METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

November 3, 2003
1 min to read


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.

Topics:Management

More Management

A picture of C-TRAN's electric bus.
Managementby StaffFebruary 6, 2026

C-TRAN Sees Fourth Consecutive Year of Ridership Growth

The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.

Read More →
A woman pushes a man in a wheelchair on a rail platform.
Managementby Elora HaynesFebruary 5, 2026

Free Rides, Civil Rights, and the Legacy of Rosa Parks in 2026

Transit agencies across the U.S. commemorated Transit Equity Day with zero fares and a renewed focus on access and equity.

Read More →
Rendering of Sound Transit's Renton Transit Center
Busby StaffFebruary 5, 2026

Seattle’s Sound Transit Breaks Ground on New Transit Center

The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo for METROspectives episode with Ana-Maria Tomlinson
ManagementFebruary 4, 2026

Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group).

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Foothill Gold Line: Design Contract Award & 2026 Board Leadership."
Managementby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Foothill Gold Line Board Awards Claremont Extension Design Contract to Parsons, Maintains Board Leadership for 2026

Parsons wins the $60M Claremont Extension design contract as the Foothill Gold Line board reaffirms leadership during a pivotal project phase.

Read More →
Technologyby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Houston METRO Introduces RideMETRO Fare System

The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →