This page introduces modern fare collection—also known as ticketing—technology designed for an audience that may not be experts in all three areas: information technology, payment processing, and electronic transit fare collection.
Our audience includes city mayors, councilors, transit commission executives, and personnel from transit agencies who are responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of public transit fare collection systems.
Ask Your ABT System Vendor to Integrate UniTiAg
By integrating the UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More platform with your ABTAccount-Based Ticketing is a public transit ticketing system model using patron accounts as a source of data for determining fares and validating access to services. More systems, you will:
- Reduce the cost of fare collection in open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More ticketing.
- Accelerate time to market.
- Reduce or eliminate the closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More cards.
- Include underbanked and unbanked customers.
- Satisfy your municipal constituency.
- Enhance your open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More solutions by implementing non-cEMV CRDContactless Rider Device that presents credentials to the Validator proving the rider’s right to access transit services, e.g. cEMV card, UWB-enabled smartphone app, Calypso card, etc. More technologies and non-card-based online payments tools.
Watch Our Videos
In the following three videos, you will be introduced to three distinct yet often complementary business and technological models of fare collection. Let’s embark on this journey together! You can watch these videos on YouTube:
Understanding Closed Loop
Explore the ins and outs of closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More transit fare collection systems, their advantages, and limitations. In this video, we provide an overview of closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More transit fare collection systems, where each transit agencyA transit operator or an agency representing several transit operators. The TA acts as a merchant from the UniTiAg’s standpoint. More operates its own fare system that is not compatible with others. Join us as we dive into how closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More systems function, what components they consist of, and their strengths and weaknesses. Closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More transit fare systems allow passengers to pay fares using reusable mediums, typically contactless cards or mobile apps. While contactless media is the primary method, some transit environments also utilize barcode media.
Watch this video on YouTube: Video Part One: Understanding Closed LoopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More
Understanding Classic Open Loop
Open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More systems can enhance your city’s appeal, especially in high-tourist areas, by providing seamless access to transit services. Additionally, they improve the patron experience by reducing the need for additional transit cards, streamlining the process for both residents and visitors. While open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More ticketing brings clear advantages, it also introduces challenges, such as rising costs of fare collection (COFCCost of Fare Collection, typically expressed as a percentage of the fare revenue. More) and managing the complexities of payment processing.
Watch this video on YouTube: Video Part Two: Understanding Classic Open LoopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More
Understanding Innovative Open-Loop: Universal Ticketing Agent
UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More is an innovative SaaSSoftware as a Service More platform that enables Transit Agencies (TAsA transit operator or an agency representing several transit operators. The TA acts as a merchant from the UniTiAg’s standpoint. More) to sell rides through a common Two-Sided MarketplaceAn online marketplace comprising two categories of customers: (A) online shoppers—e-wallet holders with cards or cash, and service receivers; (B) online merchants, sellers, and service providers. Examples include Amazon, Walmart, Uber, and many others. More (TSMPAn online marketplace comprising two categories of customers: (A) online shoppers—e-wallet holders with cards or cash, and service receivers; (B) online merchants, sellers, and service providers. Examples include Amazon, Walmart, Uber, and many others. More) infrastructure. By leveraging Open-to-Ride Balances (OTRBsOpen-to-Ride Balance is an e-wallet monetary value for ticketing purposes, associated with a contactless token, shared between Transit Agencies. It can be pre-authorized, prepaid, postpaid, or a combination of thereof. More), UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More allows patrons to pay for transit services via open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More cards, streamlining the fare collection process and significantly reducing costs.
Watch this video on YouTube: Video Part Three: Understanding Innovative Open-LoopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More: Universal Ticketing AgentUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More
Can UniTiAg Cover All Your Fare Collection Needs?
Your ABTAccount-Based Ticketing is a public transit ticketing system model using patron accounts as a source of data for determining fares and validating access to services. More system vendor can easily integrate UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More in such a way that it will cover all your closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More needs and at least partially address your cash fare collection needs. This allows your patrons to leave behind their closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More cards and instead tap their open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More cards (credit, debit, and prepaid) with the same user experience they had with their closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More cards. Your ABTAccount-Based Ticketing is a public transit ticketing system model using patron accounts as a source of data for determining fares and validating access to services. More system vendor can maintain the same fare and validation policies, discounts, concessions, etc., as you had with your closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More system component.
