SEPTA’s Smartcard Fare System Field Trial Delayed

Philadelphians excited to be rid of paper tickets and tokens: don’t celebrate just yet. A test of SEPTA’s new smartcard payment technology (dubbed New Payment Technology or NPT) has been delayed, with officials citing the need for equipment to hold up to inclement weather and a lengthy revision process. Xerox, the company handling the payment technology’s development, is currently updating the technology before any tests can go forward, said SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch in a statement to Newsworks.

There is, however, some hope: transit officials don’t expect delays in implementation of the new system for bus or train riders. The earliest we’ll see this technology, though? Station tests start in October, with a plan for the full rollout this coming Spring. Here’s to hoping, anyway. [Newsworks]