Cubic Transportation Systems Inc. was awarded a $72.5 million contract from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to deliver a smart card-only multi-modal fare collection and revenue management system. Under the contract, which could be worth as much as $104 million if options are exercised, Cubic will replace MARTA's existing magnetic ticketing and token-based system with the company's open architecture smart card ticketing technology that will allow commuters to use one card to pay for rail, bus, paratransit and park-and-ride fees. The new system will increase revenues and operational efficiency for the agency. Beginning in 2006 when the system launches, patrons will be able to use a customer service Web site to order and register cards, make account queries and add value to their cards with online software features. Added value can then be collected automatically the next time customers use their cards in the system at rail stations, on buses and when parking.
MARTA awards Cubic $72.5M smart card contract
Cubic's technology will allow commuters to use one card to pay for rail, bus, paratransit and park-and-ride fees.
More Management

AC Transit Sees First Sustained Three-Month Ridership Climb Since 2022
Officials said the ridership gains recorded in February, March, and April signal renewed public confidence in transit and reinforce AC Transit’s vital role in connecting East Bay residents with jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, and recreational destinations.
Read More →
Report Examines Where Public Transit Delivers the Greatest Cost Advantage Over Driving
A new study found commuters in several major U.S. cities could save hundreds of dollars each month by taking public transit instead of driving, with Los Angeles ranking as the nation’s most expensive city for car commuters.
Read More →
Washington's Community Transit Celebrates 50-Year Milestone
The milestone highlights both the agency’s history and its evolving role in meeting the region’s growing mobility needs.
Read More →Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs
HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.
Read More →
NFL Draft Delivers Big Ridership, Revenue Boost for Pittsburgh
Over the three days, PRT recorded 485,000 rides, reflecting the extraordinary number of trips taken as people traveled throughout the region for Draft events, work, and daily life.
Read More →
The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery
Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan
The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.
Read More →
ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date
ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Signals Leadership Shift, Opens National CEO Search
During the meeting, the board approved a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
Read More →
STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.
Read More →