Contactless Fares

Account-Based Fare System

In an account-based fare system, all fare logic and account data are managed securely in the back-office. For passengers, this translates into fast boarding, real-time account management, and seamless contactless payments. Riders can tap a mobile wallet, credit card, or NFC-enabled smartphone to pay fares instantly, eliminating the need for physical tickets or driver interaction.

INIT has pioneered the integration of virtual transit smart cards—secure, closed-loop cards stored directly in smartphone wallet apps via Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Android Pay.

Key Benefits:

• No extra apps to install or physical smart cards to buy.
• Simplified transit experience—riders don’t need to figure out which fare or ticket to purchase.
• Reduced administrative overhead for agencies managing physical media and credit balances.

Best Price Calculation

With account-based systems, passengers always get the best fare. Fare capping ensures that riders never pay more than a pre-determined daily or monthly limit. Simply tapping a card when boarding guarantees that the system automatically calculates the optimal fare, giving passengers transparency and fairness with every trip.

Multi-Client Capabilities

Account-based systems streamline operations across multiple agencies and services. Fare updates go live instantly across all distribution channels and devices, removing time-consuming coordination across partners. Agencies retain full independence while sharing only the necessary data, enabling smoother integration in interoperable and intermodal networks.

Flexible Revenue Management

The back-office system is the backbone of an account-based network. INIT’s MOBILEvario platform allows agencies to define fares, create new products, and modify existing ones with a rule-based, flexible approach. Field devices stay up-to-date automatically, and all transactions are verified in real time, ensuring robust, accurate revenue management.

In today’s environment, ticketing must be flexible, responsive, and safe. Account-based, contactless systems empower transit agencies to deliver a seamless, secure experience while safeguarding both passengers and staff. INIT is helping agencies of all sizes make this transition—explore our projects below to see how we’re shaping the future of public transit.