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As transit agencies began exploring contactless and open-loop payment technologies, the challenge was not simply introducing a new way for riders to pay. A successful implementation required solutions that could securely process transactions, integrate with existing fare collection infrastructure, support agency operations, and maintain reliability in a public transportation environment. In 2013, STraffic deployed an open payment platform for the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) in...

Written by John Moon, Head of Product at STraffic For transit agencies considering cash minimization—or taking their first step toward digital fare payments—it is important to begin with a clear vision of the desired rider experience and long-term operating model. The passenger experience is shaped by two fundamental questions: How does the rider purchase the fare? How is the fare validated at boarding? Each payment method serves a different passenger profile and creates different operational...

Public transit is evolving, and fare collection is at the center of this transformation. While many systems initially relied on prepaid smartcards to replace cash, today’s mobile and contactless payment solutions support lower dwell times, reduced cash handling, and data-driven service planning. These digital methods simplify how riders pay while giving transit agencies greater visibility into system performance, fare compliance, and ridership behavior. Platforms like OpenFare support this...