Ticketing & Fare Collection Systems Flashcards

What type of fare media uses radio frequency technology to enable contactless payment at transit readers?

Answer: RFID/NFC smart card

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) smart cards transmit fare data wirelessly when tapped near a reader.

What does AFC stand for in transit revenue control systems?

Answer: Automatic Fare Collection

Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) refers to the integrated system of fare gates, validators, vending machines, and back-office software that automates fare payment.

In a distance-based fare system, the fare amount is determined by:

Answer: The number of zones crossed or distance traveled

Distance-based fares calculate the charge based on how far a passenger travels, typically measured by zones or actual route distance.

A 'tap-on/tap-off' fare system requires passengers to interact with fare readers at which points in their journey?

Answer: At both entry and exit

Tap-on/tap-off systems capture both the boarding and alighting points to calculate the correct fare for distance-based or zone-based pricing.

What is the primary revenue control purpose of a fare gate (turnstile) in a transit station?

Answer: To physically enforce fare payment before allowing entry to the paid zone

Fare gates act as a physical barrier that only unlocks after a valid fare payment is detected, preventing fare evasion at station entry points.

What term describes the process of adding monetary value to an existing transit smart card?

Answer: Top-up or reloading

Top-up or reloading refers to adding funds to a stored-value transit card at a ticket vending machine, retail location, or online portal.