CapMetro demonstrates new fare validators, rollouts tap-to-pay and app migration; Title VI review preliminarily finds no disparate impacts

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority staff demonstrated new on-vehicle validators, handheld fare devices for rail conductors and an app migration at a public hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Austin’s Rosa Parks boardroom, and outlined a phased switch that will retire AMP cards and some multi-day passes while adding tap-to-pay and daily fare capping.

The changes affect how customers pay, not the fare amounts. "Anytime anytime we talk about fares, the first thing we need to clarify is that our fares are not changing," Samantha Baez, CapMetro’s executive vice president of experience and engagement, said during the presentation. The board received a preliminary Title VI analysis that staff said found no disparate impact or disproportionate burden on minority or low-income riders; a finalized report was scheduled to be delivered to the board at its Jan. 27 meeting.

CapMetro showed the new validators and a smaller handheld validator staff called a rugged, work-phone style device that conductors will use to validate fares on trains. Staff said the new validators, which began installing in mid-December, have faster scanning, visual and audio acceptance/denial indicators, and support tap-to-pay through credit/debit cards and digital wallets. "This year, we're getting Tap to Pay," Baez said. Brandy Mueller, director of revenue and fares,…