MTA chief’s exit could doom open fare system
25 July, 2011
category: Contactless, Transit
Jay Walder’s recent departure as chairman of MTA could mean the end for a new open fare system, according to The New York Post.
Walden, who left MTA for a position at private Eurasian rail company MTR, got the ball rolling on a new fare system for New York’s subway and buses that would let passengers pay with contactless credit and debit cards in place of MetroCards. The system was expected to debut in 2015.
According to the New York Post, MTA also has to contend with a $9 billion budget hole, further placing Walden’s plans in doubt.
Other pet projects that may soon see the chopping block include an expansion of countdown-clock system to alert riders of wait times, and ‘Help Points,’ a new subway intercom system providing service info and emergency help.
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