Washington DC: Metro moves to modernize fare-collection system

from the WaPo:





By Dana Hedgpeth, Published: May 23


Metro, fast approaching 40, is embarking on a lot of mid­life projects.

The transit agency is spending $5 billion rebuilding the tracks and other vital infrastructure. Millions of dollars are being eyed to redesign the system’s ’70s-era look. And preliminary plans are in the works to build another tunnel under the Potomac River.

Now, Metro is now poised to revamp the way passengers pay their fares. By July, the transit agency is expected to choose a contractor to lead the costly and complicated task of modernizing Metro’s fare-collection system.

Riders would no longer have to convert their money into Metro’s main currency — the $5 electronic SmarTrip card — to ride trains and buses. Instead, they would be able to wave a smart phone, key fob or credit card in front of a scanner as they board a bus or walk through a subway station fare gate. ....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/metro-moves-to-modernize-fare-collection-system/2013/05/23/9a3575ee-b78a-11e2-aa9e-a02b765ff0ea_story.html