Airport Commission approves new hi-tech lockers for LAX, ONT.LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 1996--A new computerized locker system promises to handle baggage storage more efficiently for travelers at Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. and Ontario International Airports. Smarte Carte Smarte Carte, Inc. is an American company that manufactures devices such as lockers, strollers, automated mailing devices, and more. Their products include supplying and maintaining baggage carts, hired with provisions for a small rebate on return of the cart at some Inc. was awarded a five-year contract by the Los Angeles board of Airport Commissioners Tuesday, Feb. 27, to operate an electronic locker concession at both airports. Smarte Carte will install approximately 420 electronic, solid-steel lockers to replace the existing 887 key-operated, mechanical units at the two airports. The five-year agreement guarantees a minimum income of $150,000 per year to the Department of Airports. The new locker system is scheduled to begin operating on or about April 1. "Numerous complaints from travelers about the reliability of the mechanical units and the concessionaire's response time prompted the Department of Airports to consider electronic lockers," said Executive Director John J. Driscoll. "Since the electronic lockers contain a more efficient tracking and monitoring system, we expect to reduce the number of units yet still meet the needs of the traveling public." Electronic lockers work similarly to automated teller machines automated teller machine (ATM), device used by bank customers to process account transactions. Typically, a user inserts into the ATM a special plastic card that is encoded with information on a magnetic strip. , with a keypad A small keyboard or supplementary keyboard keys; for example, the keys on a calculator or the number/cursor cluster on a computer keyboard. See programmable keypad. and liquid-crystal display (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) A display technology that uses rod-shaped molecules (liquid crystals) that flow like liquid and bend light. Unenergized, the crystals direct light through two polarizing filters, allowing a natural background color to show. ) screen. Customers use the keypad to choose the length of storage time and the payment method. A receipt is printed showing the locker location, date and time, and the locker access code. A new access code is assigned each time the unit is used. Smarte Carte will operate a 24-hour customer service line so its employees can promptly respond to travelers' calls for service. The telephone number will be affixed af·fix tr.v. af·fixed, af·fix·ing, af·fix·es 1. To secure to something; attach: affix a label to a package. 2. to each bank of lockers. CONTACT: Department of Airports Cora Fossett, 310/646-5260 |
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