An exciting update from SMART:.jpg)
SMART is making progressive strides to provide more convenient, modern, and customer-friendly service for its riders. Launching the first of several technology projects to upgrade its Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), SMART announced that it will be installing new fareboxes in February to replace outdated technology using some of the $20.2 million it received last year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The new fareboxes increase accuracy, providing greater reliability and less maintenance. The fareboxes can issue change cards that passengers can use for future bus rides. Future fare options will include Smart Card technology, allowing riders to carry a debit-like bus card around with them for ease and convenience – all riders have to do is tap the card and go.
SMART will also convert its 275 fixed-route buses and 110 paratransit vehicles to biodiesel fuel utilizing funds from its 2010 budget. This change is expected to increase fuel efficiency on average by 17 percent per bus and save approximately $250,000 annually.
Within the next 18 months, an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) System will also be updated, improving reliability and enabling passengers to receive next bus arrival information on their phones. SMART will also add shelters to increase customer comfort, and accessibility to its buses.For more information, go to www.smartbus.org or call Customer Information at 866-962-5515.