Los Angeles, CA/USA

Ticket Vending Machines for Los Angeles Metrolink

As the second busiest public transportation provider in Southern California, and one of the largest commuter rail agencies in the US, Metrolink partnered with INIT to update and modernize its fare collection system to an account-based solution. 

Project at a glance

155

Ticket Vending Machines

7

Ticket Office Machines

1

Core processing system

The task

Metrolink set out to build a fare system that would allow the agency to integrate with third-party systems today, while planning for prospective enhancements in the future. INIT was chosen to replace Metrolink’s legacy Ticket Vending Devices (TVDs), thereby helping them reduce capital and ongoing operating costs while maintaining the current TVDs.

The solution

The system is comprised of 155 new Ticket Vending Devices (TVDs), seven Ticket Office Machines (TOMs), and a core back-office revenue management system. The new TVDs accept both cash and cashless transactions, are ADA-compliant, and provide an easy-to-use touchscreen experience.

INIT’s back-end clearing and revenue processing system, MOBILEvario, serves as the core intelligence of the project. MOBILEvario facilitates the management of the individual customer accounts, setting of fare rules, revenue processing, and statistical evaluation reporting.

Metrolink can now allow the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at ticket vending machines for discounted fares, ensuring affordable transportation for individuals on public assistance. The system was designed following an open architecture approach.

Using open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allows for integration with third-party systems today, and potential enhancements in the future.

Benefits

 

  • Increased operational efficiencies through reduced costs of cash handling and improved boarding times
  • More fare payment options including EBT cards
  • Higher security with account-based fares
  • Open APIs for integration with 3rd parties
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The conclusion

Metrolink’s new account-based system will increase operational efficiencies by reducing the costs of cash handling, improving boarding times at stops and giving passengers more control over their own accounts. It is expected to improve the Authority’s operational efficiency and fiscal sustainability, while simplifying fare purchases for riders and increasing ticket issuance speed.

INIT is very excited about partnering with Metrolink to bring a modernized fare system to Los Angeles. The TVD’s will bring unique benefits to the agency in terms of greater efficiency and lower operating costs, while enhancing the passenger experience in getting around their city.

Roland Staib

President & CEO, INIT

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