by MACTRAXX
Everyone - two more observations to think about:
1-I was told that the new Key laptop and small reader system is actually slower than
the current method of selling legacy passes and tickets at outlying stations. With cash
it was an easy fast transaction. The small machine that handles credit and debit cards
is of a phone line-based system with slow response at times. Having the first working
day of the month rule in which the previous month's pass is valid until 10 AM worked
well especially if there were long sales lines at outlying stations.
With the Key ALL passes and ticket types requested need to use the new system.
Monday February 3rd is going to be a day to take note of since it will be the first
major test of the new Key sales system along with the continuing draw down of
the availability of legacy passes. Let's see how it performs with high demand...
2-A Conductor I know told me that the on-board readers - which are basically a
glorified cellular phone - are not totally reliable and also suffer from dead spots
the same as a regular cell phone would. Having to scan ALL Key cards along with
their traditional punching of tickets and cash fare receipts is making their jobs
HARDER knowing that legacy passes - which were used by the majority of RRD
riders - are visually observed/checked allowing more time to collect other fares.
Will a full Proof of Payment system ever be feasible on Regional Rail?
That will be an interesting question to be seen entering the 2020s decade...
MACTRAXX
1-I was told that the new Key laptop and small reader system is actually slower than
the current method of selling legacy passes and tickets at outlying stations. With cash
it was an easy fast transaction. The small machine that handles credit and debit cards
is of a phone line-based system with slow response at times. Having the first working
day of the month rule in which the previous month's pass is valid until 10 AM worked
well especially if there were long sales lines at outlying stations.
With the Key ALL passes and ticket types requested need to use the new system.
Monday February 3rd is going to be a day to take note of since it will be the first
major test of the new Key sales system along with the continuing draw down of
the availability of legacy passes. Let's see how it performs with high demand...
2-A Conductor I know told me that the on-board readers - which are basically a
glorified cellular phone - are not totally reliable and also suffer from dead spots
the same as a regular cell phone would. Having to scan ALL Key cards along with
their traditional punching of tickets and cash fare receipts is making their jobs
HARDER knowing that legacy passes - which were used by the majority of RRD
riders - are visually observed/checked allowing more time to collect other fares.
Will a full Proof of Payment system ever be feasible on Regional Rail?
That will be an interesting question to be seen entering the 2020s decade...
MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS