The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) launched Tap2Ride, a contactless open-loop payment system, on April 1st. Passengers can now conveniently board SacRT buses and paratransit vehicles by tapping on a Kuba fare validator with a contactless debit or credit card, or a mobile wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Kuba, in partnership with Littlepay and Elavon, is delivering a system that validates their payment token and processes fare payments, charging the lowest applicable fare. Contactless open-loop payments offer significant improvements to transit agencies’ operations. They can lower overheads by reducing cash handling, enabling them to spend less money buying and servicing ticketing and change machines.
In addition, services run more efficiently, with dwell times cut by up to half when riders tap to ride instead of paying by cash. Crucially, the system also makes fare payments trackable, giving agencies insights into ridership patterns, which enables service optimization.
There are numerous benefits for passengers. Fare payments are simpler and more convenient – the payment card or device they carry everywhere becomes their ticket. Fare capping and transfers are intuitive. In Sacramento, daily caps ensure that riders never pay more than the daily pass price for unlimited rides, while 90-minute transfer windows add more flexibility.
“At SacRT, we are dedicated to enhancing the rider experience through innovation and convenience," said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. "The launch of Tap2Ride reflects our commitment to providing a modern, efficient fare payment option that simplifies travel for all riders. By embracing contactless technology, we’re making transit more accessible, secure, and user-friendly."
As of April 1, contactless payments are available on buses and SacRT GO paratransit services. In late 2025, SacRT will introduce seamless transfers between buses and light rail using contactless payments, with applicable fare benefits activated automatically. For now, tap to pay is available at light rail station vending machines.
SacRT procured its new open-loop fare collection system via the California Integrated Travel Project’s (Cal-ITP) Mobility Marketplace. Selected vendors, including Kuba, Littlepay, and Elavon, have been awarded Master Service Agreements (MSAs) to provide their services through the marketplace. The simplified procurement process, pre-agreed pricing, and modular solution design, enables more agencies to make the switch to contactless payments, removing the time and budget usually required to issue RFPs.
SacRT is also leveraging Cal-ITP Benefits, a tool that enables eligible riders to enrol for discounted fares on bus services to be securely linked to their contactless payment card. This eliminates the need for in-person verification. In this instance, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities (Medicare cardholders) are eligible for a 50% discounted fare.
Kuba provides the underlying technology that makes Tap2Ride possible, ensuring fast, secure, and reliable payment experiences for riders. SacRT joins hundreds of cities worldwide in offering contactless payment options, making transit easier and more efficient.
"We’re excited to continue to demonstrate how Kuba’s innovative technology drives the future of transit in California,” says Brian Frank, Kuba’s General Manager, North America. “This sets a new standard for open-loop payment systems across the state and the nation."
Kuba has a track record of delivering advanced fare collection solutions to transit agencies across the United States, driving innovations that enhance public transit accessibility and rider satisfaction.
For more information about SacRT's Tap2Ride and contactless payment options.
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