OC Transpo says it has resolved the software problem causing valid U-Pass cards to be declined by fare readers, and a software fix is on the way to reduce card reader delays.
In September, students’ previously separate U-Pass cards were integrated with campus cards, allowing students to carry only one card instead of two.
However, the new cards quickly proved problematic.
Some students found their new cards were being declined, and that fare readers took longer to read the student cards.
Often, students need to hold their cards to a reader for up to five seconds before they are successfully read.
OC Transpo spokesperson Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs said OC Transpo is aware the new cards are slower on bus readers, and that software improvements will be implemented in the coming weeks to resolve the issue.
Elea Domingo, a second-year Carleton student, said the machines are “having a hard time.”
Domingo said she often gives up and boards the bus when her card doesn’t scan promptly.
OC Transpo acknowledged reports of issues on Sept. 4 and announced a grace period allowing students to show their cards to the driver if the fare reader did not accept it, which was later extended until Sept. 20.
The fare readers could not identify “a small batch” of cards, but a software patch has resolved the issue, Raouia Howarth, the City of Ottawa’s manager of transit technology and innovation told the Charlatan in a statement.
Now, approximately 99.5 per cent of U-Pass card taps are going through, OC Transpo told the Charlatan in an email.
OC Transpo added that students whose cards are still being declined should visit Carleton’s U-Pass office.
Both Domingo and second-year student Catherine Libunao said they find the fare reading delay slows the boarding process at bus stops.
Although OC Transpo has not announced any extension of the grace period that ended on Sept. 20, Domingo said drivers are understanding “as long as they know you’re a student and that you show the card.”
Students who are eligible for a U-Pass and paid a fare because of technical issues are entitled to a refund and can request one through OC Transpo’s customer feedback form.
Featured image by Matthew Robertson.
