RELATED: Fare payment upgrades leverage latest tech advances
Vix Technology to equip Edmonton transit systems with 'smart' ticketing
The 15-year contract that will move the three cities from a cash and paper-based ticketing system to a common contactless fare payment system utilizing an account-based back office.

The new system will move fare calculations and settlement to the back office, offer payment convenience for riders and allow the three Edmonton metropolitan region cities’ transit agencies to collect real-time data. Image via Vix.

The new system will move fare calculations and settlement to the back office, offer payment convenience for riders and allow the three Edmonton metropolitan region cities’ transit agencies to collect real-time data. Image via Vix.
Vix Technology has been selected by three city partners in the Edmonton metropolitan region, which includes the City of Edmonton, Strathcona County and City of St. Albert, to implement a new advanced Regional Smart Fare Solution (RSFS).
The RSFS is a 15-year contract that will move the three cities from a cash and paper-based ticketing system to a common contactless fare payment system utilizing an account-based back office. The RSFS initiative is made up of multiple components, and Vix will design, build, operate, and maintain the entire solution, inclusive of front-end equipment, back-office infrastructure, smart card media and more for the duration of the contract.

The city of Edmonton (shown), Strathcona County and city of St. Albert will implement a new advanced Regional Smart Fare Solution. Image via Vix
The Vix solution will move fare calculations and settlement to the back office, offer payment convenience for riders and allow the three Edmonton metropolitan region cities’ transit agencies to collect real-time data. And with the Vix solution, the open architecture platform allows for scalability and integration and a standards-based approach.
This new system will incorporate open payments, which allows riders flexible payment options, including contactless EMV cards, branded retail prepaid cards, or agency or third party-issued transit cards.
Some of the most recent contracts awarded to Vix include a contract by the Malaysian Government’s public transport regulator (SPAD) to unify payments for the country’s multiple transit operators under a single transport ticketing system, and a new, comprehensive fare payment system for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
More Technology

ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Lextran, Via Team for On Demand, HDR to Work on Twin Cities BRT, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we also take a look at recent news from Keolis, Complete Coach Works, Anchor Transportation, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Video Surveillance in Public Transit: What Riders Really Think
As video surveillance gains public acceptance, new research from Axis Communications reveals what transit riders expect from agencies when it comes to safety, privacy, and AI.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: New Electric Offering from Alexander Dennis/Volvo, Transdev in Boston, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we also take a look at recent news from STV, WSP, Prevost, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Roman Cornell on ABC Companies’ Evolution and the Future of Passenger Transportation
The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.
Read More →ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Frontrunner Bus Group Introduces XF Low-Floor Bus with Enhanced Accessibility
The new mid-sized bus features a full flat-floor design, eight-inch curbside step-in height, and zero-entry rear ramp to improve passenger access and operational flexibility.
Read More →
Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification with BAE's John Hroncich
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →