Everyone:
1-For the first time - an actual good incentive to use the SEPTA Key: Free at all times within PA for
seniors eliminating the $1 fare and $8.50 ten ride tickets. How does SEPTA plan to collect additional
fare to Zone NJ and to Wilmington and Newark? From what I see there is no incentive for a senior
rider to tap in or out in NJ or DE instead relying on train crews to collect an added on board fare.
2-Take a look at the Pittsburgh area's Connect Card...The biggest difference that I noticed is that
unlimited weekly and monthly passes are offered - no dreaded "cap" limit to worry about - along
with the initial cost of only $1(!!!) to purchase one. PAT is similar to SEPTA in that single ride cash
fares have no transfers available - a CC must be used for transfer privileges.
http://www.connectcard.org/faqs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
3-As AH notes above there has to be adequate security for any unattended TVMs to prevent not
only vandalism but to further prevent crimes such as skimming devices being placed on them to
steal bank account information...A few years ago the LIRR discovered that an organized ring of
thieves from eastern Europe was placing skimmers on credit/debit card TVM devices along with
a tiny camera to steal PIN numbers - a commuter discovered this when the camera fell off when
they went to use a card to purchase tickets. The MTA Police investigated and used an interesting
method to catch those responsible by disarming the skimmer and placing it back on the machine
staking out the TVMs until they came back to get their devices to make arrests. The MTA acted
quickly so customer confidence in the LIRR TVM system would not be further compromised.
Each TVM - and each tap reader on platforms - should have a distinct number so any problems
can be reported promptly. Example: The readers on the high-level platform at North Wales can
be identified - Northbound platform NWN1,2,3,4; Southbound platform NWS1,2,3,4 along with
a toll-free number to report TVM or card reader problems.
I will comment further on this subject in a subsequent post...MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS