Cubic Fare Collection System Introduced at San Diego Green Line Dedication

On July 8 the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) dedicated the 5.9-mile Mission Valley East Extension, also known as the Green Line, and at the same time, San Diego public transit commuters were introduced to a new automated fare collection system designed and implemented by Cubic.  The dedication was attended by top Cubic officials along with MTS and SANDAG representatives and other local, state and federal dignitaries.  

“We are honored to be a part of this landmark project that is expected to add more than five million trips annually to the region’s public transit network.  In so doing, we worked closely with MTS to define a system that emphasizes convenience, is simple to learn how to use and operate, and has the special features necessary to assist a diverse population,” said Richard Efland, president and chief executive officer of Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. 

Customers will buy tickets to ride the San Diego Trolley system through new easy-to-use ticket vending machines at each of the four stations serving the Green Line extension — Grantville Station, Alvarado Medical Center Station, 70th Street Station and the San Diego State University Transit Center.  The new machines will accept cash and dispense proof-of-payment tickets, the same as throughout the rest of the MTS Trolley system today. 

The features include easy-to-follow menu screens to walk customers step-by-step through ticket purchase with instructions in English or Spanish, in addition to audio and Braille navigation for the hearing and visually impaired. 

While the machines initially will be configured for cash payment, they are ready to support the future introduction of credit/debit card and contactless smart card payment.  This will be part of San Diego County’s transition to a smart card-based fare collection and central computer system, which Cubic is delivering in phases under a 2002 contract.

This new payment system will link all Trolley, bus and Coaster commuter rail services to a common smart card, which will allow seamless travel from one mode of transportation to the other for riders.  Future benefits will include Internet ticket purchasing, lost card protection services, and automated transit benefit programs.