CTTransit buses, including those in Darien, are getting new fare boxes over the next several months, and in some cases may already have them.
Here’s what the bus service says about the new boxes and their features:
The fareboxes have a button you can use to select the purchase of an All-Day pass. (CTTransit image)
Beginning in November 2015, CTtransit will start replacing the fare collection system on all buses. It will take several months to phase in the new system.
Note: the new fareboxes will accept the same tickets and passes as the fareboxes you are familiar with on CTtransit buses now.
The new fareboxes print on the opposite side of the ticket or pass than the old fareboxes: either imprint is valid proof of payment. This is why the appearance of the tickets and passes recently changed.
Customers using CTfastrak buses will recognize many similar farebox features. Because the process of phasing in the new fare collection system will take several months, passengers who ride frequently may encounter different fareboxes on different buses.
The new fareboxes will have a screen showing important information such as the fare due, and allow you to select a day pass or transfer. Important: this is not a touch-screen, please use the buttons for selections. A green arrow indicates the ticket slot, pass reader, and currency acceptors are ready for fare payment.
–Just as you do now, you must request the purchase of an all-day pass before inserting any money. The fareboxes have a button you can use to select the purchase of an All-Day pass: press that button then pay the fare for the pass. You may also continue to ask the Operator for the purchase of an All-Day pass—which ever way you make the request, please do it before you insert bills or coins!
–Two-hour Passes (Transfers) will also continue to be issued at the time of payment on boarding. The fareboxes have a button you can use to select a transfer: press that button then pay the fare. You may also continue to ask the Operator for the transfer–which ever way you make the request, please do it when you pay your fare!
–If you need to activate any pass for the first time you use it, or if you use 10-ride tickets, insert the pass or ticket in the ticket slot as shown (magnetic stripe facing you and to the right).
–To speed your boarding and payment, activated passes (including transfers) may be swiped on top of the new farebox. Swipe either direction, with the magnetic stripe down and facing you.
–If you are using a ticket printed by a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at a CTfastrak station as your transfer to a CTtransit bus with the new farebox, scan the QR code on the red light.
–Customers using Senior/Disabled reduced fare tickets or passes must still show a Medicare card or state-issued photo ID.
–The fareboxes continue to accept all US coins and $1.00 bills. Dollar bills must be unfolded and flat. Do not insert $5.00, $10.00 or other bills.
–Bus Operators and fareboxes do not make change. Fareboxes will only accept one ticket or pass per passenger, per transaction.
OTHER FEATURES COMING SOON
You will also notice the orange “target” on the new farebox. This is for a smart card system being developed that will become available to the public in 2016. Although the green arrow is lighted, the feature is not yet in use.