Linked to the ticket issuing machine


Fare-boxes may be linked with the ticket issuing machine.  The principal aim is to integrate the cash collection / validation and ticket issuing processes. This may be done at different levels, for different purposes. This can range from simple signals to support the fare collection and ticket issue process, to more substantive electronic communication and data exchange between the devices.

In terms of increasing technical complexity, the main applications are:

  • An electronic pulse is sent from the ticket-issuing machine to the fare-box when the ticket is being issued. This activates the cash release mechanism in the fare-box.
  • An electronic tag or memory is embedded in the fare-box and/or the vault installed in the fare-box. The identifier data is transmitted to the ticket-issuing machine, and in turn the fare-box or vault tag may receive information about vehicle, driver numbers and routes. This assists the end-of-day reconciliation, and post-event audits in case of discrepancies.
  • Transaction-related data is sent from the fare-box to the ticket-issuing machine (e.g. cash drops, value of cash per transaction) and added to the ticket-issuing machine transaction data.
  • The fare-box becomes an active extension of the ticket issuing machine, e.g. when smart-card readers are also integrated in the fare-box.

Benefits of integrating the fare-box with the ticket-issuing machine are:

  • Automated cash release when the ticket is issued, reducing the burden on the driver.
  • Data can be transferred from the fare-box to the ticket-issuing machine, for improved accounting and transaction records.
  • Improved tracking of the vaults both for daily changeover and for inventory management.
  • Improved ability to relate shortfalls to individual drivers, even where the bus is used by multiple drivers during the day.

Cautions with regard to integrating the fare-box with the ticket-issuing machine are:

  • Additional components required for the fare-box.
  • Increased technical complexity, and requirement for system integration.
  • Increased cost of the fare-boxes.
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