OCTA is testing technology that could be applied to future fare collection systems. In a pilot project with Xerox, OCTA received and installed two bus pass vending machines in May 2013.
Customers can use the machines to purchase 1, 7 and 30-day bus passes, as well as the 5-Rides pass, prior to their trip. The machines are located at the Fullerton Transportation Center and outside the OCTA Store in Orange.
Any purchasing card with a VISA, MasterCard or American Express logo is accepted. In addition, customers can pay with their smart phones using the Google Wallet application.
OCTA’s bus pass vending machines do not accept cash, but still provide a benefit and added convenience for customers.
Usage surpassed expectations, with sales exceeding $10,000 in the first six weeks. The machine located at the Fullerton Transportation Center accounted for 84% of the sales, and nearly 50% of passes purchased were the 1-day pass. Purchasing a day pass from the vending machine or any off-bus location saves the customer 10% compared to purchasing it on the bus.
Since cash transactions on the bus contribute to schedule delays, staff expects the bus pass vending machines will help reduce on-board pass purchases.
During the pilot period, May through December 2013, OCTA will monitor transaction reliability and customer acceptance for using payment cards instead of cash for bus pass purchases.
