ContactlessNews | Smart cards coming to Vancouver's transit system

Monday, January 17, 2011

TransLink has a signed a contract with IBM Canada and Cubic Transportation Systems to bring smart card-based fare payment technology to Vancouver’s transit system, according to The Cloverdale Reporter.

Slated for a 2013 launch, the new system will allow passengers on Metro Vancouver public transportation, including the rapid transit SkyTrain, to pay for trips with a single smart card.

According to The Cloverdale Reporter, the project boasts a $171 million budget, of which $84 million will go to Cubic for the operating system, fare gates, smart card vending machines, readers and other equipment. Most of the remaining budget will go toward upgrading SkyTrain stations with new turnstiles.

TransLink expects the new system will improve efficiency, curb fare evasion and provide greater convenience for travelers with the single card payment method.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County has released an update on its intended roll out of a contactless smart card transit system, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The project was originally put on hold due to issues with the new fare boxes.

Calgary pilots smart card payments for public transit

Calgary, Alberta is pushing forward with the anticipated summer launch of a new smart card payment system for public transit, according to the Calgary Herald.

City Council hopes for new transit card system in the future

The Invercargill City Council announced it will equip its passenger transport buses with new electronic ticketing machines in the hope that it leads to the introduction a new smart transit card system, according to The Southland Times.

Ottawa gives away 200,000 free PRESTO cards to transit riders

The City of Ottawa is doing everything it can to get OC Transpo riders on board with the new smart card technology, which is set to launch later this summer, according to OttawaStart.

Comments