ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[jwilliamson]

"ION fares will be paid on the platform and customers will be required to carry proof that a fare was paid. There will be no staff present to validate fares while customers board. Instead, inspectors will randomly check cards and tickets."

That was in the report to Regional Council on electronic fares. Buying your ticket on the platform was news to me.

[plam]

"ION fares will be paid on the platform and customers will be required to carry proof that a fare was paid. There will be no staff present to validate fares while customers board. Instead, inspectors will randomly check cards and tickets."

That was in the report to Regional Council on electronic fares. Buying your ticket on the platform was news to me.

Key part of any rapid transit system. Buying fares on-board takes too long unless you have a second staff person who circulates to sell the fares, but that only works in low-wage places like Vietnam.

[Canard]

Buying fares on-board takes too long unless you have a second staff person who circulates to sell the fares, but that only works in low-wage places like Vietnam.

(I've riden many systems with on-board fare collection in Scandanavia, Japan, & the UK. Those aren't low-wage places!)

...agree that PoP is the way to go though, for certain.

[KevinL]

Keep in mind the majority of riders will be tapping a farecard, which will be facilitated by easily-accessed readers near the station entrance (and along the platform). Those who lack a card will use a ticket machine.

[plam]

Buying fares on-board takes too long unless you have a second staff person who circulates to sell the fares, but that only works in low-wage places like Vietnam.

(I've riden many systems with on-board fare collection in Scandanavia, Japan, & the UK. Those aren't low-wage places!)

...agree that PoP is the way to go though, for certain.

Really? You've been to Japan more recently than I have. But it seems like most systems in Japan and the UK require you to buy before boarding, e.g. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenue_Pr..._Inspector.

[Canard]

While the majority of systems are like that, Hiroshima had a second staff member aboard it's tram system, and you paid your fair when exiting at their station (board all doors, exit 1 door).

In Stockholm (or was it Göteborg?), the fare attendant on board walked up and down, looking for new passengers. You'd then pay them and they'd use a machine to issue you a ticket.

I just wanted to point out that it's not uncommon or limited to third-world applications to have onboard fare collection/verification.

[KevinL]

While most trams in Amsterdam require you to use a farecard or ticket machine, some along the tourist routes actually have a collector in a little booth; they both sell tickets and give directions and assistance.

[plam]

While the majority of systems are like that, Hiroshima had a second staff member aboard it's tram system, and you paid your fair when exiting at their station (board all doors, exit 1 door).

In Stockholm (or was it Göteborg?), the fare attendant on board walked up and down, looking for new passengers. You'd then pay them and they'd use a machine to issue you a ticket.

I just wanted to point out that it's not uncommon or limited to third-world applications to have onboard fare collection/verification.

I suppose it happens from time to time, but it still seems hard to pay for this additional staff member in most places and so I would say that it is fairly uncommon to have a person collecting fares on-board.

In Switzerland there are only 3 lines where you don't have to buy your fare ahead of time, the 3 touristic lines which cost way more than everything else. (I tried to find the trains below S-class trains here: https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/timetabl...mbols.html but could not find them on any schedule). Of course, staff is probably the most expensive in Switzerland than anywhere else. In general, Switzerland is on a proof-of-payment system.

While most trams in Amsterdam require you to use a farecard or ticket machine, some along the tourist routes actually have a collector in a little booth; they both sell tickets and give directions and assistance.

Yep, tourist routes are the ones that it seems to me can afford on-board ticketing.

[Canard]

We totally agree. I'm just pointing out its not an exclusive rule that it doesn't appear everywhere.

[DKsan]

This might be a useful idea for frequent users. http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/...ckets.html

This is interesting because Lille's transit operator is Keolis, which happens to be the same future operator for the ION.

[Pheidippides]

This metal storage box at the Huron natural area (2/3rd the size of a TPSS?) looks pretty good once painted:
   

[Pheidippides]

King is now paved 1/2 way to Union from John.

The forms for the Allen station are nearly done.

King between Allen and William is currently being paved.

[timio]

Nothing overly exciting or unknown in the most recent update. Ottawa/Mill was closed for gas work the past few weeks before they could start the LRT related work.

Still no advertised date for Benton/Frederick to close, despite fences being up along the sidewalks.

[tomh009]

Still no advertised date for Benton/Frederick to close, despite fences being up along the sidewalks.

I have to believe that this is waiting for the completion of the work at Queen St and Charles St.

[KevinL]

Yes, they'll want to open Queen before closing Benton.

Also now open: the main K-W Hospital entrance. No more U-turns!