Cubic Transportation Systems announced the launch of its NextWave Mobile Business System, a platform that enables transit operators to rapid and securely provide new mobile services to its customers. NextWave simplifies the complexity of deploying mobile services by providing a cloud-based platform that integrates with both closed- and open-loop contactless fare systems, payment processors, mobile […]

The global market for smart cards used in the public transportation sector is expected to reach 1.1 billion unit shipments in 2013, according to a new report from IHS Inc., a global source of critical information and insight. The report, entitled “Smart Cards in Transportation – World – 2013,” presents additional detailed estimates and forecasts […]

Hong Kong transit card operator Octopus Group is set to introduce mobile payments as an alternative to contactless cards for passengers traveling on the territory’s public transport network, according to Finextra.com. The firm is now experimenting with mobile payments in an effort to keep pace with new NFC payment services offered by local banks such […]

Singapore company EZ-Link unveiled the dual-currency SINO Visitor Pass, a transit card that can be used public across international borders in Singapore and Chinese province Guangdong. The SINO Visitor Pass is developed jointly with Guangdong Lingnan Pass. It will carry two currencies – the Singapore dollar and renminbi (RMB) – which can be used at […]

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has partnered with the America’s Cup to create a unique and commemorative limited-edition Clipper card in honor of the America’s Cup Summer of Racing in San Francisco. The America’s Cup is the oldest active trophy in international sport and sailings greatest prize. The limited edition, commemorative America’s Cup Clipper card […]

Starting Monday, Chicago area transit riders will have a new and more convenient way to pay for rides on CTA and Pace, with the scheduled full public rollout of Ventra. The universal fare system will replace CTA and Pace’s existing, nearly 20-year-old fare payment system and offer transit customers to use a single fare card […]

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found in a recent survey that across the UK, almost half of all bus and rail users still use paper tickets. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, only four in every 100 people in Yorkshire currently use a dedicated smart card for bus or rail, compared to 77% in London. PwC asked thousands of […]

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is planning a real-world test of its long-awaited fare collection system upgrade, according to a local news report. SEPTA riders should begin to see evidence that the transit agency is making progress by as early as this fall. Whether they are boarding a bus, train, or subway, it’s going […]

Utah Transit Authority is taking steps toward cashless bus and train fares with the launch of its new reloadable electronic fare card: FAREPAY. The card will enable commuters to simply purchase a fare card, load it with cash and use it to “tap” on and off any bus or train on the system, including the […]

The Chicago Transit Authority is waiving the $5 fee to obtain a Ventra transit through the end of the year, according to the Chicago Tribune. With Ventra, customers are presented with the flexibility of a modern fare payment system, including faster boarding, account management and value protection. A simple “tap” of a contactless card enables […]