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10/26/2012
After years of talking about it, the city is ready to jump into installing a 'smart fare system' on Edmonton Transit.
City council will vote on seeking assistance from the province next week. A report details costs, and money savings over the next ten years.
"I think our transit system is really stuck in the old century," said Councillor Amarjeet Sohi.
That's why he says council has stopped talking about, and ready to take some action.
"The smart fare technology has the potential to revolutionize our system. It will improve customer experience, it will create efficiencies, over $12-million in savings over ten years."
"People getting on the bus will have the seamless experience where they don't have to rely on looking for change or the bus pass, or the transfer."
He's also pumped that the technology will allow you with a smart phone be able to tell where the bus is, so you can time your walk to the bus stop, and not have to wait so long.
Once the vote takes place next week, then the request will go to the Capital Region Board, so a metro wide system can be put in place with St. Albert and Strathcona County.
The cost split according to the report is 70-30.
Sohi however admits, government moves slowly, and after competition from providers and other tendering, it'll likely be two more years before you see the smart card in use. (sj/gb)
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