For cities seeking to build modern, connected mobility systems, choosing the right fare collection system is a pivotal moment. Account-based ticketing (ABT) is fast becoming a fundamental foundation, balancing the operational efficiency transit agencies need with meeting riders’ expectations for seamless journeys.

But not all ABT systems are the same. Before they select a solution, transit agencies must explore what can feel like a minefield to grapple with the nuances of the solutions and services offered by different vendors.

Some of the big questions they must ask include:

• How do different platforms measure up on critical issues like scalability and security?
• Do the platforms offer sufficient flexibility and adaptability to be sustainable for years to come?
• What about the vendor – do they go the extra mile as a partner, supporting a transition to ABT? 

Every transit agency will have their own checklist of goals for an ABT system – from the non-negotiables of protecting rider data and advancing sustainability goals, to scaling-up to support a region-wide network, or integrating new modes of travel. 

Kuba works alongside transit operators and agencies to understand their needs and navigate the challenges of modernizing mobility payments now, while ensuring systems are robust and adaptable for years to come.

In this blog, we look at three key topics shaping the future of ABT: scalability, security and sustainability. We’ll show how Kuba helps transit agencies to feel confident and future-ready as they launch (or upgrade) an account-based ticketing platform.

3 key challenges for transit agencies considering ABT

Scalability: Can your ABT system grow with you?

Challenge: Many highly-specified systems are not equipped to handle rapid growth, or expansion of services. Agencies are rightly wary of solutions that can’t adapt as ridership expands, or as new payment methods or mobility modes are integrated. Lack of flexibility means costly and complex upgrades to handle new requirements.

Solution: With cloud-based mobility platforms, built on open architecture, agencies can be assured the system can flex and scale. Kuba’s ABT-based mobility platform effortlessly accommodates growing numbers of users, new payment integrations, and connections with mobility services such as microtransit and paratransit. This built-in flexibility speeds up deployment, and reduces the complexity of evolving the platform, as new technologies and requirements emerge.

“Our ABT platform is designed to scale effortlessly, and can serve a single bus operator or a multimodal network across an entire region.” - Mads Kofod, Head of Back and Front-office Development in EMEA Engineering, Kuba. 

Security: Protecting riders and revenue

Challenge: As fare systems’ integrations expand, where your solutions end and third-party solutions start, becomes a more blurred boundary. Lack of attention to end-to-end security and compliance increases vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches. Transit agencies need to ensure their systems are fully protected, safeguarding customer and payment data, to shield their organisation from the potentially catastrophic effects of attack – on both revenue and reputation.

Solution: Security is built-in to every component of the Kuba’s ABT-based mobility platform. From end-to-end encryption to real-time threat monitoring and compliance with global and regional standards, systems are protected. Our expert team offers customers Security-as-a-Service, bringing their expertise in certifications and compliance to every project, helping to deliver peace of mind. For those customers that want additional support, a fully-managed security service and/or consultancy is offered.

"People need to trust the system before they'll use it. That's why security isn't just a feature for us. It's part of every decision we make, so agencies can protect their riders and focus on delivering great service." - David Miller, Head of Security, Kuba. 

Sustainability: Future-proofing transit

Challenge: Environmental impact is under the spotlight. To meet sustainability and climate targets, transit agencies need to phase-out paper and plastic, reduce waste and litter, and integrate with user-friendly, active and shared mobility services.

Solution: Kuba’s ABT-based mobility platform helps agencies accept a range of digital travel tokens, easing the transition away from cash payments and paper ticketing. Enabled for contactless, open-loop fare collection, it can also enable agencies to phase-out the issuance of plastic closed-loop smartcards. With trackable digital payments, and built-in analytics and reporting tools, agencies can optimize services, making data-informed decisions to improve efficiency and rider-focus. This contributes to shaping a sustainable mobility network that motivates more riders to use public and shared transport modes instead of private cars.

“When you make sustainable travel the easiest choice, more people take it. That’s what our platform enables - simple, connected options that help riders leave the car at home and cities cut emissions.” - Michael Hart, CRO, Kuba. 

Building transit now that’s ready for tomorrow

Transit systems need technology partners who understand the complexity of modern mobility. At Kuba, we help agencies build ABT systems that are scalable, secure, and sustainable - from the first deployment to the future of fully connected cities.