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Universal Transit Farecard Systems Standards 

Universal Transit Farecard Standards (UTFS)Task Force

In July 2007 APTA has released all four parts of UTFS CFMS Standard.  Subsequent to this release, UTFS Task Force prepared a training session on the application and use of the standard given at the 2007 Fare Collection Workshop.  The UTFS Task Force is seeking additional volunteers for additional development, training and outreach of the standard.

Click here to view the UTFS CFMS Standards.

Part I - Introduction and Overview

This standard is an introduction and overview to a contactless fare media system which provides for a consistent and uniform method for storing and retrieving information from smart cards used in transit applications.  The standard consists of five parts which are designed to be implemented together as part of a foundation for end-to-end integration of fare collection information processing.

Part II - Contactless Fare Media Data Format and Interface Standard

This standard defines the data format used on Proximity Integrated Circuit Cards (PICC).  This part provides a consistent and uniform method for storing, retrieving and updating data from contactless fare media used in transit applications.  It also references related international standards which define the physical, electrical and communications aspects of PICCs.

Part III - Regional Central System Interface Standard

This standard provides an interface to provide a uniform and consistent method of communication to a Regional Central System of a contactless fare media system for transit applications.  This standardization allows transit agencies who are purchasing or expanding their fare collection systems to participate in a regional operating environment where common Contactless Fare Media-based fare instruments can be used for fare payment with all the participating transit agencies.

Part IV - Security Planning and Implementation Guidelines and Best Practices

This standard provides the basic steps and considerations that should be employed in order to define, implement, and manage a security program for a regional smart card-based fare collection system.

Part V

Part V is a test methods specification that provides a tool for verifying conformance with the CFMS Standards.  It contains specific information related to system and component testing and test procedures that an agency, vendor or third-party testing house can use to ensure the delivered product is compliant with CFMS requirements.  (This part is currently under development.)

     


 

Task Force Officers

UTFS Organization Chart (PDF)

By Laws (PDF)

Intellectual Property (IP) Policy & Procedures page - APTA has established policies and procedures for the conduct of the UTFS Task Force related to the treatment of intellectual property of those entities contributing to development of UTFS standards. The document containing these policies and procedures is entitled: Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Procedures. The policy considers patents, copyrighted material, registered marks such as trademarks, and trade secrets. To participate in the development of UTFS Fare Card Standards, requires acknowledgement of understanding regarding the APTA IP Policy. To obtain necessary documents related to IP Policy and ensure compliance with these policies, please see the Bulletins (Issued as needed)


Task Force Meetings

During the APTA Annual Conference and Exposition held in Dallas, Texas September 2005, the following UTFS presentations were given at various meetings of UTFS work groups.

General UTFS Meeting

Joint UTFS TCIP Planning (UTFS TCIP Meeting) (PPT)

General ITS / UTFS Session (Annual APTA Expose) (PPT)


Task Force Meeting Minutes


UTFS Standards Committees


APTA UTFS Reference Documents
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APTA UTFS Draft Standards and Recommended Practices for Point Of Contact (POC) and Public Review

APTA UTFS Draft Standards and Recommended Practices for Task Force Ballot

APTA UTFS Steering Committee Approved Voluntary Standards and Recommended Practices
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Staff Advisor:
Martin P. Schroeder P.E., telephone (202) 496-4885, fax (202) 496-4335, mschroeder@apta.com