Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Subject
SUBJECT: TRANSFER ON 2ND BOARDING CUSTOMER READINESS
EFFORTS
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to:
A. REPLACE Day Pass sales onboard bus with ability to purchase Stored Value and Metro base fare onboard bus;
B. ELIMINATE tokens and transition to TAP; and
C. IMPLEMENT a consistent $2 fee for TAP cards system-wide.
Issue
ISSUE
Onboard bus TAP Day Pass purchases have declined by over 85% since October, 2011. In comparison, Stored Value fare payments are growing and are expected to increase significantly once Transfer on 2nd Boarding is implemented. With approval, onboard Day Pass sales will be replaced onboard the bus with the ability to purchase or reload TAP cards with either Stored Value or base fare at the farebox. This change will align internal efforts with customer demand and make it easier for customers to purchase fare and travel throughout LA County. Day Pass sales will continue to be available online at taptogo.net, by calling 866.TAPTOGO, at Metro Customer Centers, at TAP vending machines located at all Metro rail and Orange Line stations, and at over 400 TAP vendor locations.
The popularity and added security of TAP cards and the elimination of the discounted fare for Metro tokens has caused tokens to become obsolete. At one time, a token was good for one ride at a discounted rate but now a token is worth the same as the regular base fare of $1.75. Transitioning token customers to TAP will provide customers with faster and safer boardings. Customers will no longer have to search for tokens but will quickly touch their TAP cards to the farebox to board. Registered TAP cards can be replaced if lost or stolen.
The price of TAP cards vary depending on the purchase method. The TAP card cost is $2 when purchased online, by phone, at a Metro Customer Center or at a retail vendor and $1 if...
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