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Post by Retrovision on Sept 15, 2006 16:20:47 GMT -8
BC FERRIES LAUNCHES NEW AUTOMATED TICKETING SYSTEM FOR FOOT PASSENGERSVICTORIA – As an added convenience for its foot passenger customers, BC Ferries is now testing a new state-of-the-art automated ticketing system designed to both simplify ticket purchases and speed up the foot passenger loading process. This exciting pilot project is being launched today at both Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen and will be evaluated for possible application on BC Ferries’ major routes. www.bcferries.com/news/files/06-057bcflaunchesautoticketingsystem.pdf
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Sept 15, 2006 16:58:11 GMT -8
Looks like BCF is taking que from WSF with its automated system that it will be implementing very soon on our central sound routes.
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Post by Ferryman on Sept 15, 2006 17:07:58 GMT -8
I don't understand why they would put the automated ticket machines on the Major Routes. When you purchase your ticket as a foot passenger, the cashier gives you a pass, to give to the ramp operator as you board. So now you have to hand over 2 passes....?
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Post by hergfest on Sept 15, 2006 23:33:14 GMT -8
Looks like you can do either, but not both (unless you want to pay twice).
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Post by Scott on Sept 16, 2006 8:37:54 GMT -8
I used it last night. Everyone else was standing in a 5 minute line up and no one was at the machines. So I got my ticket in less than 30 seconds. You just pick the route, how many people, you swipe your credit card, and it gives you the tickets just like the attendant does. Worked great for me.
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Post by Ferryman on Sept 16, 2006 8:59:35 GMT -8
Hmm, thats alot different than the one at Langdale then. But that's neat that there's an "express" way of buying your ticket now. Kind of reminds me of the Skytrain.
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Post by Curtis on Sept 16, 2006 9:13:48 GMT -8
Kind of wierd that nobody was using them. At Langdale it's way different. I think that the one at Langdale is supposed to be free since that's the side you don't pay on on the HSB-Langdale Route.
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Sept 16, 2006 10:08:24 GMT -8
Langdale is to verify how many passengers are going to aboard to make sure they have a bit more of an accurate passenger count.
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Post by Mike C on Sept 16, 2006 10:58:42 GMT -8
This is interesting. BCF is turning themselves into a "Line" rather then a "System". This express option is also available at airport check-ins, SeaBus, and even at Airport Security.
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Post by Retrovision on Sept 16, 2006 16:25:25 GMT -8
...you swipe your credit card... Or debit card. Kind of wierd that nobody was using them. At Langdale it's way different. I think that the one at Langdale is supposed to be free since that's the side you don't pay on on the HSB-Langdale Route. Langdale is to verify how many passengers are going to aboard to make sure they have a bit more of an accurate passenger count. Exactly; so all foot passengers are required to get one, like a boarding pass at major terminals. |
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Post by Ferryman on Sept 16, 2006 17:19:31 GMT -8
...you swipe your credit card... Finally! They take debit for Foot Passenger Fares now. Now they just need to take debit for vehicle fares and at the cafeteria, and I'm set! ;D |
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Koastal Karl
Voyager 
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Sept 16, 2006 21:53:11 GMT -8
I remember at one point the Spirit ships had ATM machines onboard but they havent had them now for a while.
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Post by Mac Write on Sept 16, 2006 23:20:25 GMT -8
The ATMS on the Spirits where wireless ATMS provided by Vancity as a pilot project. They took them out due to gaps in reception. As for the new ticket machines, I am unable to use them due to my 50% off pass.  |
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Post by kylefossett on Sept 17, 2006 13:24:56 GMT -8
kind of reminds me of self serve gas stations, bank machines and the self serve checkouts that are showing up at real canadian superstore. next time a cashier at one of these places asks you if you have used these new options you just ask them if they are starting to look for a new job. the more automation the less people you have to pay.
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Post by Retrovision on Sept 17, 2006 13:29:59 GMT -8
the more automation the less people you have to pay. That's one way of framing it. |
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Sept 17, 2006 13:33:28 GMT -8
With that comment about automated checkouts showing up at the real canadian superstore, it is no longer a "real" canadian superstore.
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Post by Retrovision on Sept 17, 2006 14:03:30 GMT -8
With that comment about automated checkouts showing up at the real canadian superstore, it is no longer a "real" canadian superstore. Really? I was under the impression that the average Canadadian has no qualms about buying the majority of their sustenance, etc., from corporations, and accept all that implies, including treatment of employees. |
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Post by kylefossett on Sept 17, 2006 21:28:20 GMT -8
the more automation the less people you have to pay. That's one way of framing it. these automated jobs in retail and gas stations takes jobs away from highschool students. |
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Post by Ferryman on Sept 17, 2006 21:35:41 GMT -8
That's one way of framing it. these automated jobs in retail and gas stations takes jobs away from highschool students. Naw, there's a backup plan for that. Mcdonalds and Tim Hortans are the hotspots. But you'd never see me working in one of those places. |
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Post by Retrovision on Sept 23, 2006 23:35:59 GMT -8
At Swartz Bay: 
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Post by Curtis on Sept 24, 2006 9:45:37 GMT -8
I notice the picture on the screen is the same one there using on the Fall/Winter/Spring BC Ferries Schedule.
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Post by Barnacle on Oct 1, 2006 19:15:50 GMT -8
Looks like BCF is taking que from WSF with its automated system that it will be implementing very soon on our central sound routes. Oh, you mean BCF's system doesn't work either? ;D |
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Oct 1, 2006 21:36:33 GMT -8
barnacle, I believe you misinterpeted my post, if you noticed the word "will" in the post, I was talking about the idea of the automated ticketing system. WSF's system has gotten the flaws worked out on the Port Townsend-Keystone route. How does the WSF automated system "not work"?
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Post by Barnacle on Oct 1, 2006 21:43:18 GMT -8
Implementation has been a problem with the WSF system, and the rumors in the company are that it can't handle multi-destination terminals (i.e., Seattle, Anacortes, Fauntleroy, Vashon, Southworth). At this point I have to assume that they aren't planning on putting a kiosk in at the San Juan stops.
[edit: continuing on...] And if the flaws have been worked out, then this is a recent development. As of a couple of weeks ago it still wasn't quite right, according to conversations I've had with terminal staffers.
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Oct 2, 2006 14:25:37 GMT -8
Has it been a problem or has it been taken a precaution just so that if a system already failed you would have the ferry system stalled? Are you saying the press release is BS? If it was a few weeks ago, I would ask again before claiming there is a flaw. Rumors cannot be backed up necesarilly, they are not entire full proof but maybe a sign. Sometimes, rumors are the wrong message. However, the rumor explains why WSF is testing it on the San Juans next.
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