METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

The Latest in Fare Collection Technology

The latest offerings from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Alex Roman
Alex RomanExecutive Editor
Read Alex's Posts
May 30, 2024
The Latest in Fare Collection Technology

It’s as simple as tap and pay. Contactless fare collection from U.S. Bank offers an open-loop, contactless payment solution that allows transit riders to pay via tap-to-pay and digital wallets, removing ticket purchases or loading funds onto fare cards.

Photo: Elavon

4 min to read


What are the latest offerings in fare payment? Check out the latest from Cubic/Umo, Elavon, Genfare, INIT, Kuba, Masabi, and VIX Technology.

Cubic Transportation Systems

The Umo Handheld Reader by Cubic Transportation Systems is an advancement in electronic fare collection.

Photo: Cubic/Umo

The Umo Handheld Reader by Cubic Transportation Systems is an advancement in electronic fare collection. The innovative device seamlessly pairs Cubic's software with Samsung's off-the-shelf technology, revolutionizing transit payments on buses, trains, and more. Designed to enhance rider experiences, it offers convenient tap-to-pay functionality right at your fingertips. With its affordability and ease of use, transit agencies can effortlessly expand services without costly hardware installations. From paratransit to on-demand transport, the Umo Handheld Reader adapts swiftly, ensuring a smooth journey for all.

Ad Loading...

www.umomobility.com

Elavon

It’s as simple as tap and pay. Contactless fare collection from U.S. Bank offers an open-loop, contactless payment solution that allows transit riders to pay via tap-to-pay and digital wallets, removing ticket purchases or loading funds onto fare cards. With mass transit contactless payments, you can:

  • Improve rider experience by making it faster, easier, and more convenient to pay.

  • Increase revenue on fare collection expenses.

  • Speed up service during peak periods by collecting fares more quickly.

  • Reduce idling time and carbon emissions due to faster boarding times.

  • Create a safer environment by reducing touchpoints and face-to-face interactions.

www.elavon.com

Genfare

Genfare collaborates with more than 450 transit agencies to design fare collection solutions that simplify the rider experience, empower equitable mobility through innovation that leaves no rider behind, and connect communities based on their needs for a smoother journey.

Photo: Genfare

For more than 40 years, Genfare has been the premier supplier of American-made fareboxes, and today we’re driving the industry forward with innovative and equitable mobility solutions that let the rider pay with whatever is in their pocket. We collaborate with more than 450 transit agencies to design fare collection solutions that simplify the rider experience, empower equitable mobility through innovation that leaves no rider behind, and connect communities based on their needs for a smoother journey.

Ad Loading...

www.genfare.com

INIT

For agencies, TaaS offers fast, cloud-based fare management and real-time insights into sales and passenger behavior, promoting operational efficiency and profitability.

Photo: INIT

Ticketing-as-a-Service (TaaS) is redefining efficiency, security, and accessibility in public transit. For agencies, TaaS offers fast, cloud-based fare management and real-time insights into sales and passenger behavior, promoting operational efficiency and profitability. Its compatibility with existing systems and support for multi-channel strategies enhance service flexibility, driving ridership and sustainability. For passengers, TaaS brings convenience and affordability with contactless EMV payment technology and intelligent fare capping, ensuring the lowest fares without the need for physical tickets. This innovation not only streamlines the ticketing process but also makes public transportation more appealing and cost-effective. As a systems integrator, INIT delivers the future of ticketing through TaaS to make public transit more accessible, efficient, and attractive.

www.initse.com

Kuba

In the U.S., Kuba is involved in programs with government and transit agencies that make it easier to buy and implement contactless and mobile fare collection systems.

Photo: Kuba North America

The people and technology behind Kuba have been at the forefront of fare collection for decades. Launching as Kuba in 2019, they are now a leading provider of mobility planning and payment solutions. Fast, simple, and cost-effective to deploy, Kuba’s mobility platform allows agencies to switch on capabilities at a pace that’s right for them. They can start with account-based ticketing and add modules later for open-loop fare collection and Mobility-as-a-Service. In the U.S., Kuba is involved in programs with government and transit agencies that make it easier to buy and implement contactless and mobile fare collection systems.

www.kubapay.com

Ad Loading...

Masabi

Masabi is the company delivering Fare Payments-as-a-Service through its open platform Justride, which is integrated into the technology of leading players from across the transit ecosyste and used by more than 200 transit agencies worldwide

Photo: Masabi

Masabi is the company delivering Fare Payments-as-a-Service through its open platform Justride, which is integrated into the technology of leading players from across the transit ecosyste and used by more than 200 transit agencies worldwide. Emphasizing convenience and fairness, Justride employs Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) and Open Payments, ensuring riders never overpay. With fare capping, costs are automatically capped at the daily or monthly pass rate, promoting fare equity. Justride supports diverse payment methods, including mobile ticketing, and integration into popular Mobility-as-a-Service apps, making it accessible to all passengers, even those paying with cash.

www.masabi.com

Vix Technology

Vix Technology is the global leader in intelligent transportation systems, automated fare collection, and transit analytics.

Photo: VIX Technology

Vix Beacon ITS is a cloud-native, modular platform designed to manage and monitor your fleet, support drivers, and keep riders up-to-date on their journey. Implement our Intelligent Transportation Systems technology–like Data Services, CAD/AVL, On-Vehicle Devices, Real-Time Passenger Information, and Transit Analytics–or integrate with your own hardware as required. Vix Technology is the global leader in intelligent transportation systems, automated fare collection, and transit analytics. Vix is passionate about connecting people and communities, combining an open, collaborative mindset with cutting-edge technology to make public transport more accessible and more cost effective for all.

www.vixtechnology.com

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Technology

Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT River Line light rail vehicle.
Technologyby StaffJune 11, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Issues RFI for Unified Real-Time Customer Information Platform

The agency is seeking input from companies that provide real-time transit communications systems as part of an effort to enhance the customer experience and modernize how riders receive service alerts, travel information, and system status updates.

Read More →
A MARTA articulated BRT bus
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 11, 2026

Mobile Apps and Passenger Information Top METRO's Business Briefs

In our latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Masabi, Axentia, Moovit, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →

Biz Briefs: Masabi Partners with LANTA and More

In this edition, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Alstom purchasing site for Acela network manufacturing
Railby StaffJune 4, 2026

Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet

The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ABA testifies for federal bus regulations

ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUSES Act, National Standards for Bus Operators

The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.

Read More →