Abstract: A fare collection system using a bus fare box that receives and counts paper currency and paper transfers and tickets into a paper collection chamber and receives and counts coins into a coin collection chamber and receives and collects operating data into a data storage unit, the operating data including fare classification, bus identification and mileage; a secure coupling is made to the fare box chambers and the data storage unit after satisfying mechanical and pneumatic and electrical security devices so as pneumatically to convey from the chambers the papers and coins therein to a central processing unit and to convey the data stored in the data storage unit to a data collection center; the paper is first conveyed in an air stream and separated from the air stream and deposited into a storage vault therefor, after which the coins are conveyed to a coin slowdown device and then discharged to a sorter-counter-recorder for coins and then to a secure storage vault, the air stream being pulsed during conveyin