SEPTA Launches Pilot Program to Detect and Deter Fare Evasion

SEPTA's pilot program uses Conduent's 3D Fare Gate Solution at the 69th Street station. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is using Conduent Transportation’s 3D Fare Gate Solution at a Philadelphia area transit station as part of a pilot program aiming to track and curb fare evasion, which costs SEPTA an estimated $30-$40 million annually.

SEPTA selected the 69th Street station in Upper Darby as its test location for riders traveling on the Market-Frankford and Norristown High Speed lines. The gates, each measuring 7 feet, 8 inches tall, began operating in April.

Following the three-month pilot program, the agency plans to expand the fare gates’ availability to other stations, including those with high reported incidents of fare evasion.

“As transit agencies across the country and around the world grapple with how to curb fare evasion, Conduent is poised and ready to deliver our solution, which has shown to deliver meaningful results and helps ensure riders pay their fares,” Adam Appleby, president of transportation solutions at Conduent, said.

Conduent’s 3D Fare Gate Solution uses 3D detection optical sensors, allowing travelers fast and convenient access while detecting and deterring ticketing fraud. The gates also provide transit authorities quick access to reporting and analytics, aiding in enforcement decisions by identifying precisely when and where fare evasion occurs.

The gates, which were also implemented in Paris by Transilien SNCF in 2019, are designed to detect the most common types of fare evasion using advanced, sensor-based feedback mechanisms. The solution, which is ADA-compliant and adaptable to meet agency needs, improves equity in transportation by improving accessibility for all riders and helping ensure passengers pay their share.

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