SEPTA finally starts moving towards smart fare collection system

SEPTA decided that by this time next week, they will have a contract awarded to a contractor to create a smart card fare collection system for the transit agency.  SEPTA plans to try a contact-less smart card system, similar to the Smartrip card in Washington, DC and the CharlieCard in Boston. 

In fact, instead of a closed system, where the value on the card is only good for SEPTA buses and trains, the transportation authority is looking at one that is based on Visa and Mastercards.  That way, a bus or train ride would just be another transaction on the card.  For those who don't have credit cards, SEPTA will provide their own special cards where value can be added at vending machines.  With this system, the "SEPTA cards" may not be compatible with PATCO's Freedom Card.

SEPTA hopes to have this system implemented by 2010, but they aren't sure if that's possible.  Also, such a system can cost over 100 million dollars to impletment.

You can find more information about SEPTA's plan to upgrade its fare collection system at the following website: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20071130_SEPTA_sets_a_course_for_smart_cards.html.