Three pilot tests are exploring opportunities to link student identification cards with transit smart cards. While the concept is not new, CR80News writes that the proprietary closed-loop systems that most transit agencies used have made previous efforts to integrate the systems awkward, at best: “The process is cumbersome, expensive and virtually eliminates the campus from utilizing contactless technology for its own needs.” But new fare payment technology — notably open fare collection — is making the process easier, and tests are currently underway on three college campuses: Westminster College, in Salt Lake City (UT), Utah Valley University, in Orem, and American University in Washington (DC). The Utah campuses are working with the Utah Transit Authority, which has an open fare payment system, while American University is partnering with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to test use of its proprietary SmarTrip card. Link to full story in CR80News.
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