Tap Card Misadventures

[mattapoisett]

So Last night I decided to go Car free downtown to the Transit Coalition meeting. I will make the note here that it took 1:15 for the 439 express bus to get from Fox Hills to DTLA and the 10 was free and Clear.

I tried to use my Cash Value tap card on the 439 and it buzzed at me with an Error. it was asking for a zone input. But the driver said my card would not work at all on his bus. I said that it works on other Metro buses and the rail system. He said it never works here. I Paid my $.60 for the Express and would try to tap again when he got into DTLA and was in Local not Express mode. Well the driver got to DTLA and put the fare box into local mode and the Box still erred asking for Zone.

After a little back and forth the driver put a day pass for free on my Card for the trip home.

When I taped my Card on the 333 Farebox for the ride home It did not use the day pass but deducted $1.25

I had partially remembered the post from LAist below describing Zone Travel on a debit Tap card. Has Anyone had success with Debit Tap Cards on Zone Buses. Is Culver City to DTLA Zone 0,1 or 2? I am tempted to have the Driver press 2 after I tap but I'm Not sure if that will work.

Any thoughts?


From LAist User Calwatch laist.com/2008/12/09/public_transit_to_get_easier_with_n.php:
The debit function is not advertised because Metro still thinks of doing a phased rollout. But it is active and it can be used successfully on rail and most buses. (Because drivers have not been informed of the TAP debit function, riders of zoned bus lines like the 445 and 485 will have to explain the question "ZONES ?" that pops up on the display and verbally tell the driver how many zones they are traveling.)

[Justin Walker]

I have used my debit-value TAP card on the Harbor Transitway zone-fare buses many times. The TAP system is set up for zone fares but the drivers simply haven't been trained how to handle it.

I offer the same info as LAist user "calwatch":

When you tap the first time, the display says "# of ZONES?" The driver then has the option of hitting the 0, 1, or 2 button on their console. I've had to walk several drivers through the process, as simple as it is.

[mattapoisett]

Justin

Thanks for this. I called Tap today, one person said I could do this and another said I could not.

Does:
0=local ($1.25)?
1=zone 1 ($1.85)?
2=zone 2 ($2.45)?

Thanks Again.

Sept 23, 2009 10:39:36 GMT -8 Justin Walker said:

I have used my debit-value TAP card on the Harbor Transitway zone-fare buses many times. The TAP system is set up for zone fares but the drivers simply haven't been trained how to handle it.

I offer the same info as LAist user "calwatch":

When you tap the first time, the display says "# of ZONES?" The driver then has the option of hitting the 0, 1, or 2 button on their console. I've had to walk several drivers through the process, as simple as it is.

[James Fujita]

you know, I've been thinking a lot about TAP cards and the Gold Line Eastside Extension lately:

when it comes to GLEE, with each new delay and each new problem found, we've been told over and over again to be patient with the testing process and how problems are nothing to get mad about. problems have been found, problems will be fixed and the line will be ready when it is ready.

well, we seem to be going through the same process with the TAP cards. unfortunately, when it comes to a revolutionary new (not really that new) ticketing system, you can't shut down the whole system while you perform tests.

the only real way to test the TAP card is to field test it. the only way is to get the system up and running, let people get adjusted to the new system. so far, a few munis have had their egos bruised, a few problems have popped up and things haven't gone perfectly smoothly.

you know something? I'd rather have the TAP cards than have Metro be technologically behind the Bay Area. Keep repeating the GLEE Mantra, trust Art Leahy and be patient with the thing.

[ieko]

Sept 23, 2009 10:39:36 GMT -8 Justin Walker said:

I have used my debit-value TAP card on the Harbor Transitway zone-fare buses many times. The TAP system is set up for zone fares but the drivers simply haven't been trained how to handle it.

I offer the same info as LAist user "calwatch":

When you tap the first time, the display says "# of ZONES?" The driver then has the option of hitting the 0, 1, or 2 button on their console. I've had to walk several drivers through the process, as simple as it is.

What about if I want to use my EZPass to cover my base fare and use TAP to cover the zone fare charge? Is that possible currently?