The Monroe County Transportation Authority modernises its fare collection infrastructure using Cal-ITP’s Mobility Marketplace

In partnership with KUBA and Elavon, Littlepay announces its new deployment that modernises the fare payment solution on the MCTA bus network via the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP).

The Monroe County Transportation Authority (MCTA), also known as the Pocono Pony, operates public transportation across Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania – a 610-square-mile region with approximately 170,000 residents. Its fleet consists of 14 fixed-route buses serving six routes, including two seasonal lines and one express route.

MCTA’s ageing fixed-route smart card system offered limited daily fare capping options for adults, students, and ADA riders. After paying for two one-way trips, subsequent journeys within the day were free, but frequent riders weren’t rewarded beyond this narrow scope. This closed loop process also relied on cash, hindering rider convenience and transit efficiency. Acutely aware of the need to upgrade its fare payment solution, MCTA leveraged the Cal-ITP Mobility Marketplace.

“Riders have been requesting contactless payments for a few years. As a rural transit provider, we knew this would be too difficult to do on our own. Participating in the CAL-ITP marketplace provided access and experience to the newest technology. MCTA was able to procure and implement proven, state-of-the-art technology anchored by Littlepay. This provides our riders a way to pay for what they need and save the more they ride.”

said Rich Schlameuss, CEO for MCTA

Cal-ITP: Bringing contactless convenience in Pennsylvania

The Cal-ITP Mobility Marketplace was established by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to improve public transportation and streamline the process of modernizing fare collection across the state. However, their infrastructure can be utilised by transit agencies from all over the United States. Pennsylvania’s Monroe County Transportation Authority is the latest agency outside of California to leverage Cal-ITP’s resources to improve fare collection. 

This one-stop resource allowed MCTA to circumvent the bidding process and connect with the optimum blend of vendors: KUBA (device vendor), Elavon (acquirer), and Littlepay (payments processing). The outcome is a user-friendly alternative that enhances accessibility and streamlines the payment process for riders. The system includes new fare capping capabilities that accommodate 7-Day and 30-Day passes.

“Pennsylvania represents new territory for Littlepay, while MCTA marks the second transit agency we have partnered with outside of California with Cal-ITP. Having empowered MCTA to modernize their closed-loop programme with a cashless open-loop upgrade, we are proud to be driving change on a regional and national scale – from encouraging continued use of public transport within Monroe County to helping modernize public transit in the US.”

said Chris Brickwood, Business Development Manager for North America at Littlepay

Cashless convenience and comprehensive concessions

With this team of specialist vendors in place, MCTA offers a seamless alternative to paper tickets, cash fare boxes and rigid concessions with a cashless open-loop environment that delivers greater savings for frequent riders. Notably, the project allows persons with disabilities and college students to receive discounted fares while paying with a contactless card or mobile wallet.