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

  • Littlepay enables Helsinki tap-to-pay
    May 12, 2021
    Littlepay used on selected ferries and trams in Finland's capital and on buses in Tampere
    Read More
  • Dubai metro - the world's longest automated rail system
    July 31, 2012
    David Crawford reviews the recent opening of Dubai's Red Line. The US$7.6bn Dubai Metro, the Phase I Red Line of which started partial operation in September 2009, will be the world's longest driverless rail system on its planned completion in 2011. With a total length of some 75km, it will then overtake the 68.7km Vancouver SkyTrain and be able to carry over 1.2 million passengers on a typical day.
    Read More
  • Multi-modal transport management platform from Cubic
    October 10, 2016
    Cubic Transportation Systems is showcasing a range of advanced ITS solutions, including the company’s integrated, multi-modal transport management platform, at the ITS World Congress Melbourne. Cubic’s feature-rich platform incorporates a range of functions to connect previously fragmented and silobased traffic control and public transport systems.
    Read More
  • Cubic’s director of mobile shares predictions for 2018
    December 22, 2017
    Robert Spogis, Cubic’s director of mobile shared his 2018 predictions on how the transport sector will be transformed through the adoption of a mobile infrastructure as its popularity grows and how transit apps will leverage AI/machine learning to provide more personalised commuter experiences. In addition, he estimated that mobile technology such as Near Field Communications and Bluetooth will provide simpler and more intuitive ticketing methods than traditional paper tickets.
    Read More

Highlighted Content