Skip to main content

MBTA chooses Cubic to deliver next-generation fare payment system

Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) has been selected by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to install a fare payment system for the region’s multi-modal transit system to allow payment flexibility for customers. The base contract award includes an approximate $575 million (£433 million) for implementation with ten years of operations and maintenance as well two five-year extension options. The agreement also involves a public-private partnership, in which Cubic and John Laing will
November 22, 2017 Read time: 2 mins

378 Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) has been selected by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to install a fare payment system for the region’s multi-modal transit system to allow payment flexibility for customers. The base contract award includes an approximate $575 million (£433 million) for implementation with ten years of operations and maintenance as well two five-year extension options.

The agreement also involves a public-private partnership, in which Cubic and John Laing will arrange the funding for the implementation and operation of the system to help MGTA finance the capital updating program while transferring key risks to both companies. The award is subject to contract finalization.

Additional access will be created for users through a retail merchant network as well as optimum placement and types of ticket vending machines, kiosks and wide-aisle gates. Customers will be able to review transactions, set up payment methods, enable autoloads and load value and products; and a mobile app that offers the same functionality as the website.

Personalized transit accounts will be set-up for users to view ride history, check balances, add value as well as report lost or stolen cards to protect their funds. Mobile phones can also be used like ticket vending machines to check account balances and recharge fare accounts anywhere to provide greater convenience and shorter lines.

Cubic will be responsible for the design, integration, supply and implementation of the system as well as the platform and back office hosting; card fulfilment; financial services including clearing and settlement; and the retail merchant network. Equipment will include fare validators, fare gates and vending machines for all MBTA subway and rail stations, in addition to more than 1,000 buses.

Matt Cole, CTS president, said: “We have listened to and heard what Bostonians have to say about their aspirations for a new payment system, and we understand the challenges to transition from CharlieCard to the next generation system. From the many focus groups we conducted; community groups we spoke with; conversations with city leaders; and, other important voices of Boston's culturally-rich neighbourhoods, we are confident our system design addresses the accessibility and equity concerns of all the communities served by the MBTA, many of whom said they want simplified and seamless options for travel."

Related Content

  • October 27, 2017
    Cubic wins contract from MTA to replace MetroCard with new fare payment system
    Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) has been chosen for a contract valued, $539.5 million (£409.4 million) with additional options worth $33.9 million (£25.7 million), by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to replace the MetroCard with a fare payment system similar to Transport for London (TfL). The new system is designed with the intention of providing an enhanced and integrated travel experience across the region including seamless access to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-Nort
  • March 27, 2018
    P3 agreement sets out to improve public transit travel in Boston
    Cubic subsidiary Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) and John Laing Consortium have executed an agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to implement and operate a new fare payment system. The public-private partnership (P3) has formed with the intention of improving the quality of public transit travel for passengers in a base contract valued $699m (£493m). The system intends to allow passengers to create personalised transit accounts to see ride history, check balances, add
  • January 4, 2018
    Cubic wins contract to mobilize LA Metro TAP Fare Payment System
    Cubic Transportation Systems has been awarded a contract by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LA Metro), to deliver an integrated traveller app in support of the TAP regional contactless fare system. It is designed with the intention of allowing users to make a fare purchase, use their mobile device as a TAP card and complete their journey using transit, bikeshare, or other multimodal programs. It will also provide them with commute information. TAP links 24 transit agencies across the Los
  • April 23, 2024
    Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Go-To gets the Cubic touch
    Contactless fare system is centrepiece of upgrade to transit ticketing in the Twin Cities