CapMetro Launches Comprehensive Upgrades to Fare Collection System

Bytemark will provide solutions that offer customers more ways to pay and manage their fares.

AUSTIN, Texas - CapMetro is expanding its relationship with Bytemark, using its Connect solution to upgrade our existing fare payment system to an account-based one featuring contactless payments and a host of other functionality to provide fast, easy and safe payment solutions.

These innovations will include new ways to purchase and pay for fares, such as a tap-and-go payment option and cash reload opportunities at local retailers. Additionally, it will include new features, such as stored value.

These upgraded solutions, provided through Bytemark's Plan, Book & Pay™ platform, Bytemark Bridge, will save customers time, speed up the boarding process, and improve the convenience of public transit. The simple, straightforward operation will allow CapMetro to troubleshoot customer problems faster.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with Bytemark to bring our customers more user-friendly fare options,” said CapMetro Chief Customer Officer Dottie Watkins. “This technology will give us the tools to allow customers faster and easier options to pay fares, including touchless payment options, even for those customers without credit cards. Our focus at CapMetro has always been on the safety and ease of our customers while using our services, and this new technology will help achieve that.”

“The team members at CapMetro are leaders and innovators and our valued longtime partners - Bytemark is eager to apply our innovations and embark on this project that will deliver greater ease of use for CapMetro and its passengers,” said Bytemark Chief Executive Officer Eric Reese. “These upgrades will enhance the experiences of passengers across central Texas and help achieve the goal of returning riders safely, all the while improving the customer experience and making it easier to ride.”

The solutions provided by Bytemark build on CapMetro's recently introduced in-app stored value wallet, which allows users to add funds for ticket purchases. One upgrade this year will include a cash retail network integration, letting riders pay for tickets or load their stored wallets with cash at participating retailers.

Upgrades to CapMetro's existing fare collection system include the ability to manage the in-app stored value wallets and physical, reloadable account-based smart cards, which will replace the current smart card system that offers limited-use cards pre-loaded with a cash value.

Bytemark will offer customers web-based or in-app smart card management and the ability to create, manage and use a barcode-based virtual card in the app.

Expansion will focus on tap-and-go payments. Other possibilities include parking or trip planner enhancements or integrations and first- and last-mile mobility providers.

The new upgrades offer many benefits for customers. They will save time and have more payment choices. By using contactless payments, passengers reduce their interactions with drivers, an important consideration during the current COVID-19 pandemic as we all continue to practice social distancing. The upgrades also support the use of cash when it is easier for our passengers.

CapMetro's continued collaboration with Bytemark builds on a valued partnership that began in 2013.

“We are excited to provide CapMetro, the riders, and the community with a solution that increases access to transportation as well as a cutting-edge solution that makes it easier for all to ride, safely,” Reese said.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenna Maxfield, 512-592-2171
CCR-Communications@capmetro.org