TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

October/November 2007

Innovations: TransLink® Ready For Prime Time

It's been a number of months since TransLink cards were distributed to loyal AC Transit and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry riders for the card's “pre-launch” break-in phase. The goal was to have a limited group of riders help work out any kinks in the system. But word spread and others started requesting the card: By July 2007, 5,500 commuters were paying fares with TransLink.

These numbers will surge now that TransLink — the reloadable smart card that's more convenient than cash, tickets or passes — is widely available to AC Transit and Golden Gate riders, and MTC and its partners are launching a marketing campaign.

TransLink automatically deducts the correct fare for each trip, checking first to see if a card has a valid pass or transfer. Benefits include faster boarding, automatic reloading, and card and value replacement if it's lost or stolen.

Users can save money, too. Golden Gate Transit and Ferry always gives bus riders 20 percent and ferry riders 37 to 46 percent off cash fares with TransLink.

And through January 31, 2008, AC Transit is offering introductory discounts for TransLink users: 25 cents off adult cash fares, $5 off a local adult 31-day pass and $10 off a transbay adult 31-day pass.

TransLink will go truly regional in spring 2008, when the card is introduced on BART, Caltrain and San Francisco Muni.
— Lysa Hale

To learn more about TransLink or order a card, visit www.translink.org, or call the TransLink® Customer Service Center at 877.878.8883.

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