Reader comments: UTA incorporating smart-tech for fares
6 comments | Read story
UTA UnFan | 6:30 a.m. March 26, 2008
Now, as I sit on the first Route 327 bus of the day that is packed solid because it is so late that it picked up all the riders for the second bus, so this bus is full, and was just passed on the freeway by the second bus of the day - which is empty - I am thinking that, perhaps, instead of "smart-tech" fee systems, UTA would be better served by getting some "smart-tech" drivers and supervisors - so they could finally figure out how to keep their stinkin busses on time.
Eric Hyer | 8:18 a.m. March 26, 2008
The Washington, D.C. Metro system has been using the Smart Card system for years. UTA is not the first to do so and should have done it years ago.
Utah Resident | 9:39 a.m. March 26, 2008
New York City is using a system called MetroCard, in that you slide the Card through the turnstyle in order to ride the Subway; this Card is also used on MTA Transit Buses in NYC, So UTA is lying when in says it will be the first in the country to use an Electronic Fare System; UTA, stop your lieing and start telling the truth for once.
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dbc | 5:40 p.m. March 26, 2008
I have used the MetroCard in New York, and it is different than the system UTA is proposing. The system UTA is looking at is “contactless” the MetroCard requires the user to pass the card through a device that reads the magnetic strip. We use ID badges at work that are “contactless.” You simply wave our badge within six inches or so of a reader to activate the door, or whatever device it operates. I don’t believe UTA is lying. I have not heard of or used a system similar to this on any transit system in the US.
Stenar | 6:58 p.m. March 26, 2008
The UTA system would not necessarily require you to buy a MetroCard out of a vending machine like in NYC, either. You would use your own bank-issued debit card which has this "contactless" tag in it with a radio signal to pay for your fare. If you don't have one of these cards from your bank, it sounds like you could purchase a card similar to the ones in NYC from UTA. UTA is not lying. This is clearly different technology.
John I | 9:19 p.m. March 26, 2008
Who actually pays to ride TRAX?
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