Atlanta Transit Agency Wants to Introduce Open-Loop Payments in Time for World Cup Next Year; will Vendor INIT be Ready?
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, said it plans to launch open-loop payments in time for the FIFA World Cup matches the city will host next year–though some have their doubts the agency will hit that target.
The now $300 million-plus project will introduce open-loop payments and a revamped version of the agency’s closed-loop Breeze card as part of an account-based ticketing system for Atlanta’s four-line subway, 500-plus fixed-route buses and light-rail streetcar. The work includes replacing 400 fare gates and other equipment.
Houston Metro Approves Expensive Contract Option to Continue to Accept Cash on Board Buses
While Houston Metro, a large public bus agency in the U.S., plans to introduce open-loop payments as part of an account-based ticketing system now being built for it, the agency has no plans to phase out cash acceptance on board its more than 1,200 buses, a spokeswoman confirmed to Mobility Payments.