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About BEA
The vision guiding the development of BEA's smart card fare collection system for transit was to create a standard solution with comprehensive "out of the box" functionality. The system had to be easy to configure, simple to modify, flexible to operate, intuitive to run, and most importantly, affordable to acquire and operate.
Each BEA smart card system is based on the same comprehensive software suite. This way, the level of developmental effort required to adapt the standard BEA solution to any particular application is often minimal. In most instances, most of the work involves configuring the system to meet our customer's needs.
BEA has worked to improve its products for all of its customers. It is important to note that product and software upgrades have been provided to all clients under a through warranty program. In the future, any enhancements will be made available to all of its customers. ∆ TOP
In order to create the optimum passenger flow and fare handling scenario, the BEA Automated Fare Collection system is designed to accommodate coins as well as contact-less smart cards. Currency is not accommodated with the basic system.
Coins are deposited using a vending machine-like slot on the top of the farebox.
The objective is to speed up passenger flow as much as possible. The use of this coin slot design is deliberately slower than other farebox designs that can process handfuls of change at a time. However, experience has shown that passengers adopt to the smart card technology very quickly when they realize that boarding with coins takes longer. No one likes to hold up a line of boarding customers! ∆ TOP
With the BEA system, almost everyone on the bus. When a passenger boards and either uses their smart card or pays by coin, confirming LEDs light up, the passenger and operator displays show a message, and the farebox beeps. This way, everyone knows when the correct fare has been paid. Operators can over-ride this function to allow for exceptions, but experience in Canada has shown that most passengers want to be sure they hear the "correct fare paid" beep, so no one on the bus thinks they're getting a free ride.
This has the benefit of lessening the operator’s role in fare disputes. If there is problem, customers can be referred to the administrative offices where records can be accessed and checked. ∆ TOP
Yes! The BEA farebox counts each coin as it is deposited. Rejected coins are returned. The amount deposited is displayed to the passenger and the bus operator. Transit systems have an accurate record of what’s been deposited.
Do all of your system's bus operators know exactly how much is being deposited in the farebox as each rider boards? Think of it his way. How many stores that you shop at would have their merchandise on open display, leave a box at the checkout with a price list, and expect every customer to deposit the right amount? Not too many, but that's the unfortunate reality in too many cases for transit, but not with BEA.
Coins accepted by the BEA system are deposited directly into a locked, secure vault. When removed for servicing at the end of the day, coins remain secured inside until deposited into the central vault. Records of all transactions complete the audit trail. With the BEA system, you have a complete record of all transactions, not just the cash.
It is estimated that fare evasion through unpaid fares and farebox loss can cost systems between one and five percent of total transactions. Minimizing this loss through the BEA system makes the analysis even more favourable. ∆ TOP
What makes the BEA system affordable?
As noted, the BEA system is based on a standard configuration. BEA uses PC-based software operating in a Windows environment, so there is no need for independent, costly servers and their associated database applications.
Farebox and validator components are rugged yet simple - designed to operate in the harsh environments and climates encountered by Canadian and North American transit systems. Where possible and where manufacturing standards are compatible, off-the-shelf components are used. One example of this is the attended add value unit, which uses a standard communications terminal nearly identical to a credit/debit card terminal. ∆ TOP
The BEA system is completely secure. All transactions are recorded and transmitted to the central data terminal through the use of secure data connections. Transaction records do not include any personal cardholder information.
Access to databases and reports is controlled through passwords assigned by the transit system.
Individual, reloadable smart cards can be registered by the passenger with the transit system. In this way, riders are protected against lost or stolen cards. Registered cards can be hot listed and replacement cards issued. ∆ TOP
No, but with the BEA fare system, you can. That's the flexibility built into the operating software.
The system can accommodate up to 128 passenger classes. Fares can be set by time of day. Transfer rules are flexible.
The BEA system supports cash fares, e-tickets, e-passes and loyalty points functions. The system also includes an e-purse for other uses.
Transit systems can now truly “think outside the box” when it comes to fare policies and pricing. ∆ TOP
The benefits of using BEA
There are many reasons why you should consider using BEA Transit Solutions for your next fare collection system. Click on a question and find out why.
- What are the benefits of using BEA?
- How does the BEA system handle cash?
- Who knows who’s paid the correct fare?
- Are there more benefits for cash fares with BEA?
- What about data security and integrity?
- Do transit systems have to change the way they price their services?
- Is our system too small for the BEA system?
No. The Brantford and Kingston, Ontario installations are great examples of smaller systems that have taken advantage of the BEA AFC system.
We can also accommodate the needs of larger systems of up to 700 vehicles. ∆ TOP
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