With a wave of a TransLink card, commuters will soon be able to ride Bay Area transit without fumbling for change or buying a handful of tickets for each of the area's many transit systems.

This "smart-fare card" will make it possible to carry a single transit ticket for nearly all Bay Area transit services.

The time is coming soon. A six-month demonstration project with 5,000 cardholders and six transit agencies begins next spring, according to Russell Driver, TransLink project manager.

"There will be nine BART stations involved including downtown Oakland, San Francisco and Fremont, along with Golden Gate Ferry, CalTrain, 12 AC Transit lines and Santa Clara VTA."

A complete roll-out of the program to Pleasanton and the entire Bay Area will take place in the Spring of 2002. In full operation, TransLink is expected to provide smooth access to all 26 Bay Area transit systems.

The "smart card" will have a computer chip riders can load three ways: with a dollar value, stored rides, or time-period passes. When the card is flashed at the reader devices, the fare value is deducted automatically. Riders will also be able to sign up for "Autoload," which will automatically transfer value from their bank accounts or credit cards to the TransLink card.

Simplifying an amazingly complex system, the card will determine the correct fare including fare structures for every transit operator, transfers, route, length of trip, time of day and even include discounts for students, elderly, and disabled riders.

Another benefit of the TransLink card, says Driver, is that it will make employer-based transit programs easier to administer.

"Once a card is given to the cardholder, the value can be automatically uploaded by the employer. The card keeps track of all trips it is used for."

For more information, contact Driver at (510) 817-3252.

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