Genfare strives to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions for the modern transit system. Our hardware is updated regularly to account for the ever-changing needs of riders, security, and consumer technology. With a goal of being “future proof,” each of our hardware products is engineered to be updated with minimal cost and hassle. Many of our Genfare hardware products are designed with module components, allowing individual parts to be upgraded for additional functions without the need to replace the entire farebox.
Genfare is often able to refurbish fareboxes that suffer mechanical failures or signs of aging, such as rust, at minimal cost compared to upgrading to an entirely new fare collection hardware system. This can add five to ten years or more of service before more costly replacements are needed.
New hardware functions are added periodically, such as the Odyssey’s successor, the Odyssey Plus, which added the ability to accept eFare, a web-based software that allows riders to purchase their own tickets via a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Updating Fare Collection Hardware Systems
Upgrading an entire system of hardware can be a delicate process. Both employees and riders may need time to adjust to the new system, and the risk of interrupting services must be taken into account. Genfare has a proven phased rollout that allows agencies to gradually update hardware without interfering with current services.
For example, the first phase of a new Genfare project may begin with replacing cash-only fareboxes with the modern Fast Fare model, which can take a variety of payments and ticket media. However, on launch, the farebox can be configured to continue taking only the simplest of media to keep services relatively the same. The second phase may include launching additional software, such as mobile ticketing for riders, which then triggers the fareboxes to accept QR codes. A third phase may launch upgraded offboard fare collection hardware, like ticket vending machines at stations. This gradual hardware update helps smooth the transition for complex transit systems.
