Next Generation Fare 
Collection Project
CTA Board Meeting
August 12, 2009


Side: Project Overview

What is the Next Generation Fare Collection Project?

A project that will move CTA from using...

Transit-issued currency to Open, standardized currency


Slide: Project Overview

How will the Next Generation Fare Collection Projectget 
us there?

1.Partner with private partners (ex. banks and 
system integrators) to:

.shift implementation costs

.access cost efficiencies

.develop revenue opportunities

2.Utilize a competitive, 2-step procurement 

process that:

.ensures appropriate technical choices are 
made

.maximizes economic attributes of 
business case


Slide: Customer Benefits

The CTA is using a proactive and innovative approach to anticipate and 
address customer improvements well into the future. 

This Future State will offer CTA Customers three major benefits:

Touch and go payment for all riders

Automated repurchase of passes & 
special fares

Faster and easier access to the system


Slide: CTA Benefits

The CTA will also enjoy benefits well into the future as a result of 
implementing this project:

Focus on core business of providing 
safe, reliable and affordable transit

Minimize continued investment in 
current proprietary system

Significantly improve fare collection & 
operating efficiencies

Access private capital to fund capital 
expense to move to open system


Slide: Proven Success in Public Transit

New York City Pilot Program

.The New York City Transit System (NYCTS) successfully completed an open fare pilot 

in 2007. 

.For the pilot, NYCTS collaborated with Citiand MasterCard on the Lexington line 

.They are expanding to the 2ndphase of their pilot which will be launched in late 2009 and 
will include other modes of public transit (rail, bus, heavy rail) encompassing 
approximately 1.5 million daily rides

Successful Pilots / Full 
Implementations

Active Procurements

.New York pilot program

.LA Metro pilot program

.BART / Bay Areapilot program

.Utah Transit Authfull implementation

.SEPTA (Philadelphia) –proposals due 
August 18, 2009

.WMATA (Wash D.C.) -proposals due 
August 12, 2009


Slide: Next Steps

Note:The above dates are estimated target dates and are subject to shifting as the 
project unfolds. We will keep you apprised of date shifts / changes as the project 
proceeds.

The Project Plan calls for a 2-step RFP process

Complete RFP process and commence transition to open fare 
system in Summer 2010

Complete transition and achieve full implementation by Summer 
2012