Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County expands regional fare system

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has opted to expand its regional fare system, tapping INIT with an order for Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) and EMV-capable fare validators.

The agency partnered with INIT in 2021 for an account-based, contactless fare system with an order for fare validators, fare inspection devices, customer workstations and an account-based back-office fare management platform. The option, now signed by METRO, complements the base contract with additional fare validators, fare boxes, and 160 INIT cash-based TVMs, which will allow cash-dependent riders to purchase tickets and enjoy contactless boarding throughout the region.

INIT’s VENDstation is a robustly built TVM with an intuitive touchscreen, allowing customers to easily conduct transactions and purchase tickets. It supports American Disability Act (ADA) requirements for riders with disabilities and takes all modern forms of payment.

From the rider perspective, they can travel anywhere in the region using cash, mobile wallet, credit or debit card to purchase their tickets and ride.

The order from METRO signifies an ongoing partnership through the years, including the previous establishment of an Integrated Vehicle Operations Management System (IVOMS), automated passenger counting technology and personnel dispatch software.