Just add open-loop: Littlepay’s EMV Overlay

Our EMV Overlay solution enables acceptance of open-loop transit payments – without fare system replacements or major technology upgrades.

Disruptive thinking uncovered a simple concept

When WMATA set out to make transit easier with open-loop payments, Littlepay proposed a new concept: an EMV Overlay that integrates Littlepay’s platform to existing infrastructure to handle end-to-end open-loop payment processing.

For agencies and authorities, this is a model that can be re-used, radically reducing the time, cost, complexity and disruption of modernizing fare payments.

Benefits of Littlepay’s EMV Overlay approach

Maximize tech investment	Launch open-loop faster
Keep the infrastructure that works, from validators and gates to your AFC back office. Littlepay’s cloud-native open-loop payments platform can sit alongside these systems, so you can modernize payments simply, without starting again.	Skip the development time involved in system replacement. With Littlepay’s proven EMV Overlay, you can roll out open-loop transit payments in months, avoiding the expense, risk and delay involved in building or upgrading fare collection systems.
Simplicity where it matters	Get more from every tap
A simpler payment experience for riders doesn’t have to mean simpler fares. Use Littlepay’s Control portal to create and manage fares, caps and discounts. You can mirror your existing rules and logic, or test and iterate new approaches.	Build rider confidence and loyalty with automatic fare caps and concessions, and self-service tools that make it easy to track transactions or get support. Use omnichannel open-loop data to understand rider behaviour and shape revenue-driving services.

EMV Overlay: How it works

Littlepay’s EMV Overlay uses APIs to connect ticketing technology to Littlepay’s payments platform. Working alongside existing fare systems, Littlepay then manages open-loop fare calculation and transaction processing, from tap to settlement.

3 steps to open-loop success

1. Connect

Keep what you already have. Use Littlepay’s API suite to integrate devices to our secure payments platform.

2. Process

Let Littlepay handle EMV payments. With integrations to a wider financial ecosystem, Littlepay manages end-to-end EMV transit payment processing.

3. Optimize

Turn open-loop into more value. Access our value-added toolkit, including: ● Control: Your hub for managing fares, caps, discounts, and customer service. ● Traveller: A self-service rider portal for transparency over fares and transactions. ● Insights: Analyze open-loop data to understand rider behavior and sales trends.

Want to know more?

Download and keep our EMV Overlay explainer here.

Book time to chat with our team at APTA TRANSform and Expo.

Or get in touch today with your questions.