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

  • Australian Capital Territory does it MyWay+ with new multimodal ticketing system
    November 22, 2024
    Users can pay for travel via an account or usual mobile methods
    Read More
  • Cubic to deliver hardware system for MTA Bus Time
    March 19, 2013
    Cubic Transportation Systems has been awarded a contract worth almost US$27 million from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority to build and integrate the bus hardware system for MTA Bus Time, the authority's customer information system for bus location and arrival times that will be accessible to passengers using an internet browser-based map, a mobile phone-based application and a text message-based service. As part of the bus hardware system, Cubic will deliver its new mobile validator that w
    Read More
  • Xerox’s mobility app offers Mobility as a Service
    June 1, 2016
    Andrew Bardin Williams looks at a new mobility app in Los Angeles and Denver that brings Mobility as a Service one step closer. Commuting today doesn’t have to require a single modal route. You can take Uber to the nearest light-rail station or a bus to the commuter line. Then on the other end of your trip, you can book a bikeshare the rest of the way to your office. For many who live in major metropolitan areas around the US this is a distinct reality as new ways to move from Point A to Point B continue to
    Read More
  • Moscow to launch peer-to-peer car-share
    September 25, 2020
    Russian capital is also introducing facial recognition payment on metro, authorities say
    Read More

Highlighted Content