WITH BUSES ON BOARD, WMATA'S SMART-CARD SYSTEM IS READY TO GO REGIONAL

This article addresses development of the SmarTrip smart-card system within the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). With the rail and parking operations already linked by smart cards, WMATA turned to its bus fleet and equipped buses with smart cards in 2004. The article explains the range, installation, use and flexibility of smart cards. A section on smart-card reader technology takes a detailed look at the devices, and explains the advantages of smart cards over magnetic cards. The article discusses acceptance rates of the technology and methods of introducing smart cards to the general public. It also describes a pilot program integrating SmarTrip with credit cards. Plans for a regional SmarTrip program involving a number of potential partners in Maryland and northern Virginia are also discussed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32522860
• Supplemental Notes:
  • February/March 2005; Page range: pp 30, 32, 34
• Corporate Authors:

  Bobit Publishing Company

  21061 S Western Avenue
  Torrance, CA  United States  90501-1711
• Authors:
  • Starcic, J
• Publication Date: 2005-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 101
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 1098-0083
  • Serial URL: http://www.metro-magazine.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic fare collection; Regional transportation; Smart cards; Transit buses
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00988220
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 1 2005 12:00AM