After MTDC had conducted its field evaluations, the Center learned about a third type of electronic fee-collection machine, the QBS Pay Station. The machine is manufactured in South Korea by QBS Electronic Co., Ltd. MTDC staff did not review any field installations of QBS equipment. Dominion Self-Park Systems, Ltd., in North Vancouver, BC, distributes the Accord, the Apex, and Concord models of the QBS Pay Stations. Dominion, which was founded 8 years ago, is owned and operated by Tom Lucas. He cites the following advantages for the QBS Pay Stations:

Ease of Maintenance—A few tools and basic technical aptitude are all that are needed to maintain these machines. Dominion provides initial and ongoing training and supplies a complete service manual for software and hardware. Telephone assistance is available 7 days a week.

Security—The machines have a secure locking system, heavy-duty construction, onsite alarm, and can have a remote alarm.

Bilingual—The machines can communicate in any two Romance languages, such as English, French, and Spanish. A third language, using any script, can be added for an additional cost.

Easy-to-Use—Three-color, easy-to-follow instructions show users how to operate the machines.

Rate Choices—The machines supply as many as 30 rate choices. Different kinds of ticket stock can be used as an alternative to the standard thermal paper. For example, a thermoplastic permit with a preprinted liability waiver (similar to those issued at ski areas) could be used at snowmobile parks and boat launches.

Remote Access—Sales records and audit information can be downloaded onsite, or a network computer and software can be supplied for $13,700 that will allow the machine's owner to access the machine from a remote location. Internet and telephone reservations for campgrounds can be uploaded to ensure that the same campsite is not sold twice on the same day. As many as 15 components, such as the printer, credit card reader, and bill acceptor, can be checked with diagnostic software to see if they are working properly. Screen messages and choices can be edited from an office computer. A telephone line provides credit card authorization and the ability to use debit cards. Wireless point-of-sale authorization will be available with the new Concord Pay Station in the fall of 2000. Designed as a combination of the Accord and Apex models, this machine will feature an audible help system that can access information by radio waves, telephone lines, and cell or satellite links (Figure 12).

Number/PIN Pad—The Apex Pay Station has a PIN pad feature that allows campsite numbers to be entered as they are purchased to prevent duplicate sales. A printout of sites that are paid or unpaid can help campground hosts check whether campers have paid or not.

Figure 12—The QBS Concord Pay Station, a combination
of the Accord and Apex models, has a motion
sensor that triggers a recording when customers
approach. Customers can push the Help button
to repeat the instructions.

The Accord, Apex, and Concord Pay Stations accept all forms of payment: coins, bills, tokens, smart card, or credit cards; they make change; and they stack bills. These machines feature components that can be swapped in the field and the machines can be networked. They come complete with battery backup, a pedestal, a 1-year supply of tickets, a comprehensive warranty, and a parts replacement policy.

Installations of QBS Pay Stations can be found at the Pacific Rim National Park in Canada and many other National Parks in the Canadian Park System. Machines may be purchased or leased. A turnkey option is available.