can someone explain why we can’t just buy OMNY for the T and why we need a $1 billion custom system? Are fare systems shared similar to how rolling stock are sometimes ordered by multiple agency’s?
Am I misremembering, or is part of the problem with AFC 2.0's snail-pace rollout Cubic having its hands full with OMNY?
That’s what I was under the impression of as well. This article suggests their hands are tied with more than just OMNY and spread themselves too thin with the current supply chain issues.
That is pretty much what is happening!
I've never understood why the cards expire like that, and why apparently the only place than can help is the CharlieCard store at DTX. I feel like that might be more to do with technical issues with the original AFC system than an MBTA decision, but I don't know, and it's extremely stupid either way.
It's not like they can help you there either. I've been there multiple times and just got dead-eyed blank stares in response to my problems.
That is the plan, as well as, supporting contactless mobile payment.
They were also at Oak Grove when I passed through last weekend.
Cubic also built/operated the original Metrocard system for the NYC MTA. Which likely makes it a much simpler project - they're upgrading their own system, vs having to upgrade/transition from another vendor's system (which is what's happening at the MBTA).
Ugh, PCI compliance, last I had to deal with that was the new 3.0 version. Bright side: After they gain PCI 4.0 compliance, I am sure some MIT students will provide detailed pen-testing results of actual real-world security public pretty quickly
I agree. This whole process of a transition system with both active seems to be a HUGE waste of money. Is fare evasion that widespread to be losing the millions of dollars spent on this system?