sf translink pre launch testing underway

More good news for ERG shareholders!

15 March 2007
TransLink® Takes First Step Toward Regionwide Rollout

Now you can pay for fares on Golden Gate Transit (GGT) and Golden Gate Ferry (GGF) with a single smart card - a TransLink card - and get Ride Value and Frequent Ferry Rider discounts, regardless of the amount of cash you put on the card!

Pre-Launch Testing Underway!

Staff is recruiting customers to take part in pre-launch testing, which could last for up to six months. These customers will be an extension of the District's system testing in a live environment. The goal is to have customers provide active feedback as to any problems or challenges they encounter using the TransLink system before the District moves into the full marketing/public relations campaign.
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Once the testing phase is successfully completed, TransLink will be offered to all customers.
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8 March 2007
STATUS REPORT ON TRANSLINK® PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AT
GOLDEN GATE TRANSIT AND GOLDEN GATE FERRY

On November 17, 2006, “Pre-Launch” of TransLink began on all regularly scheduled Golden Gate Transit (GGT) and Golden Gate Ferry (GGF) services.
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Over 1,400 TransLink fare cards have been distributed to GGT customers to date: 550 to bus riders and 850 to ferry riders at the outreach events. Bus and ferry use are now both now over 1,000 transactions per weekday.

The majority of feedback from TransLink customers has been positive. In the early weeks of the testing, there were some problems with card readers, add-value machines and ticket office terminals. The majority of these early concerns have been addressed and TransLink equipment is performing at or above contract standards. A staff survey at the end of January 2007, responded to by over 300 TransLink users, showed more than 80% of ferry riders and more than 70% of bus riders encountered no or few problems.

Not all TransLink issues are attributable to the small percentage of equipment malfunctions experienced in the early weeks of pre-launch. There has been a step learning curve for bus operators and bus passengers.
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Cheers...