If you are a small or mid-sized Transit AgencyA transit operator or an agency representing several transit operators. The TA acts as a merchant from the UniTiAg’s standpoint. More with a modest flow of tourists, UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More integration, provided by your ABTAccount-Based Ticketing is a public transit ticketing system model using patron accounts as a source of data for determining fares and validating access to services. More system vendor, will cover your open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More needs. Your patrons will use their open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More cards in your system and anywhere else they are accepted.
If you are a large TAA transit operator or an agency representing several transit operators. The TA acts as a merchant from the UniTiAg’s standpoint. More with significant tourist flow, you can afford a classic open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More implementation while continuing to use UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More to make your local patron fare collection more affordable. But do you really need the classic open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More component? The answer to this question lies with Two-Sided MarketplacesAn online marketplace comprising two categories of customers: (A) online shoppers—e-wallet holders with cards or cash, and service receivers; (B) online merchants, sellers, and service providers. Examples include Amazon, Walmart, Uber, and many others. More. If the most popular of them integrate UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More and onboard transit agencies as sellers, they will open UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More to open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More credit, debit, and prepaid cardholders worldwide.
Let’s compare the classic open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More and UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More solutions in the table below:
| Criteria | UniTiAgUniversal Ticketing Agent is a model of open-loop public transit ticketing using card-not-present transactions for fare acquiring. More | Classic Open-LoopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless card types | Credit, debit, prepaid-reloadable | Credit |
| TAA transit operator or an agency representing several transit operators. The TA acts as a merchant from the UniTiAg’s standpoint. More and validatorsValidator is a device with contactless card reader, registering card taps and validating access to the transit services. It is not a point of sale in UniTiAg model. More PCI DSSPayment Card Industry Data Security Standards. certifications | Not required | Required to support concessions via open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More cards |
| Card readers PCI DSSPayment Card Industry Data Security Standards. certifications | Required with reduced scope | Required |
| Card reader EMVA protocol used by payments smart cards and points of sales for execution of payments transactions. Level 2 certification | Practical to have but formally not required | Required |
| TA’s ticketing system end-to-end EMVA protocol used by payments smart cards and points of sales for execution of payments transactions. Level 3 Payment certification | Not required | Required, with each acquirer and each payment scheme |
| TAA transit operator or an agency representing several transit operators. The TA acts as a merchant from the UniTiAg’s standpoint. More merchant relations | Must be an e-merchant (seller) with a TSMPAn online marketplace comprising two categories of customers: (A) online shoppers—e-wallet holders with cards or cash, and service receivers; (B) online merchants, sellers, and service providers. Examples include Amazon, Walmart, Uber, and many others. More | Must be a card-presentCard-present transaction means that the card is physically engaged with a point of sale device during the transaction. More transaction merchant with an acquirer |
| TA’s closed-loopClosed-loop ticketing systems use their specific cards incompatible with other transit systems. More component | Not required | Required for unbanked and debit cardholders |
| Patrons inclusion | Banked and unbanked patrons. Credit, debit, and prepaid reloadable cardholders | Credit cardholders |
| Patron friction | Must have an open-loopOpen-loop ticketing allows fare payments with Visa, Mastercard, etc. cards. UniTiAg unlocks non-card-based open-loop ticketing tools, e.g., direct banking, e-wallets, crypto, etc. More card and set up an OTRBOpen-to-Ride Balance is an e-wallet monetary value for ticketing purposes, associated with a contactless token, shared between Transit Agencies. It can be pre-authorized, prepaid, postpaid, or a combination of thereof. More with an TSMPAn online marketplace comprising two categories of customers: (A) online shoppers—e-wallet holders with cards or cash, and service receivers; (B) online merchants, sellers, and service providers. Examples include Amazon, Walmart, Uber, and many others. More | Must have a credit card |