Smart Ticketing solution for METRO Houston

One of the largest US public transport companies relies on INIT’s account-based fare management system

Karlsruhe, Germany / Houston, TX, USA - 21 April 2021.

INIT has been contracted by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) in Houston, Texas, one of the largest public transportation service providers in the USA, to supply and install an innovative account-based fare management system. Ticket purchase with cash, credit, or debit cards as well as fare capping will be possible with this next generation system.

1,700 vehicles integrated

MOBILEvario provides the basis for METRO's new ticketing solution. It contains comprehensive functionality for fare management and revenue sharing and serves as the core for account-based systems. The open architecture with defined programming interfaces (APIs) offers the necessary flexibility to integrate third-party systems and various identification media very easily and enables the system to meet future needs of METRO and their pasengers.

1,700 fixed route and paratransit buses will be equipped and 200 validators installed on platforms for smart ticketing at METRO over the next few years.

Fares for a variety of groups

Of particular importance for METRO is the ability to configure different fares for their various groups of passengers from within the back-office. Reduced fare, student, business or free-fare accounts, as well as daily or monthly fare capping incentives, are possible with INIT's next generation ticketing system.

METRO ensures a secure and scalable future with INIT technology

METRO’s new account-based system will provide a user-friendly experience to more than 100 million annual pasengers who will be able to manage their own accounts anywhere and at any time. Using a vastly expanded and robust retail network, passengers will be able to purchase and reload value to their accounts with cash, credit, or debit cards. Additionally, passengers will be able to use METRO’s web portal or their smartphone to add and reload value to their accounts. With MOBILEvario, METRO will be able to manage all fare products and transfer rules, capping pots, revenues, and accounting which will provide greater flexibility and interoperability for an easy and seamless fare payment experience.

The new fare collection system will help METRO meet its goals of simplifying the customer experience, increasing service reliability by improving boarding times, delivering more accessible fare payment options, and guaranteeing a secure and scalable system for the future.

Smart Ticketing made by INIT, as we will implement it in the Houston area, is now one of the most requested technologies by public transport companies worldwide. I am particularly proud of this new project because METRO was one of INIT’s first US customers. For almost 20 years, INIT has delivered innovative ITS technology to METRO, and the new ticketing system will perfectly fit with this integrated technology environment. We look forward to continuing the great partnership we have enjoyed with METRO during this time.

Dr. Jürgen Greschner

Chief Sales Officer init SE

About METRO Houston Metropolitan

The Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) operates transit services in the metropolitan area of Houston, Texas. METRO’s service area includes the City of Houston, Harris County and 14 surrounding cities. Houston is the fourth largest city and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States.

Contact

Matthias Tanne

Head of Department Sales and Marketing

INIT GmbH

Germany

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