InstantPass is a turn-key service for smaller transit authorities.
It’s a modern, pass-based fare collection system
which deploys quickly, simply, and inexpensively.
It is designed to be an overlay service on top of existing fare collection systems,
and does not necessitate the replacement of any current ticketing system.
It allows agencies to smoothly move riders to an
efficient and modern digital payment mechanism.
InstantPass uses smart card technology, rather than mobile phone technology.
It provides an easier transition for riders that have not yet fully adopted smartphones.
10 Key Features of the Service
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- Passes are long-lasting PVC plastic credit card format, with an embedded RFID chip. Passes are individually printed and mailed to each rider’s home address. Passes may include the rider’s photo. InstantPass manages the issuance of passes as an outsourced service.
- Riders go to an InstantPass-hosted page to create an account, enter their personal information, upload their picture, and order their card. The pass is printed within 24 hours and mailed directly to them.
- Alternatively, all card ordering can be handled on the Agency’s website. In this case, card orders are transmitted to InstantPass via API.
- Passes allow access, or not, to the transit service based on a start-date and end-date. All validity periods for each card are managed by InstantPass. The use of date-based validation removes the complexity of traditional store-of-value cards, whether they are ride-based or value-based.
- Riders without internet access can go to a transit authority office to purchases passes. Cards are mailed to riders’ home addresses. For riders whose discount eligibility must be verified (seniors, students, disabled, etc.), passes are delivered to the bus operator’s office for pick-up.
- Riders, either from home or from the transit authority’s office, may purchase validity periods on their account. Validity periods and costs are set by the operator, and each period has a defined start and stop date. InstantPass provides daily updating, so newly issued passes may be used as soon as the next day.
- Automatic monthly renewals can be set up for rider convenience, further reducing the burden on the operator.
- A small, rugged validator installed in each bus reads each rider’s pass, which is tapped when boarding. Instantaneous visual and audible feedback is given as InstantPass determines whether that pass is valid or not. The validators don’t require network connectivity, and are updated nightly via wifi when the buses return to the depot.
- The online system is designed to be easily interfaced with a Transit Authority’s existing website. An Agency may decide to handle all data processing and payments on its own website, communicating with the InstantPass server via the InstantPass web services API (Application Program Interface). Alternatively, the Agency may request that InstantPass provides all transaction management on a hosted basis.
- Detailed records of all trips made each day are uploaded the InstantPass data base on a daily basis for analysis and reporting purposes.
- Passes are long-lasting PVC plastic credit card format, with an embedded RFID chip. Passes are individually printed and mailed to each rider’s home address. Passes may include the rider’s photo. InstantPass manages the issuance of passes as an outsourced service.
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InstantPass is powered by InstantCard
America’s first 100% cloud-based ID card service
Since 2007, InstantCard has specialized in ID card technologies. They have produced hundreds of thousands of professional ID cards over the last ten years. Our thousands of regular customers, from multi-billion dollar corporations to small local businesses, are able to flexibly, cost-effectively meet just about any ID card requirement… Read More →
Key Advantages of the Service
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- Simple to operate: compared to complex systems offered as add-ons to traditional fare-boxes. Designed for small operators.
- Simple to operate: compared to complex systems offered as add-ons to traditional fare-boxes. Designed for small operators.
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- Easy transition to digital transactions: riders are familiar with the transit card paradigm. Tapping a transit card is a familiar gesture. Those familiar with online services will quickly be able to set up an account.
- Does not require a mobile device: mobile-only solutions require riders to have and be comfortable using smartphones. While InstantPass is smartphone ready, using NFC technology, smartphones are not required.
- Low Cost: the low annual service fee includes the validators and the cloud-based service. The one-time charge for each transit card is generally borne by the rider. A small surcharge of a few dollars on the transit card fee can make the program pay for itself.
- Easy to implement: a small stand-alone reader/validator is installed on each bus. The only wiring required is a thin power cable.
- No change to existing ticketing systems: InstantPass is an ‘overlay’ system to enhance any current ticketing system. There’s no need to eliminate any current service offerings.
- Remove operations costs: reduce cash ticket purchases, and the costs associated with handling cash. Reduce the cost of printing and distributing disposable paper tickers, since all InstantPass transactions are digital.
- Improved ridership data: detailed trip records allow better analytics and understanding of rider requirements.
- No maintenance: if a validator is not functioning normally, it is just swapped out in a few minutes.
- Rate Structure: The Transit Authority has complete flexibility to set all tariffs – rates, allowable periods, discounts available, etc. Changes can be made online, easily and quickly.
- Easy transition to digital transactions: riders are familiar with the transit card paradigm. Tapping a transit card is a familiar gesture. Those familiar with online services will quickly be able to set up an account.
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