Related: INIT wins The Rapid's smart card, mobile ticketing contract
INIT to provide Honolulu's smart card, mobile ticket system
The initial phase will include outfitting all 550 of the agency’s bus fleet with proximity terminals, mobile data terminals, and routers to facilitate the validation of smart cards and electronic tickets.

INIT

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and the City’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) have partnered with INIT for the implementation of a smart card and mobile ticketing solution for use across TheBus and the Honolulu rail transit systems.
The project will be implemented in four phases over the next five years.
The initial phase will include outfitting all 550 of the agency’s bus fleet (TheBus) with proximity terminals, mobile data terminals, and routers to facilitate the validation of smart cards and electronic tickets. The proceeding phase will include equipping HART’s rail stations with more than 100 ticket vending machines (TVM) from INIT and nearly 140 fare gates.
The project will encompass integration with several third-party systems. Open Application Programming Interfaces (API) will be available to external partners for managing devices and CAD/AVL information.

INIT will provide the central software tool for processing and clearing of revenues. The online validation server will process account transactions in real time providing HART with accurate, split second revenue processing. Due to the software’s multi-modal capabilities, ease of use for back-end management of revenues can be effortlessly handled. With the anonymous ridership data generated by the new system, HART officials will be able to study trends and make service adjustments accordingly.
Service terminals will also be installed by INIT at satellite city halls and various retail outlets where customers can buy passes and load cards. The accessibility features of the fare system with HART’s paratransit system, TheHandi-Van, will complete phase three of the project, and phase four will be completed with a fully operational revenue service expected with full rail implementation.
The contract is valued at more than $30 million and includes 10 years of operation.
More Management

Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
Read More →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →
Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion
Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.
Read More →