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."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Cubic Transportation Systems extends Opal payment system trial
    March 13, 2018
    Cubic Transportation Systems’ (CTS’) business division and Transport for New South Wales will extend its trial of contactless ticketing across the entire Sydney ferry and light rail network. The project aims to allow users to purchase one-off fares quicker and easier while also allowing them to pay for journeys using American Express and Visa cards. More than 15,000 passengers are estimated to have used their Mastercard to tap on and pay for travel across Sydney harbour since the trial began on the Manly
    Read More
  • Cubic among big ticket winners at Transport Ticketing Awards
    March 15, 2023
    CTS won Ticketing Enabler of the Year while Littlepay and Ridango also triumphed
    Read More
  • Cubic Launches Ventra mobile app for Chicago public transport systems
    November 26, 2015
    Cubic Transportation Systems, in partnership with customers Chicago Transit Authority, suburban bus operator Pace and commuter rail Metra, has launched the Ventra Mobile App for public transport passengers in Chicago. The one-stop mobile app gives transit passengers who travel on CTA ‘L’ trains or buses, Pace or Metra commuter trains the ability to plan, manage and pay for their journeys for each of the region’s agencies. The companies say this is an industry first for fully integrated regional transit s
    Read More
  • 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.
    Read More

Highlighted Content