SamTrans Installs New Fare Boxes on All Buses

SamTrans riders should expect on all buses by the end of this month, as installation of the boxes was scheduled to begin this weekend.

The old-style mechanical fare boxes, which have been in service for more than 20 years, are being replaced with a state-of-the-art model that accepts cash, coins, tokens and paper magnetic-stripe tickets on each of the agency's 296 buses, spokeswoman Tasha Bartholomew said.

The new boxes will be able to issue a Change Card in the event a customer overpays, and also will eventually be able to sell day passes -- something the current fare boxes aren’t able to do, she said.

SamTrans began testing the new fare box system in April to help bus operators become familiar with the new equipment and ensure the system would perform reliably.

All buses are equipped with a how-to guide, and SamTrans staff is visiting key transit stops to provide the guide to riders. A short video on how to use the new fare box is available on the SamTrans website along with other information about the fare boxes.

The SamTrans Customer Service Center is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (800) 660-4287.