Coin or token accepting

Fare-boxes are machines that accept payment from passengers without requiring the crew to handle the cash. The three common motivations for using fare-boxes are (i) to reduce the dwell time at stops by eliminating the cash-handling and change-given activities; (ii) to improve security of drivers and conductors by not having cash available to be stolen; and (iii) to reduce opportunities for fraud by eliminating crew handling of cash. 

The fare-box typically consists of an upper part into which the customer inserts coins or tokens, and a lower part consisting of a secure box or vault in which the coins or tokens are stored.  The box or vault is normally emptied in the depot at night. This task is often done as part of the nightly cleaning and re-fuelling cycle. Tokens (or jetons) are generally used where inflation has debased the currency such that typical fare transactions would otherwise require the use of currency notes.

In the most typical usage, the fare-box is a metal box mounted beside the driver. The customer inserts coins or tokens to the value of the applicable fare through an opening at the top of the fare-box. The coins or tokens drop into a glass or perspex covered area, in which the driver can see the amount paid. Once the driver is satisfied that sufficient coins or tokens have been inserted, a ticket may be issued and the coins or tokens are released into a secure vault underneath.

In cases where the customer pays more than the required amount, change is not generally given since the driver does not have access to cash. 

Benefits of fare-boxes with coins or tokens are:

• Improved dwell times at stops by elimination of cash-handling and change-giving.
• Improved security for staff and reduction in robberies / assaults..
• Reduced opportunities for pilferage by crews as they do not have direct access to the cash.
  • Simple mechanical technology.

Cautions with regard to fare-boxes with coins or tokens are:

• Heavy operational burden and cost in daily emptying of fare-boxes, and associated administrative processes.
• Cash-handling transfers to the depot and counting office; there are still opportunities for fraud and pilferage.
• Cost of the fare-boxes.
• Difficult to check whether drivers are diligent in ensuring that customers pay the correct fare.
• Difficult to relate shortfalls to individual drivers if the vehicle is used by multiple drivers during the day.
• Only appropriate for a flat-fare system, unless there is a linked ticket-issuing machine that provides evidence of the fare transaction.