Honolulu, HI

Multi-modal, account-based smart card solution

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS) set out to implement a contactless, multi-modal account-based fare system across bus, paratransit, and rail services throughout O’ahu.

DTS manages a mixed-fleet transportation network, including O’ahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS) which operates fixed-route bus (TheBus) and paratransit (The Handi-Van) fleets. To support the goal of providing seamless and convenient transit services across O’ahu, OTS implemented the INIT fare management solution in 2019 with a retail application, customer and institutional websites, and customer service terminals at nine Satellite City Halls and one main Bus Pass Office.

The latest round of expansion will enable passengers of the new 20-mile elevated HART rail line to take advantage of the closed-loop smart card system.

Project at a glance

100

ticket vending machines (TVMs)

140

fare gates

3

mobility modes: rail, bus and paratransit

1

comprehensive back-end processing software

The system

  • Onboard fare validators
  • Ticket vending machines
  • Fare gates
  • Retail sales terminals
  • Customer & institutional websites
  • Customer service terminals in ticket offices

The task

Because DTS and HART manage a growing multi-modal network, the project required a turn-key solution with a powerful back-office system capable of automating the clearing of revenues and securely processing individual modes of revenue and data. Additionally, it needed to include open Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to integrate with external partners for device management and CAD/AVL information. INIT was chosen to design, build, operate, and maintain the multi-modal smart card solution for Honolulu. The system, named “HOLO,” which means “to go” or “to ride” in Hawaiian, will operate across TheBus, The Handi-Van, and the HART rail system. The project will be handed over by HART to DTS for the oversight, operation, and maintenance of the rail system.

The solution

The fare management system by INIT offered a flexible, contactless, and multi-client solution meeting all requirements for HART and DTS. The implementation included the outfitting of all 550 buses with proximity terminals, driver displays, and mobile data routers to facilitate the validation of smart cards and electronic tickets within TheBus fleet. Sales terminals have been installed by INIT at Satellite City Halls and various retail outlets where customers can buy passes and load cards.

INIT’s core back-office revenue management tool, MOBILEvario, processes account transactions in real-time, providing both HART and DTS with accurate, split-second revenue processing. The software’s multi-modal capabilities allow TheBus and the rail system to manage their own revenue structure and fares.

The fast validation process with PROXmobile3 provides riders with real-time account management and easy tap-and-go payment processing for quicker boarding. Rail stations are being equipped with more than 80 TVMs and nearly 140 fare gates. An additional 20 TVMs will be installed near other transit locations in Honolulu. INIT’s ADA-compliant TVM, VENDstation, provides passengers with a convenient vending tool for cash, credit, or debit card ticket purchases with an easy-to-use touchscreen experience.

INIT’s first North American deployment of fare gates in Honolulu is also ongoing. The fare gates are designed to fit the diverse needs of riders in O’ahu by retrofitting aisle widths that will allow bicycles, luggage, coolers, surfboards, wheelchairs, and strollers. With the Holo system, TheHandi-Van paratransit riders also enjoy convenient access to public transit through contactless tap-and-go fares. The inclusion of paratransit, bus, and rail providers in the Holo program promotes travel continuity throughout the area.

Best price fares for O’ahu

O’ahu riders will also benefit from fare capping – a structure that automatically offers riders the lowest possible fare for their journeys. Currently, adult passengers who have paid for two trips in a day earn a day pass and do not need to pay for the third or subsequent trips, no matter how many times they ride for the remainder of the day. Fare capping relieves riders of having to figure out the right fare, provides peace of mind that they are not paying too much, and delivers incentive and accessibility to all passengers.

The conclusion

As HART and DTS continue to expand and modernize their transit network, O’ahu riders will reap the benefits of an account-based fare system. The solution will enhance the customer experience by providing convenient contactless fare payment options, simplifying fare payment through one regional system, and allowing for future integrations. The result will be a seamless and sustainable fare system, enhanced services, and room for future innovation.

Benefits

  • Convenient payment optionsReal-time account management
  • Socially equitable fare capping program
  • Simplified transit use
  • Improved customer experience
  • Integration with third-party systems

Contact

INIT Sales team

INIT Inc

Virginia/USA

Get in touch
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