On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 15:46:21 +0100, Paul Corfield
wrote:

The Netherlands may well be installing such equipment but it remains to
be seen if they can make the system work. Is the equipment solely for
validation on entry or is it for also for exit?

Also for exit.

If exit then I fear
they will have a huge problem on their hands. Exit validation works in
Singapore but let's just say their regime and sense of societal
compliance is a tad different from the UK or Netherlands.

This is true - but if there is an automatic penalty for not touching
out, people will end up doing so in order to avoid voting with their
wallet.

From memory evasion levels were well into double
figures and folklore said the trams were "free" - a refrain we now hear
about TfL's bendy buses.

Given that my observation (limited to Den Haag) is that the only
penalty for not having stamped your Strippenkaart is to be told to
stamp it, I think they may be slightly missing the point

The Dutch national smartcard scheme is
a nice idea but there are some formidable issues to deal with in getting
it work in a way that the Dutch will consider to be fair when set
against the Strippenkaart system. I know you are much more up to date
with all of this than me so perhaps you can give an update on how well
it is going?

I've only really been able to observe what's been going on rather than
being properly involved in its implementation - but I agree there may
be issues. The move to stage-type rather than zonal pricing may be an
obstacle, and the issue of how to use two cards if you have two
disposable ones (no value can be added to these) with a bit of value
on each has not been addressed, and might be better addressed by going
for one type of card like London. There is also the fact that people
are used to taking a friend with them on their Strippenkaart - this
won't be possible any more either.

Consistency and understandability, not to mention saving money by not
having to deploy (as many) RPIs at the outer ends of the network.

These are not benefits that the travelling public would particularly
notice or understand.

This is true.

Neil

--
Neil Williams
Put my first name before the at to reply.