David.Black@A.CS.CMU.EDU (01/20/86)
Jon Roma comments on fare cards in use on the IC suburban lines in Chicago.
These are not the same fare cards used by BART or Metro (DC). The Chicago
fare cards are plastic and have a back that is completely magnetic. In
contrast the DC and BART cards are cardstock with a magnetic strip. The
DC and BART cards are also smaller. The same ride-based system in use
in Chicago (IC) is also used by the PATCO High-Speed line in Philadelphia.
I think all the bugs were out by the time PATCO opened in 1969, but I was
too young then to remember.
The ride-based system has the following advantages for PATCO:
- No station attendants.
- Cards can be (and are) recycled.
--Dave