Electronic ticketing system: implementation process

There is no doubt that the implementation of automated systems for fare collection, or electronic ticketing, is already a reality within the Brazilian market of public transport. Recent data identify more than 80 projects already established in the country, more than 30 being implemented, and about 14 projects being developed, where the implementation is foreseen up to the end of this year. Those figures show an unquestionable trend of migration from the present systems of fare collection (cash payment) towards automated control systems. This is not an isolated phenomenon but is related to the decrease of the number of passengers carried and to the increase of operational costs, which are also intrinsically related to the presence of alternative transport (paratransit) and the low quality of the service provided by public transport service operators. The main objective of this paper is to develop an in depth assessment within this framework of continuous changes and technological updating. It will also describe a methodological procedure (based on a case study) that may help the implementation process of electronic ticketing systems in other bus companies. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215911.