MBTA extends contract with Masabi for mobile rail ticketing

Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Masabi agreed to a contract for Masabi to continue delivering mobile ticketing services across all MBTA Commuter Rail and Commuter Boat routes.

The agreement will enhance the MBTA’s existing mobile-ticketing system, which is widely recognized as one of the transit industry’s most successful mobile-ticketing programs.

“Working closely with our mTicket partners, the MBTA is stepping up its efforts to leverage cutting-edge technology to improve our customers’ experience,” said MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve. “This innovative app makes the fare collection process easier and more efficient for both Commuter Rail riders and the MBTA.”

MBTA and Masabi launched the first full smartphone commuter rail ticketing system in the U.S. in fall 2012, with more than one-third of tickets on the MBTA’s Commuter Rail now purchased on smartphones.

Improvements that MBTA commuters can expect to see when the updated ticketing-system deploys later this year include:

• Mobile wallets such as MasterPass and ApplePay that will streamline the purchase process.

• Favorite and recent trips saved on the home screen.

• Improved look and feel and purchase flow.

• Electronic validation of tickets for enhanced security.

Masabi was chosen after a competitive selection process that included many bidders. The contract will see the MBTA’s costs cut in-half from the initial pilot program, representing a cost savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars that can be reinvested in MBTA operations.