CARDS WITH BRAINS

This article examines the growing use of contactless or proximity transit cards and technology, otherwise known as "smart" cards. Smart cards send a radio signal to a target at the fare gates which open and automatically debit the proper amount from the prepaid card. About 66,000 smart cards are in circulation in Washington, DC's transit system, which carries some 300,000 passengers/day. It is the largest transit system in the country operating with smart-card technology and is viewed as a national model. Many other major metropolitan areas are in the midst of procuring or are considering similar systems including Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco. The implementation of these systems and the many advantages of smart card technology are discussed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08943842
• Corporate Authors:

  Congressional Quarterly, Incorporated

  1100 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1300
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Authors:
  • Perlman, E
• Publication Date: 2000-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 40-42
• Serial:
  • Governing
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Congressional Quarterly, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0894-3842

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic fare collection; Fare and toll prepayment; Fare collection; Public transit; Smart cards; Subways; Technological innovations; Transit operating agencies; Transit riders; Urban areas; Urban transit
• Geographic Terms: Chicago (Illinois); San Francisco (California); Seattle (Washington); Washington (District of Columbia)
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00796002
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 13 2000 12:00AM