METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MBTA extends contract with Masabi for mobile rail ticketing

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.

June 20, 2016
MBTA extends contract with Masabi for mobile rail ticketing

Masabi

2 min to read


Masabi

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.

Ad Loading...

“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.

Ad Loading...
  • 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.

More Management

AAAHI receiving METRO's Innovative Operator of the Year Award
Motorcoachby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.

Read More →
A New York MTA subway car with an open gangway
Railby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 16, 2026

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.

Read More →
Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 14, 2026

NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting

The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.

Read More →
From Checklists to Better Outcomes
TechnologySeptember 11, 2026

Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance

Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.

Read More →
A red, white, and blue graphic with the APTA logo and text reading "APTA Nominates 2026-2027 Chair & Vice Chair."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 10, 2026

APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees

Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →
STraffic White Paper Cover Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.
SponsoredSeptember 9, 2026

Advancing Fare Collection Through Technology and Innovation

Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.

Read More →
A TransLink train goes by a large FIFA World Cup soccer ball structure.
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 8, 2026

Game Day in Motion: Moving Millions During the 2026 World Cup

Between packed transit stations and team motorcoaches, see how agencies and operators across North America tackled the transportation demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Surface Transportation Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap."
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 4, 2026

Surface Transportation Extension Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap

The stopgap keeps federal transportation programs moving, but missing advance funding could complicate the transit and rail projects agencies are planning next.

Read More →