Base cost of transition to the EASY Card Payment System for Miami-Dade Transit.
Miami, Florida, United States
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.
Regional Fare Policy and Fare Allocation, Innovations in Fare Equipment and Data Collection
Miami-Dade Card-based transit fare collection system - $41,999,739