University Times

The grace period is ending this weekend for Pitt riders adapting to the new “smart card” fareboxes recently installed by the Port Authority of Allegheny County.

Beginning Oct. 1, Pitt ID cards that do not work on the new system — regardless of the reason — will not be honored by Port Authority drivers; riders instead will be required to pay the full fare, Port Authority officials said.

Under a pilot program launched Aug. 1, Pitt ID-holders began “tapping” their ID cards on the fareboxes for free rides on local transit vehicles. The system replaced the process whereby Port Authority operators pushed a “Pitt button” as riders flashed their ID cards while boarding or exiting. The pilot program agreement stipulated a grace period that will continue through September.

Heather Pharo, a Port Authority spokesperson, said, “Beginning Oct. 1, if a card does not work the rider will be asked to pay the fare. Cards will not be confiscated [by operators].”

Riders who experience any problems with the new system are asked to contact Panther Central, located in the Towers Lobby. Panther Central can be reached at 412/648-1100 or online at www.pc.pitt.edu/card/photoid.html.

John Fedele, Pitt associate director of News, said valid ID cards that do not work on the Port Authority system will be replaced free-of-charge as long as the ID holder returns the card to Panther Central; however, lost or damaged cards require the ID holder to pay a $20 replacement fee, he added.

—Peter Hart