Smartriders

A subtle and saddening change since the introduction of swipe cards on public transport is the disconnect between passenger and bus driver. I tend to smile, make eye contact and say goodbye or thank you to my driver but I also have to swipe the card and want to read the display (shows ticket price, which is now calculated at the end of the journey).

The reader is cleverly positioned such that my back is almost to the driver as I get off the bus (this may be even worse for right-handed people). It slows me down slightly getting off and if I choose to swipe, read, turn, relate and then leave the bus, I’ve significantly increased the amount of time it takes to disembark. This is a problem when a lot of people are involved.

I still like the system more than having to buy Multi-riders monthly or paper tickets with loose change and it does speed up getting on the bus. I do however want a system that enhances human interaction as well.