Currency note accepting

Fare-boxes may also be equipped to accept currency notes. There are two basic options:

• Single cash receptacle, into which both currency notes and coins are placed. All cash then falls into a common vault.
  • Separate unit for accepting currency notes. This would normally be a robust note checker / acceptor, which is integrated into the fare-box. The note acceptor has a motorized mechanism to draw the note into the unit, while also determining the denomination and checking it for validity. The notes can be stored in a separate vault or vault segment from the coins.

More recent fare-boxes also have integrated smart-card or magnetic-stripe readers, so that all means of fare collection / validation are consolidated into a single device.

Note-accepting fare-boxes are used in the following way:

• Where there is a single cash receptacle, notes are inserted in the same slot as coins and are seen by the driver. The driver checks for validity, issues tickets and releases the cash to the vault in the same way as for coins only. In technical terms, this is a basic approach. While it simplifies the device, it is somewhat unsatisfactory. Notes may be crumpled, which makes it difficult for the driver to tell if the note is complete and to ascertain its validity. When notes and coins are mixed in the vault, it makes the cash sorting more difficult at the counting location, and notes will get torn in the process.
  • A note acceptor (‘bill acceptor’) provides a separate slot for customers to insert the notes, one at a time if more than one note is required. The note is checked for value and validity, and the value indicated to the driver. Unsatisfactory notes are rejected.

Benefits of note-accepting fare-boxes are:

• Acceptance of notes is more convenient for customers, especially when tariffs would require payment with many coins.
• Verification of the authenticity and completeness of notes.
• Improved dwell times at stops by elimination of 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.

Cautions with regard to note-accepting fare-boxes are:

• Risk of increased dwell time at stops as customers must flatten and insert notes, and repeat the process (or search for alternative note) when a note is rejected.
• 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.
• Additional burden of separating notes and coins, if a single-receptacle system is used.
• Additional technical complexity where a note acceptor is integrated, with associated increased risk of failure and maintenance costs.
• Increased cost of the fare-boxes.
• Difficult to check whether drivers are diligent in ensuring that customers pay the correct.
• 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.