Transport for London (UK) has implemented a system to reduce overcharging passengers who forget to scan their Oyster cards at the end of their rail trip. Currently, pay-as-you-go customers are charged the maximum fare of £7.90 if they don’t tap off. The new system will estimate the correct fare based on previous travel patterns andRead… Read more »
A report prepared for the UK Department for Transport recommends replacing ticket agents with machines at 675 rail stations in England and Wales, according to the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association. “Not only are unmanned stations less secure, tickets bought from machines are usually more expensive,” said TSSA leader Gerry Doherty. Bob Crow, general secretary ofRead… Read more »
Toronto (ON) councilor Doug Ford has a vision for a neglected section of the city’s waterfront and it sounds a little Disneyesque. The mayor’s brother — whom the National Post calls “an idea machine” — sees a monorail connecting visitors to a shopping mall, hotel, and giant Ferris wheel. The monorail, in particular, seems toRead… Read more »
Tri Delta Transit (CA) rolled out its next-bus application last week, providing real-time arrival predictions via computer, text message, mobile device, and telephone. In addition, battery-powered kiosks display real-time information at selected stops. “We’ve been looking at this type of real-time information for about 10 years,” said CFO Steve Ponte. A $1.1 million federal grantRead… Read more »
September 1 marked the end of Chicago’s controversial seniors-ride-free program, and the transition was a little bumpy. Starting Thursday, most seniors were required to use new reduced-fare permits on the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace Suburban Bus. The Regional Transportation Authority (IL) also mailed more than 80,000 Ciricuit Ride Free cards to low-income seniorsRead… Read more »
The so-called hacktivist attacks on sites related to Bay Area Rapid Transit (CA) last month are becoming increasingly common forms of social protest, and experts warn that many government agencies do not have the resources to combat such cyberthreats. “Not just government, but many smaller organizations are outmatched when it comes to a determined hacker,”Read… Read more »
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (OH) has added quick response codes at light rail stations, park-and-rides, transit centers, and HealthLine stations. When customers point a smart phone at the code, the QR reader application directs them to route and schedule information on the RTA’s website. “The QR Codes are another way we keep theRead… Read more »
“Government is too serious,” said Philip Shucet, CEO and president of Hampton Roads Transit (VA), as he sat down to devour a dozen eggs and eight pancakes. “With all the drama that followed The Tide, it makes sense to do something fun,” he said. “Plus, I’ve been looking for an excuse to do it.” WhenRead… Read more »
Crime is up 17% in New York City’s subways, mostly because of an increase in thefts of cell phones, iPods, and other electronic gadgets. The thieves typically hang out on subway platforms and grab the electronic devices from passengers just as the doors close. “The system is as safe as it’s ever been, but youRead… Read more »
Now that carsharing programs like Zipcar have become part of the transportation landscape in major cities and university campuses, several start-ups are taking the concept further. Programs like Getaround and RelayRides are based on the concept of peer-to-peer carsharing, which allows people to rent cars directly from one another. Fast Company took a look atRead… Read more »