Bytemark was awarded a Master Service Agreement by the California Department of General Services for the California Integrated Travel Project (or Cal-ITP) to provide Transit Processor Services.

The services, along with EMV-enabled validators, serve as the backbone for contactless EMV fare payment systems, also known as open loop, which allows riders to pay for transit by tapping the same credit or debit card they use to buy groceries or a cup of coffee.

“The vision and creativity shown by the DGS team and their consultants speaks to the heart of technology disruption to seed market growth – seeing this move from a vision to actually building a statewide marketplace that other states can actively leverage builds innovation while lowering costs for all,” says Eric Reese, CEO at Bytemark. “Bytemark being recognized as partner in this endeavor speaks not only to our investments and strategy being sound, but that our path to continue to innovate reflects the markets’ wants.”

Cal-ITP was created to make riding rail and the bus simpler and more cost-effective — for both providers and riders. By streamlining the process for transit agencies to procure EMV-enabled fare payment systems, Cal-ITP is fostering a modern and consistent transportation experience throughout California.

To promote access and equity, Cal-ITP is developing a centralized discount eligibility system. The system eliminates the need for the passenger to prove eligibility to each agency, thus greatly simplifying the delivery of senior, veteran, student, and other discounts.

The Master Service Agreement may be leveraged by the more than 300 public transit agencies in California to simplify the procurement and deployment of open payment systems. Transit agencies in other states have expressed interest in the program, including members of the Oregon Cooperative Procurement Program and the Washington State Purchasing Cooperative.