Re: Melbourne - Metcard validation before every trip

[dbowen@custard.net.#SPAMTRAP#.au (Daniel Bowen)]

paul@xenu.ee.mu.oz.au (Paul Dwerryhouse) wrote:
>MetCard is inefficient, and hence, is not "World's Best Practice". (But if

As a contrast, check this except from an article in misc.transport.urban-transit
about new ticket machines in New York City:

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 The AVMs use pictures and miniature animation on a touch screen to
prompt customers through the sales, add-value and trade-in procedures.
Used by many bank Automated Teller Machines, touch screen technology is
already familiar to a large segment of the population. To make MetroCard
transactions, customers will simply touch areas on the screen to select
various options.

 The exteriors of the machines include color-coded compartments that
contain
controls grouped according to their functions. These features are
designed to minimize transaction times and help alleviate a major
customer complaint--long lines.  A scrolling message board at the top of
the machine holds multicolored light-emitting diodes. Any problems or
status changes (like "exact change only") are displayed here. This
Patron Information Display can also be remotely programmed to give
important messages or greetings.

 The AVMs will accept $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50 bills, coins,
credit cards and ATM (debit) cards as payment. They will dispense both
plastic MetroCards ($3 and up) and disposable paper tickets for
single-ride purchases.

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Daniel
--
Daniel Bowen, Melbourne Australia.
Remove the spam bait to email me personally...