Sacramento to Launch Contactless Payments on Light Rail

Littlepay announced its role as transit payment processor for a contactless ticketing demonstration on Sacramento Regional Transit District’s (SacRT) light rail network, according to the company’s press release.

The release began on the Green Line in June. It has now been extended across all light rail trains in collaboration with CalSTA’s and Caltrans’ California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP).

Littlepay’s modular, API-based payments platform enables SacRT and Cal-ITP to release a tap-to-pay solution.

“We are always looking for ways to use innovative technology to make using transit easier and more convenient for the community,” said SacRT GM/CEO Henry Li. “These devices allow someone to use the same form of payment for their light rail ride and their coffee, simply tap and ride.”

Riders using SacRT’s light rail trains can tap to pay for light rail fares with a contactless credit, debit, prepaid card, or digital wallet.

SacRT is offering $1 fare for single rides on light rail during the month of September.

A light rail rider’s daily fare charges will be capped at $7 when tapping to pay.

The agency said it is looking into discount fare options as one of the ways to bring value to riders using the contactless system.

The SacRT release follows the launch of California’s first contactless payments demonstration on Monterey-Salinas Transit buses in May.

“We’re excited to be on the team that’s bringing payment innovation to transit agencies and riders in California,” said Amin Shayan, CEO of Littlepay. “The series of demonstrations we are involved in will provide proof points of the positive impact of open-loop contactless systems. Not only do they provide cost efficiency for transit agencies, they also improve passenger experience.”