Transitioning to electronic, card-based transit fare collection system costs $41,999,739 for a large transit provider.

Base cost of transition to the EASY Card Payment System for Miami-Dade Transit.

Made Public Date
02/09/2016
Identifier
2015-SC00358
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Summary Information

The objective of this study is to examine industry trends and experiences related to the institutional, technological, data management, customer acceptance, and costs and benefits of regional transit fare programs in the United States. Performed by the National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida, the study provides an overview of regional fare programs through the use of case studies and general guidance for transportation decision-makers evaluating the feasibility of introducing regional fare programs, including fare collection and fare policy options, and resources necessary for implementation.

 

System Costs

Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) introduced the EASY Card Payment System with the intention of significantly improving financial management and revenue generation, fare collection control, operation efficiency, cost effectiveness, and customer convenience. MDT operates approximately 90 fixed bus routes, a 22.6 mi elevated heavy rail system, and a 4.4 mi fully-automated people mover system. The overall costs of the system are detailed in the following table:

 

Base System
Costs
Rail Equipment – Fare Gates and Barriers
$7,604,480
Rail Equipment – Vending Equipment
$6,244,226
Bus Equipment
$20,549,970
AFC Computer Systems
$1,058,917
Other Equipment and Services
$3,237,419
Other Costs
$348,857
Fare Media
$2,955,870
Total Cost of Base System
$41,999,739
Optional Systems
Costs
Option 1 – Additional Rail and Bus Equipment and Services
$12,567,363
Option 2 – Special Transportation Services Equipment and Services
$3,793,665
Option 3 – Parking System Equipment and Services
$600,000
Option 4 – Extended Warranties
$1,622,175
Option 5 – APTA UTFS Part 3 Compliant Devices
$394,710
Option 6 – Payment Card Industry Digital Security Standard Compliance
$232,586
Total Cost of Options
$19,200,499

In addition to the base system, MDT opted for the Parking System Equipment and Services option and plans implementation of Option 2, Special Transportation Services Equipment and Services.

System Cost

Miami-Dade Card-based transit fare collection system - $41,999,739