Metrolinx Launches Open Loop in Toronto, though Not Yet with Largest Operators
Toronto transit agency Metrolinx Thursday launched acceptance of open-loop credit payments on its commuter service GO Transit, along with three suburban bus operators, while upgrading its UP Express airport rail line from a pilot to a full open-loop launch.
Barcelona Transit Authority Believed to Have Received Only One Bid For Fast-Tracked Open-Loop Project
Large Spanish processor and acquirer Comercia Global Payments is believed to be the only bidder for a fast-tracked project by Barcelona transit authority ATM to roll out an open-loop payments option for customers, Mobility Payments has learned.
Utah Transit Authority Hires Masabi to Fill Mobile-Ticketing Gap from Passport’s Planned Exit
The Utah Transit Authority, or UTA, has hired a new mobile-ticketing vendor to replace its current supplier, Passport Labs, which is exiting the ticketing market at the end of the year.
Transit Agency Group Gets Low Price in California Open-Loop Procurement
In one of the first procurements of open-loop technology past the pilot stage for the pioneering California Integrated Travel Project, a group of rural transit agencies in Northern California received a low price for its planned open-loop payments rollout, Mobility Payments has learned.
Transport for London Signals Plans to Enable Concessionary Fare Discounts with Open-Loop Payments
Transport for London is working on a system to tie discounts for seniors, students, disabled persons and other concessions to open-loop cards and devices, the agency confirmed to Mobility Payments.
Conduent Won Helsinki Validator Contract in Close Bid against Access-IS
Conduent was one of just two qualified bidders on a contract to supply at least 4,500 new validators to the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority, or HSL, for its upgraded fare-collection system, Mobility Payments has learned.
Open Loop Has Limitations for Riders and Transit Agencies, Says French Closed-Loop Tech Supplier
Users of open-loop payments in France are mainly tourists and occasional riders paying for single tickets–not the transit agencies’ regular customers–the head of a company that implements closed-loop mobile NFC ticketing in France, told Mobility Payments.
Los Angeles Open-Loop Payments Pilot ‘Targeted’ for End of Year
Los Angeles transit officials are targeting the end of the year to launch a “mobility wallet,” offering subsidized fares for low-income riders–including 1,000 users of open-loop payments–a spokesman for one of the agencies involved told Mobility Payments.
Barcelona Transit Authority Seeks Quick Rollout of Open-Loop Payments Following Long Delays in Launch of Close-Loop Card
The Metropolitan Transport Authority, or ATM, in Barcelona has issued a request for proposal for technology to help it to quickly roll out open-loop payments across the metro, train, bus and tram networks in and around Spain’s second largest city.
Some U.S. Transit Agencies Holding Off on Launching Open-Loop Payments
When the Utah Transit Authority finalizes the contract for its planned account-based ticketing system by the end of this year, among the provisions will be making all validators for its buses and rail ready to accept open-loop payments.