INIT is helping public transport companies manage the football crowds in North America

The ticketing system in Atlanta has been updated. The Better Breeze system, run by local operator MARTA, will transport fans on eight match days, right through to the semi-finals.  © MARTA

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates a rail and bus network that spans 1,048 miles. This year, the company debuted the better Breeze cloud-based ticketing system from INIT. To keep passengers moving efficiently through the network during peak demand, public transport provider MARTA allows riders to pay using contactless credit and debit cards, virtual Breeze cards stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet, as well as traditional closed-loop cards. This flexible, account-based system minimizes boarding times and maximizes convenience. The system gives MARTA the flexibility to adapt quickly to the expected high patronage for the matches while keeping the passenger experience smooth and seamless. As Atlanta will host a semi-final, the eyes of the world will be especially on this city.

In Southern California, mobility across the region is supported by Metrolink’s extensive commuter rail system alongside local transit providers. INIT’s barrier-free ticket vending machines (TVMs) enhance accessibility and ease of use across the network. Each machine offers English and Spanish interfaces, voice guidance, and braille keypads to ensure inclusive access. Together, these features create a flexible and intuitive system that allows both residents and visitors to navigate the region’s vast geography with confidence.

Seattle’s stadium and fan event are situated in the heart of town and therefore perfectly accessible via public transportation. With 750,000 visitors expected for the tournament, the city, and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit), along with six regional partners, have deployed ORCA, INIT’s next-generation electronic ticketing system to streamline travel for millions. ORCA is an account-based ticketing system that allows passengers not only to use their closed-loop transport card (ORCA Card) but also to simply tap their contactless credit and debit cards to use public transport. This eliminates the need for visitors to understand complex fare structures, enabling frictionless movement across buses, light rail, commuter rail, streetcars, and even water taxis. 

Fans traveling to matches in Toronto will rely on one of North America’s most integrated regional transport networks together with Metrolinx, York Region Transit (YRT) to the north, and Durham Region Transit (DRT) to the east. Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), oversees an extensive multimodal network that includes GO Transit and UP Express rail and bus services. The company plans to scale service frequency, adjust schedules, and deploy additional capacity along high demand routes, including an additional 3,000 weekly GO trips equating to a nearly 30% service increase. 

YRT and DRT will play a key role in feeding passengers into major transport hubs. YRT will support the effort by extending its services and supplementing capacity with expanded bus operations including its Bus Rapid Transit network, Viva. Through its high-frequency Pulse routes, DRT will connect passengers traveling from the east side to neighboring services. INIT’s Intermodal Transport Control System and Automatic Passenger Counters will help all three companies effectively manage increased demand around games and fan zones while supporting a more seamless travel experience.