faretype

Faretype is a label used in transportation fare systems to categorize tickets according to eligibility, price, and conditions of use. It is a classification in the fare management system rather than a physical product, and it drives how a fare is calculated, validated, and applied to a journey.

Common faretypes include adult, child, student, senior, disabled, youth, and military, as well as specialized categories such as reduced fare, saver, or day-pass variants. The exact names and eligibility criteria vary by city and agency, but the concept remains the same: a faretype encodes who may ride at what price and under what conditions.

Implementation involves data fields in ticketing databases and fare tables. A faretype links to a price, a validity period, and transfer rules. When a passenger uses a fare medium (card, mobile ticket, or paper), the system applies the corresponding faretype to determine the amount charged and any discounts or transfers.

Eligibility is often verified through age, student status, disability documentation, or entitlement programs, and may require proof or periodic re-certification. In many systems, the faretype is stored on the user’s account or on the fare card and can be updated as eligibility changes.

The concept is standard in public transit but differs in implementation by region and mode, including buses, trains, ferries, and other services with fixed pricing. Faretype provides a flexible mechanism for pricing equity, revenue management, and operational efficiency.