Largest open transit fare system in the US launches in Chicago

Cubic Transportation Systems, MasterCard and Money Network are to partner in a program to launch what is said to be the largest open transit fare payment system (OSFS) in the US. The Ventra card is about to make its debut with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and suburban bus operator Pace, giving customers two new options to pay for train and bus rides. The Ventra card features two accounts - a closed-loop account for transit payments and an optional reloadable prepaid card that can be used for everyday
June 28, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
378 Cubic Transportation Systems, 1756 MasterCard and Money Network are to partner in a program to launch what is said to be the largest open transit fare payment system (OSFS) in the US.

The Ventra card is about to make its debut with the 1000 Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and suburban bus operator Pace, giving customers two new options to pay for train and bus rides.

The Ventra card features two accounts - a closed-loop account for transit payments and an optional reloadable prepaid card that can be used for everyday purchases everywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted.

Chicago residents and tourists will be able to pay for train and bus rides with any MasterCard PayPass or contactless payment card currently in their wallet to tap and pay at rail station turnstiles and on buses.

"MasterCard is the world's fastest payment processing network and First Data is a global leader in payment processing and electronic commerce. They are ideal partners as we develop a world-class open fare system to serve as a model for transit agencies around the globe looking to modernise their fare payment systems," said Richard Wunderle, senior vice president and general manager for Cubic's North America operations. "MasterCard and First Data clearly demonstrated their strong commitment to public transit, and we are proud to have them on board."

"Ventra will improve the passenger experience by creating convenient connections throughout the region with the latest in contactless card technology," said Forrest Claypool, president, CTA.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Pioneering new passenger information systems
    February 3, 2012
    Chicago pioneers new passenger information initiatives. By David Crawford
    Read More
  • Cubic NextWave improves transit agencies’ mobile services
    October 1, 2013
    Cubic Transportation Systems’ NextWave mobile business system is, says the company, a comprehensive platform that enables transit operators to rapidly and securely provide new mobile services to their customers. NextWave provides a cloud-based platform that integrates with both closed and open loop contactless fare systems, payment processors, mobile networks, NFC platforms and both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, for the introduction of mobile phone-based contactless fare cards, mobile fare pur
    Read More
  • Singapore pilots account-based ticketing
    February 28, 2017
    Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Mastercard are jointly launching a pilot of account-based ticketing (ABT) for public transport, by allowing the usage of contactless credit and debit cards for fare payments. Commuters holding Singapore-issued Mastercard contactless credit or debit cards can apply to join the pilot via the TransitLink ABT Portal. LTA and Mastercard hope to attract at least 100,000 commuters to participate in the pilot.
    Read More
  • Init wins e-fare system in Oregon
    April 2, 2014
    In a project valued at more than US$14 million, integrated ITS and ticketing systems supplier Init is to implement a new e-fare/smart card payment system for the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) in the US. TriMet provides bus, light rail, and commuter rail service in the Portland metro area; the new system will enable passengers to utilise contactless bank cards and mobile phones, offering more convenience and pricing equity. The contract comprises the delivery of a
    Read More

Highlighted Content