Projects

METRO Automated Fare Collection System

Providing better options for Houston’s commuting public

Metro Fare Collection System

Jacobs is providing consulting support for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) related to the assessment of current system, development of Strategic Plan and functional specifications and support for the Request for Proposal (RFP) process related to the acquisition of a new Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system.

The Strategic Plan included a long-term strategy as well as tactical objectives to help METRO achieve its goals.

The new account-based, open payment system will provide customers with convenient payment options and METRO with enhanced sales channels and fare collection capabilities. The new modern AFC system will enable new choices for customers, including paying for rides via their mobile phones and contactless bank cards.

In the future, the ability to register a customer’s account will allow for replacement for lost/stolen cards and access to information; however, customers can still have anonymous accounts if desired. In addition, the new AFC system will support regional integration capabilities.

  • 3.5 B

    rides in the past 40 years (METRO)

  • 33 %

    of Houston downtown’s employees rely on METRO to get to work every day (METRO)

  • 1.3 K

    square mile service area (METRO)

  • 38.7 %

    of METRORail riders are taking it to or from work (METRO)

“Helping METRO provide customers with convenient fare payment and ticketing options along with supporting regional integration aligns well with Jacobs’ goals to deliver critical solutions for a more connected, sustainable world and to solve our world’s mobility challenges.”

Frederick Wedley

Americas Senior Director, Transit Technology