TriMet is replacing its Bus Dispatch System (BDS) to comply with Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations. As part of the upgrade, TriMet has the option to install on-board transfer printers. These printers would replace the current paper transfer system and eliminate the need for punches. We want know what bus operators think of this option.
Would it make issuing transfers easier?
Would it be simpler for customers?
See Max comments-employees can fill out survey in express line area of Trinet
Are there any other issues that should be considered?
There’s a demonstration of the transfer printer on display in the Center St report area. You can check it out during spring sign up through January 26. Try it out and tell us what you think by completing a survey.
In 2012, new CAD/AVL equipment, including a replacement for the VCH, will be installed on all TriMet buses to replace our outdated BDS system.
One upgrade option that TriMet is considering is a transfer printer, to replace the current cutter bar-metal punch-newsprint transfer system.
Here’s what this option would involve:
• Installing a transfer printer—a device about the size of two bricks stacked together— on each bus, in addition to the device that replaces the VCH.
• The operator pushes a button on the screen; a transfer with the correct expiration time prints out.
• Transfer paper and print quality are similar to tickets from newer ticket vending machines.
• Each roll of paper lasts for 300-500 tickets.
• Instead of punching and tearing transfers throughout the day, the operator changes the paper about once a day on Frequent Service lines, and less often on other lines.
The CAD/AVL team wants to know what bus operators think of the transfer printer option. A demo unit is on display during spring signup (Jan. 17-26) in the Center report area.
4 comments:
Seems like it still requires an operator to look at transfers -- they're replacing old technology with slightly newer technology.
Vancouver BC:
- bills are not accepted
- after paying, the printer prints a magnetic striped card
- to transfer, you insert the card and it beeps or boops if you're OK or not; then gives you the card back. It checks zone + expiration.
- operator doesn't look at the ticket unless it can't be read by the machine.
- books of tickets already have the magnetic strip, and you get a discount for buying a book instead of paying cash
- they have a 3-zoned system
- transfers are good for 90 minutes, only for the zones you paid for (like our All-zone / 2-zone system)
Just add ORCA and then I think this is everything we need, no?
Don't buy the printers; wait until you have a real solution.
Thanks for that MAX, you cleared up my ambivalence.
This strikes me as just a timid modification to the current system. It might eliminate mis-punching, but it doesn't eliminate the driver visually interpreting the transfers AND it provides another piece of printer technology to jam up and require on-the-road attention by supervisors and mechanics.
It'll be just expensive enough to implement that it will prevent a REAL advance in payment technology from happening for, say, another decade at Trimet.
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