The technology of fare collection in use by WMATA

Three applications of modern technology are described in the field of fare collection for a regional transit system, including both bus and rail operations. The first application described includes electrical/electronic/pneumatic technology used in revenue-handling for Metrobus operations. The equipment is installed and operating in slightly over half our garages which account for approximately forty percent of our fleet. Installation and test are underway to complete the conversion by 31 May 1976. Ten installations are programmed for eight garages and approximately 1900 buses. The second application describes the use of stored-value Farecards for travel on our Metrorail system. This equipment embodies magnetic-stripe technology and a large number of microprocessors. First deliveries are scheduled this fall, and it is expected that, when the second group of rail stations is opened in early 1977, enough of this equipment will be available to equip all stations then in revenue operations. The third application describes an unmet need. Bus equipment which can handle the Metrorail Farecard is an obvious and anticipated extension of the system. Unfortunately, funding limitations have halted an UMTA/Mitre effort which was leading to such equipment. The needs of the system, and a brief description of the effort to date, may inspire some readers to pursue the matter further.