METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

OCTA Extends Fare System with INIT Compact Ticket Vending Machines

OCTA customers will be able to validate their fare media on the OC Streetcar and OCTA Bus system.

OCTA Extends Fare System with INIT Compact Ticket Vending Machines

INIT VENDstation TVMs are designed to improve the customer experience by facilitating the purchase of encrypted barcoded paper tickets using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets.

Photo: OCTA

1 min to read


The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has selected INIT to supply, implement, and support ticket vending machines (TVMs) at streetcar platforms across 10 stations in Orange County, California.

INIT VENDstation TVMs are designed to improve the customer experience by facilitating the purchase of encrypted barcoded paper tickets using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets. OCTA customers will be able to validate their fare media on the OC Streetcar and OCTA Bus system.

Ad Loading...

Given the agency’s platform space, the INIT VENDstation’s compact footprint allows for the implementation of two TVMs at each station. Other factors included INIT’s system integration flexibility, secure IT architecture, and INIT’s relevant experience and positive references from its other TVM customers. 

This contract represents a successful partnership between OCTA and INIT. The agency procured INIT’s fare validators in 2016, which were installed across its more than five hundred fixed-route buses. The back-office system provided the open architecture design to support OCTA’s ongoing system extensions.

The addition of INIT’s VENDstations are expected to further enhance the customer experience by providing more convenient and seamless ticketing options for riders, simplifying transit use, and allowing for potential future regional fare integration.

More Bus

Busby Alex RomanSeptember 11, 2026

New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade

The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.

Read More →
How BAE Systems Electrifies Transit Fleets
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification

John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.

Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Transit Tech Training...What's Changed?
Busby Alex RomanSeptember 4, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve

LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
RIPTA, APTA, and federal officials at the launch of the agency's new Frontrunner vehicles
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 4, 2026

Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Holly Arnold
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 2, 2026

People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More

In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A man in a blue suit stands at a clear podium.
Busby Elora HaynesAugust 26, 2026

The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform

Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ray Melleady and industry leaders on Capitol Hill
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 24, 2026

The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation

As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.

Read More →
METROspectives: The Overlooked Issues Holding Bus Operators Back
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 21, 2026

From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations

Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.

Read More →
Finding the Right Balance: Optimizing Transit Maintenance
ManagementAugust 14, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
AI Powers Bus Lane Enforcement
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 12, 2026

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement

The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.

Read More →