Senior Consultant
CH2M Hill
For the past three years, Alan Cheng has served as a technical leader in the implementation of Los Angeles Metro’s Universal Fare System (UFS) and Transit Access Pass (TAP) system. The TAP card is an important innovation for L.A. County transit riders. Because of its state-of-the-art smart chip technology, TAP allows Metro and other L.A. County regional and local transit lines to look to the future, finding modern new ways to deliver an improved transit experience.
Cheng has been involved in all aspects of implementing Metro’s UFS system. He reviewed fare policies and developed business rules to account for changing client objectives. He co-authored the concept of operations for a faregate monitoring center, and worked with an internal modeling team on a queuing analysis of gating stations. He participated in hardware design review boards, civil installation planning meetings, and helped ensure service level agreements in support services contracts. Cheng has authored and reviewed several supporting documents, including Disaster Recovery Plan, Farebox Add Value process, Limited Use Cards pilot plan and PTEL/CCTV installation proposals. In addition, Cheng prepared Fire Life Safety exit calculations for gated rail stations which the client approved and offered rare praise for detail and clarity.
He has also been active in APTA’s National Fare Collection Workshops, dating back to 2008. Cheng coordinated a Near Field Communication workshop at the APTA conference in San Diego. The workshop included representatives from transit agencies, cell phone providers, wireless carriers, hardware and software vendors, system integrators and transit patrons. The purpose was to discuss a proposed architecture and operating model to apply NFC to transit purposes. The workshop was a success with over 100 attendees. Cheng continues to participate with the planning team to develop a long-term roadmap.
Over the past several years, Cheng has demonstrated a commitment to technical excellence, industry collaboration and fare system advancement. He has made significant contributions to the development, design and implementation of Los Angeles Metro’s Universal Fare System.
“My experience living abroad in Shanghai exposed me to a cutting edge public transportation system. When the opportunity to work on the LA system presented itself, I jumped on it.”
“I believe public transportation is a critical component to global advances in human interaction, economic development and environmental responsibility.”
