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MTA Announces Smart Card Fare Payment Pilot

Posted by
on June 2nd, 2010 at 12:30 am

Yesterday afternoon, the MTA announced it was teaming up with select partners on a Smart Card fare payment pilot. The pilot will include the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PATH), NJ Transit (NJT) and MasterCard Worldwide. Here are the details courtesy of a press release I received:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PATH), NJ TRANSIT (NJT) and MasterCard Worldwide today announced the launch of a six month pilot program in which MasterCard PayPass will be accepted for fare payments on select train and bus routes throughout New York City and New Jersey. Today’s announcement enables riders of the three transit systems to purchase fares and transfer between transit systems simply by tapping a single type of contactless credit or debit card or device.

The trial, which will take place June 1 – November 30, 2010, is the first payment system to link the transit agencies, replacing the need for riders to carry specific fare cards for three separate transit systems. For example, commuters transferring from a PATH train to the New York City subway will need only one type of payment device for each ride – their MasterCard PayPass card or device – to “Tap & Go™”, improving the overall customer experience through increased speed and convenience.

Multiple bus and train routes across New York City and New Jersey will be participating in the trial, including subway locations on the Lexington Avenue train line (4,5,6) from 138th Street in the Bronx through Borough Hall in Brooklyn, eight MTA bus routes (M14, M23, M79, M86, M101, M102, M103 and BxM7), 11 PATH stations (excluding only the Christopher and 9th Street stations), and three NJ TRANSIT bus routes (6, 80, 87).

Specially-equipped payment readers featuring the MasterCard PayPass brand mark and universal contactless symbol have been installed on select turnstiles and fare boxes along these routes to alert commuters that contactless payments are accepted.

The trial program is an extension of a successful pilot of contactless payments conducted by the MTA with MasterCard and Citigroup beginning in July 2006 when contactless readers were placed in 80 fare gates at 30 stations on the Lexington Avenue train line. During this new trial all MasterCard PayPass cards and devices will be accepted from any issuing financial institution.

“The technology that we’re testing will make life easier for our customers and help reduce our cost of doing business at the same time,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder. “By using an open network we’ll break down regional barriers and let people travel across the region with a card that’s already sitting in their wallets. We’re thrilled to be working with the Port Authority, NJ TRANSIT and MasterCard to test these innovations for our customers.”

Using their MasterCard PayPass or other contactless payment-enabled card or device, riders will be able to choose from a “Pre-Fund” or “Pay-As-You-Go” fare option, and on MTA and NJT services can take advantage of existing time-based fares, such as One Day, Weekly, Bi-Weekly or Monthly passes, as well as discounted fares for senior citizens, disabled and student riders. All fares purchased using a PayPass-enabled card or device will be automatically applied to customers’ MasterCard credit or debit accounts, eliminating the need to fumble for cash or wait in line at ticket machines and counters. Transit riders can go to www.ridenynj.com for more information on how to participate.

“PATH is a natural fit for testing innovations such as MasterCard PayPass that can help customers travel seamlessly between mass-transit systems in New York and New Jersey,’’ said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. “This program aligns with our interest in improving reliability and simplifying fare payment, increasing capacity, and ultimately attracting more customers to the region’s mass-transit systems.”

“For our bus customers, particularly those who commute in New Jersey and New York every day, this program simplifies the cumbersome task of carrying multiple fare cards and makes the overall riding experience faster and more convenient,” said Jim Weinstein, NJ TRANSIT Executive Director. “We’re pleased to work with the MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and MasterCard to offer state-of-the-art technology like this to our riders who frequently travel between our systems.”

“Through innovative technology, this initiative enables MasterCard to support the regional transit agencies’ goals of moving more customers faster and more easily, while adding efficiency to their back-end operations,” said Joshua Peirez, Chief Innovation Officer, MasterCard Worldwide. “By using MasterCard PayPass, millions of the area’s mass transit customers will simply be able to Tap & Go™ when entering or boarding the subway or bus, eliminating the need to wait in line or fumble for exact change to purchase fare cards while on the go.”

Contactless payment will be available exclusively to MasterCard PayPass customers during the first two months of the trial and to additional select contactless payments brand customers for the remainder of the test period.

For B-roll, photos and video about this trial, visit: http://mastercard.presslift.com/ridenynj

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About The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA):

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York is the largest public transportation agency in the Western Hemisphere and among the largest in the world. Each day, approximately 8.5 million people rely on the agency’s 5,000-square mile network of subways, buses, railroads, paratransit vehicles, bridges and tunnels spanning 14 counties in two states. MTA New York City Transit carries 7.5 million people per day on its network of subways and buses.

