Planning Study of Electronic Fare Systems in Oregon Estimated Capital Costs of $2.9 to $9.9 Million for Expansion to 11 Transit Providers.

As part of its broader effort to enhance the public transit experience, the Oregon Public Transportation Plan identified electronic fare (eFare) systems as a promising tool to simplify fare payment and support ridership growth. eFare systems streamline fare collection by enabling passengers to pay electronically using transit cards, mobile apps, or bank cards. This study examined the feasibility, benefits, and implementation strategies for expanding eFare systems across 11 suburban and rural transit agencies in ODOT Regions 1 and 2, with potential extensions down the Willamette Valley and to the North Coast. The study evaluated capital and operating costs, staffing requirements for managing eFare systems using technologies from two vendors, and proposed a cost-sharing model among agencies based on annual ridership.

An eFare transit fare collection system allows users to pay with various options, such as fares stored in their transit account, bank cards, and transit cards. Oregon state aimed to integrate such a fare collection system for its transit users statewide. In an initial feasibility study that covered 11 operating agencies in ODOT Regions 1 and 2, the estimated capital cost for implementing an eFare system across the eleven evaluated agencies ranged between $2,970,000 and $9,991,000, depending on the selected vendor. The operating cost was estimated to be at least $489,000 or $667,900 when choosing between the two eFare technology vendors.