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

  • Transportation hub the centre of sustainable urban development
    November 21, 2012
    A marriage of transit, technology and culture is taking shape in Minneapolis, with ITS systems vital to hopes for a sustainable development centred on a hub of public transportation. Construction started in July this year on ‘The Interchange’ – a station in the Midwest US city of Minneapolis claimed as the most spectacular expression yet of the fast-spreading North American concept of transit-oriented development (TOD). Due for completion in 2014, the Interchange is designed as a multi-modal public transpor
    Read More
  • Cubic to enhance MTA fare collection system
    November 22, 2016
    Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) is to carry out a major upgrade to the Maryland Transit Authority’s (MTA) automatic fare collection (AFC) system, under a US$4.8 million contract modification which also includes setting the foundation for new features and functionality. The upgraded system will provide the MTA with the opportunity to accept new payment methods, such as mobile payments, as well as add new features, including a new customer web portal and an integration path with third-party transport servi
    Read More
  • Flowbird goes contactless in Minneapolis
    January 28, 2021
    Pay by space parking kiosks wirelessly communicate to analytics platform, firm says
    Read More
  • ITS Australia congratulates national award winners for 2017
    November 28, 2017
    Winners of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia National Awards 2017 have been announced at the Art’s Centre Melbourne. The 8th edition celebrated the nation’s most innovative and advanced transport technologies from a record number of nominations across a variety of organisations. Attended by Hon Ben Caroll MP, Minister for Industry and Employment, the awards recognise professional ITS expertise and raise awareness across all levels of government and community about the technology benefits
    Read More

Highlighted Content