Skip to main content

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

  • Cubic and MasterCard launch Urbanomics Mobility Project
    September 16, 2015
    Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) and its subsidiary Urban Insights are to collaborate with MasterCard on the Urbanomics Mobility Project, a new data analysis platform to fuel smarter, more inclusive cities. The initiative leverages Urban Insights’ state-of-the-art big data analytics and visualisation technology; Cubic’s expertise in processing more than US$24 billion per year in public transportation revenue; and powerful spending trends and insights derived from 43 billion transactions processed over
  • Conscience versus convenience
    June 8, 2015
    David Crawford looks at new ways forward for public transport. By 2025, nearly 60% of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities, increasing their extent and density, and the journeys that people make within and between them. In response, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) wants to see public transport’s global modal share doubling (PTx2) by the same date. “Success in 2025,” a spokesperson told ITS International, “will save 170 million tonnes of oil equivalent and 550
  • Minneapolis expansion for Flowbird
    April 7, 2022
    Company will provide on-street ticket vending machines for Metro Transit's new BRT routes
  • Cubic and TfL launch mobile ticketing app for Oyster card customers
    December 21, 2017
    Cubic Transportation Systems and Transport for London (TfL) have launched the TfL mobile ticketing app for Oyster card users in London. Designed by TfL and developed by Cubic, the app allows Oyster card users to manage travel fares and payments, top up their cards and view journey history via an Android or Apple iOS devices.