About MasterCard PayPass:

MasterCard PayPass is ideal for traditional cash¬heavy environments where speed is essential, and has led the way in bringing contactless technology to consumer categories, such as quick-serve restaurants, drugstores, gas stations, vending machines, convenience stores, sports arenas, movie theaters, transit systems, taxis, parking garages and more. As of Q1 2010, there are nearly 75 million MasterCard PayPass cards and devices that have been issued for use at approximately 230,000 merchant locations worldwide, including participating BP, Best Buy, Home Depot, CVS, McDonald’s, Petco and many others. PayPass also is accepted at numerous professional football and baseball stadiums. For more information about MasterCard PayPass and a full list of participating merchants, visit www.mastercard.com/paypass.

About the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the PATH rail system:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart International and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge and Bus Station; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit system; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Port Authority Auto Marine Terminal; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan and is a partner in the Access to the Region’s Core tunnel project.

About NJ Transit (NJT):
NJ Transit is the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

About MasterCard Worldwide:

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, go to www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter: @mastercardnews.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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Queens Art Express

Posted by
on June 2nd, 2010 at 12:20 am

Time to catch up on some transit news by starting with information on the Queens Art Express. This past Friday, MTA NYC Transit announced it was partnering with the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) in a campaign to promote the 7 train & the diversified neighborhoods it serves. Here is the press release they sent me:

MTA New York City Transit and the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) have partnered in a MetroCard® Deals campaign to promote the 7 train and the culture and commerce that surrounds its 7-mile span through the most diverse borough in New York: Queens. The campaign is centered on the launch of the Queens Art Express, a festival of art, music, and performances, held from June 10 to June 13.

Riders can start celebrating now with 80 MetroCard Deals that went into effect May 15 and will continue through July 15. Riders who show their MetroCard at any of the 80 participating businesses along the 7 line will receive a deal from that merchant. The MetroCard Deals vary from 10% off merchandise, to a free drink with dinner at a restaurant, to a discount at cultural venues such as Flushing Town Hall.

“This is a great opportunity for native New Yorkers and cultural visitors alike to get out and discover all the excitement that Queens has to offer while saving money with a MetroCard,” said Paul Fleuranges, Vice President of Corporate Communications at MTA NYC Transit.

See the full list of all the participating merchants by visiting www.queensartexpress.com, or by picking up a MetroCard Deals brochure available in subway stations and at participating locations. The color brochure is free of charge, includes a full schedule of events during the June 10-13 festival, and the list of 80 MetroCard Deals throughout the borough.

The 4-day Queens Art Express festival features poetry performances, artist exhibitions, dance, theater, and film screenings at venues located near the 7 line. In addition, MTA New York City Transit’s Music Under New York musicians will be performing at select 7 line subway stations.

Visit NYC Transit’s promotions page for more details at http://www.mta.info/metrocard/promos/qca/index.html

xoxo Transit Blogger

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Service Diversions 05-27-10

Posted by
on May 27th, 2010 at 8:30 pm

I have just updated the “Service Diversions” page with the latest information for the weekend & following week (beyond in some cases). For riders going near the Broadway-Nassau & Fulton Street stations, do not forget to read this entry to see what service is affected.

I suggest you print out a copy of the diversions to carry with you or use your mobile device to access the phone friendly version of Transit Blogger. Have a safe & wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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MTA Finalizes Hudson Yards Deal

Posted by
on May 26th, 2010 at 5:17 pm

Earlier this afternoon, the MTA announced it had finalized a deal on the Hudson Yards. Here are the details courtesy of a press release they sent me:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced today that it has entered into a contract with a joint venture of Related Companies and new partner Oxford Properties Group for the development of the MTA’s Hudson Yards into a mixed-use community that will include 12 million square feet of commercial and residential development. The deal calls for the MTA to lease the site to the joint venture for 99 years, with purchase options, and will provide $1 billion for vital MTA capital projects.

“This is a tremendously exciting development project that together with the extension of the 7 line will turn this area into a vibrant residential and commercial neighborhood,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder. “We were also able to maximize value for the MTA and provide a new revenue stream to support many of our vital capital projects.” Jay Cross, President of Related Hudson Yards, said, “Related and its new partner Oxford Properties Group look forward to continuing the progress to create New York’s next great neighborhood. The West Side Yards is not only a transformative development opportunity, but represents the future growth of New York City.”

