Re: Melbourne ATM's -- "touch" panels?

["Translib Pty. Ltd." <enquiry@translib.com.au>]

Paul Dwerryhouse wrote:
> 
> Just wondering -- does anyone know if the swipe/touch panels that
> are built into the Melbourne ATM validators work yet? Or if they will
> be working when the system first opens?

Here at Glenferrie, all barriers are now in operation.  As far as the
smart MetCard is concerned, OneLink technicians has done numerous tests
and barriers seem to behave themselves quite nicely.  Because the old
paper Met tickets are still in use, staff at this station usually set
one barrier gate (for each ramp) open at all times.  As people walking
through this particular gate, the barrier gives a single "beep" sound
(very similar to bellbirds).

> If not, I can see the standard method for validating tickets
> is going to become a royal pain in the neck - firstly from the point
> of view that it's very _slow_, and secondly because I can imagine a
> monthly ticket probably won't survive a week without being folded or
> creased somehow.

Unfortunately, smart MetCards are not on sale as yet.  Not sure when
they will come in though.

> Call me a luddite - however, I prefer the term "seasoned public transport
> user". I know what is convenient, and frankly standing in the middle of
> a huge group of people waiting to validate their tickets on the way out
> of Museum station won't exactly be enjoyable...   :)

Just wait some idoits decide to put paper Met ticket or other foreign
objects through the ticket insert hole.  How about electricity blackout
at the station?  Backup power generator(s)?  There certainly isn't one
here at Glenferrie!!

Cheers,

I.C.

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