice of fare media is based on the collection process prescribed for a service. Cash or paper media are among the simplest and most traditional forms of fare media available, however, while inexpensive to implement, can be among the slowest to process impacting on the dwell time and reliability of the service. Magnetic strip media (for example the MetroCard) are another popular form of fare media. These cards store information as to the number of trips available, based on a monetary or time-based system (or both). There is an increased expense in the implementation of this form of media as electronic readers are required.
• Smart Cards – these support faster and more flexible fare collection systems. They can you either contactless or proximity systems. These are generally the most expensive form of fare media in terms of the media itself as well as the technology required to operate the system.

There are 4 basic forms of fare payment systems utilized in transit networks; the following discusses these four systems:

On-Board Payment – This system involves a transaction (using whichever fare media) at a system adjacent to the drivers’ position. It requires the passengers to board at a single location and pay as they enter. This can result in increased dwell times, which when combined with the door and internal layout of the bus can result is significant delays, particularly at high boarding and alighting points on the route. The advantage, however, is that there is negligible fare evasion as a result of each passenger passing the driver.

Conductor Validated Payment – This system requires that a driver and a separate conductor be employed on each bus, whereby passengers can either buy a ticket or have a pre-paid ticket validated. While this system has higher operating cost, in terms of the labor requirements, it has the advantage of allowing for the speedier boardings and minimal dwell-times.

Barrier Enforced Payment – This system requires the provision of turnstiles or ticket agents to allow access to a secure location whereby passengers can board a bus without having to pay either on entry or on-board the vehicle. Essentially the fare-control area operates similar to a subway platform; however, this would be the most expensive option of the above in terms of capital and operating costs. Ticketing machines as well as the barriers, including the maintenance cost can be prohibitive to the provision of such a system. The system can be used in entry control or in entry and exit control in the case of a distance based fare structure.

Proof of Payment System – This requires the rider to carry a valid (usually by time and day) ticket or pass when on the vehicle. The riders are subject to a random check of tickets/passes by roving inspectors. The advantage of such a system is that it supports the use of multiple door boardings and thus lower dwell times. There is however, a greater chance of fare evasion.

The fare structure is also an important consideration under this element.

Flat fares impose the same cost per ride regardless of time of day or length of trip. This is the most straightforward and minimizes the responsibilities of the operator and potential level of confusion for riders. It also therefore speeds up boarding times.

Differentiated fares are charged depending on time of day, length of trip and type of customer. This type of system can lead to greater levels of confusion for riders and increased dwell times for bus operators (assuming the ticket is purchased on-board) as well as increased levels of validation for inspectors if applicable. An additional cost may the requirement to provide machines to track the locations where passengers board and then alight the vehicle, so that the correct fare is applied.

Authors: Ian McNamara and Mark Miller