METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Sacramento to Launch Contactless Payments on Light Rail

The SacRT release follows the launch of California’s first contactless payments demonstration on Monterey-Salinas Transit buses in May.

by Staff
September 3, 2021
Sacramento to Launch Contactless Payments on Light Rail

Littlepay’s modular, API-based payments platform enables SacRT and Cal-ITP to release a tap-to-pay solution.

Photo: Littlepay

2 min to read


Littlepay announced its role as transit payment processor for a contactless ticketing demonstration on Sacramento Regional Transit District’s (SacRT) light rail network, according to the company’s press release.

The release began on the Green Line in June. It has now been extended across all light rail trains in collaboration with CalSTA’s and Caltrans’ California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP).

Ad Loading...

Littlepay’s modular, API-based payments platform enables SacRT and Cal-ITP to release a tap-to-pay solution.

“We are always looking for ways to use innovative technology to make using transit easier and more convenient for the community,” said SacRT GM/CEO Henry Li. “These devices allow someone to use the same form of payment for their light rail ride and their coffee, simply tap and ride.”

Riders using SacRT’s light rail trains can tap to pay for light rail fares with a contactless credit, debit, prepaid card, or digital wallet.

SacRT is offering $1 fare for single rides on light rail during the month of September.

A light rail rider’s daily fare charges will be capped at $7 when tapping to pay.

Ad Loading...

The agency said it is looking into discount fare options as one of the ways to bring value to riders using the contactless system.

The SacRT release follows the launch of California’s first contactless payments demonstration on Monterey-Salinas Transit buses in May.

“We’re excited to be on the team that’s bringing payment innovation to transit agencies and riders in California,” said Amin Shayan, CEO of Littlepay. “The series of demonstrations we are involved in will provide proof points of the positive impact of open-loop contactless systems. Not only do they provide cost efficiency for transit agencies, they also improve passenger experience.”

More Technology

A photo of a San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit zero-emission bus.
Busby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025

A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.

Read More →
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Busby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Technologyby StaffApril 15, 2026

Amtrak Advances Plan for New Long-Distance Fleet

The railroad has issued a formal request for proposals to manufacturers for more than 800 new passenger railcars that will serve 14 long-distance routes nationwide.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
Bus driving down road demonstrating ACE
Technologyby StaffApril 10, 2026

New York MTA Extends Automated Camera Enforcement Program

Vehicles that improperly use busways and bus lanes, block bus stops, or illegally double-park will receive warning notices in the mail for an initial period of 60 days, followed by summonses thereafter.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A product grouping image of the AngelTrax Vulcan Series VX4AI All-in-One MDVR and V1284HC MDVR
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

AngelTrax, City of Freeport Partnership to Enhance Fleet Safety

The project, finalized on February 12, provides the city with two different configurations of high-definition cameras to outfit 16 buses in the Pretzel City Area Transit fleet.

Read More →
A photo of Peoria MTD workers fro WeDriveU's contract
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsApril 7, 2026

WeDriveU Lands Paratransit Contract, Alstom Extended in ATL, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
A rider looking at a Via map on a smartphone
Technologyby StaffApril 6, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Introducing New Microtransit Pilot

The service will offer free connections to major bus stops and park-and-rides, linking customers to NJ TRANSIT’s fixed-route bus network.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A look inside the new better Breeze ticket vending machines during installation at Lindbergh Center Station.
Technologyby Elora HaynesApril 6, 2026

Building Better Breeze: MARTA’s Fare System Rollout in Photos

See how MARTA’s better Breeze system came to life, from construction to installation across stations.

Read More →