### Low Usage of Prepaid Cards on Agua Caliente Corridor Buses
#### Unfamiliarity and Cash Preference Hinder Adoption
Passengers in Tijuana have shown minimal use of the prepaid card system for the new public transportation subsystem on the Agua Caliente corridor, according to Oscar Luján Pérez, a local bus operator. He attributes this low adoption rate to the fact that most users are unaware of the card’s existence and are more accustomed to paying with cash.
Oscar Luján Pérez explained that passengers can pay in two ways: through a digital machine or by using a coin slot machine. However, many people, especially the elderly, struggle with these methods. “A lot of passengers hand me cash directly because they don’t know how to use the coin machine. We often help these elderly passengers by either explaining how the machine works or by assisting them in inserting the coins,” he said.
Daniel Álvarez, another bus driver, noted that younger passengers, particularly those between 20 and 30 years old, as well as students with the golden card, are more likely to use the prepaid system.
The local public transportation authority, IMOS, has not yet set a date for the wider distribution of the prepaid cards for units operating on the Agua Caliente corridor, which could further hinder the transition from cash to card-based payments.
#### Upcoming Plans for the Transportation System
IMOS has also announced plans to install reload points for the prepaid cards throughout the next week. This move is expected to make the system more accessible and convenient for commuters who currently lack easy ways to top up their cards.
Additionally, Tijuana has recently launched its first electric bus, which will operate on the Violeta Route. The new electric bus is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the city’s public transportation system and provide environmentally friendly transit options.
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### Secondary Article: Wider Implications and Future Prospects
#### Assessing the Impact on Tijuana’s Public Transport Efficiency
The transition towards a prepaid card system is seen as a significant step in modernizing Tijuana’s public transportation. While current challenges, such as unfamiliarity with the system and the predominance of cash payments, present obstacles, the city remains committed to improving the efficiency and user experience of public commuting.
**Related Developments:**
– **Delay in Prepaid Card Distribution**: There has been no confirmed date for when passengers can expect to receive their prepaid cards from IMOS. This delay is a major factor contributing to the current underuse of the card system.
– **Installation of Reload Points**: To facilitate the use of prepaid cards, IMOS will begin installing points where users can reload their cards next week. These points are expected to encourage more people to switch from cash to cards.
– **Introduction of Electric Buses**: As part of a drive towards sustainability, Tijuana has introduced its first electric bus on the Violeta Route. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to adopt greener public transport solutions.
Passengers’ adaptation to these changes is crucial for the success of the new transport initiatives. Continuous education and support for passengers on the use of prepaid cards, along with the broader distribution and accessibility measures, are necessary to ensure a smooth transition and improved efficiency of public transportation in Tijuana.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these initiatives unfold and what further steps Tijuana will take to advance its public transport system.