Representatives from both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority NYC Transit (MTA) and the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) spoke about their respective pilot programs, which have added bank-issued contactless cards into their closed payment systems, at the kick off to the Smart Card Alliance’s annual conference in San Diego. Both the MTA and UTA are also testing a way to make using contactless cards even more profitable by grouping many small payments together and presenting them as one transaction to the merchant acquiring system, a process called aggregation. Grouping payments would in turn lower the transit agencies’ transaction costs. The UTA’s program accepts bank-issued contactless cards on 41 ski buses in Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, the MTA’s program includes 79 turnstiles in 30 stations across four NYC boroughs.
MTA, UTA discuss contactless payment programs
Representatives tout pilot programs during Smart Card Alliance conference.
More Management
NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
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APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
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Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
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FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
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ENC Names New VP of Transit Sales
John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.
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New 2026 Plan Aims to Expand Transportation Access Across Virginia
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
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Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation Nationwide
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
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Latinos In Transit Wraps Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program,
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
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WMATA Expands U-Pass Program
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.
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People Movement: New CEO's in Georgia, California
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Savannah's CAT, California's VVTA, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
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