The developer will construct a deck over the portion of the yards currently used for Long Island Rail Road operations without interrupting LIRR service. The development will be a unique 26-acre sustainable mixed-use neighborhood including 12 acres of public open space, cultural amenities, a new public school and housing and commercial opportunities for all New Yorkers.
Related and Oxford are making a $21.75 million deposit in conjunction with the signing of the contract and six and twelve months from now will make additional deposits of roughly $11 million each.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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LIRR Breaks Ground On $25M Train Wash

Posted by
on May 26th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

A few days ago, the MTA Long Island Rail Road sent out a media notice to me about a ground breaking ceremony taking place in Babylon. Unfortunately, I could not attend due to prior commitments. The ceremony centered around a $25M train wash being opened in Babylon. Here are the complete details courtesy of a press release:

State of the Art “Green” Facility Creates New Jobs, Enables Railroad to Scrub 180 More Cars Each Day

MTA Long Island Rail Road President Helena Williams and Babylon Mayor Ralph Scordino and other public officials broke ground today on a new $25.5 million train wash facility located in the Village of Babylon.

The project, which promises to create between 20 and 30 construction jobs, is being financed with federal stimulus funds through the Federal Transit Administration. The Babylon Train Wash Facility was selected by Governor David Paterson and the MTA a shovel-ready project that represented the best use of federal stimulus funds.

Gov. Paterson said: “This is a good example of a recovery project with short-term and long term benefits. Besides the boost from spending to build the facility now, its green design will save money and water. And keeping railroad cars clean means they will last longer, reducing replacement costs. I thank President Obama and our entire Congressional delegation for their support of these economic recovery funds that help to reinvigorate the economy, put people back to work and improve the quality of our transportation systems throughout the State.”

LIRR President Williams said: “I would like to thank Governor Paterson and the MTA for their vote of confidence in the LIRR. This new train wash will enable us to clean an additional 180 cars each day using methods – such as solar power and waste-water recycling – that will help protect the environment. We are also very grateful to Mayor Scordino and the Village of Babylon for their cooperation in the planning of this project and to the Federal Transit Administration for the funds that will make it a reality.”

Important “green” aspects of the facility will include:
• The filtering, reconditioning and reusing of more than 70% of wash water.
• Supplemental solar power energy panels will help operate the electrical lighting and heating for the train wash equipment building, saving the LIRR an estimated $6,700 a year on utility costs.
• Storm water will be collected and released through a leach field, eliminating run-off pollutants into nearby Sumpwams and Geiger Creeks.
• A separator will prevent oil and diesel fuel from entering the waste water system.
• Area wetlands will be fenced to prevent damage and illicit dumping.
• A new landscape buffer will be built between the golf course and the train wash.

Mayor Scordino said: “The Village was happy to participate in the project. Many of our residents use the train to get to and from work every day and the Railroad is an important part of our economy. We want to help ensure that our residents ride on clean and properly maintained railroad cars.”

State Senator Johnson said: “The new LIRR Train Wash Facility being reconstructed in Babylon Village is a multi-homerun for taxpayers! It will be an extremely “green” operation and is truly a superb example of how government should be designing, building and operating such facilities.”

Assemblyman Boyle said: “I am so proud that we are breaking ground on a project of this importance and magnitude in Babylon Village. With water recycling, solar energy, and oil separation technology being implemented at this new train wash facility we are helping to preserve the environment for our future.”

Suffolk Legislator Horsley said: “I would like to thank the LIRR for working diligently with Babylon Village officials to maintain the integrity of the community and address residents’ concerns. “It is great to see the LIRR caring for our village, caring for our environment, and maintaining the condition of our railroad.”

The Babylon Branch of the LIRR is the busiest of the LIRR’s 11 branches. The new Train Wash Facility will be located east of the Babylon LIRR Station, situated between the Babylon Village golf course and the LIRR tracks leading to the Babylon Train Yard.

When it becomes the operational in 2012, the LIRR will be able to clean the exteriors of an additional 180 cars every day. The Railroad currently has one operating train wash at the entrance to its Ronkonkoma Train Yard.

The new Babylon Train Wash Facility will consist of two buildings: A masonry equipment building (21′ x 180′) will house the control, wash room, pumps, reclaim/recycle wash water, waste water treatment system and storage tanks for the train wash. The second structure will be the train wash bay, a steel/corrugated siding structure (26′ x 282′) consisting of pre-cast track slab sections, concrete foundations, wash water collection system and the train wash equipment.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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