Transit fare prepayment demonstrations in Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ

Two matched demonstration projects testing transit fare prepayment innovations in Austin, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona were conducted. The innovations consisted of two consecutive sales of prepaid tickets and passes at discounts of 20% and 40%, accompanied by expansion of sales outlet networks and intensive advertising and promotional campaigns. The demonstrations measured the impacts of these innovations on: (1) the volume and mix of sales of the various transit fare prepayment instruments, (2) transit-riding levels, and (3) transit costs and operations. In addition, special attention was to be given to evaluating the relative cost-effectiveness of the special advertising and promotional campaigns conducted in both sites. Although beyond the scope of the demonstrations, some evaluation information was obtained on the cost and effectiveness of regular transit fare prepayment programs, in their role as adjuncts to transit service.