Cubic and Omaha Metro launch contactless fare payment option

Omaha Metro Transit has awarded Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) a multi-year contract to deliver its Umo Pass solution.

Umo Pass will empower Omaha Metro Transit riders to seamlessly plan and pay for transit journeys through a single fare payment system.

Umo Pass, a cloud-based, software-as-a-service platform, is built for real-time fare payment processing, allowing riders the convenience to pay through various touchless options, including smart cards, a mobile app, paper tokens (such as QR or bar codes) or student ID cards. Cash-preferred riders can purchase electronic fare cards at convenient retail locations and reload their cards before use.

“Umo Pass’ innovative fare collection technology will provide Omaha Metro passengers with a simplified way to pay for their transit travel,” said Boris Karsch, senior product director, Umo Pass.

Launching in summer 2021, Omaha Metro riders will be able to download the Umo Mobility app on their smartphones or use their tap cards to start loading fare value. Riders can purchase fares and manage their accounts through multiple options, including ticket vending machines at Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) stations and transit centers; online transit account management; and purchasing options at stores and vendors across Omaha.

“Metro is excited to integrate a seamless payment experience into our system and provide our riders with more options to access transit,” said Lauren Cencic, CEO of Omaha Metro.

The Umo Pass launch comes after Omaha Metro’s recent extension of their current ORBT free fare period. Extended to early summer 2021, ORBT riders can get on board and go without fare payment.

Omaha Metro will utilize the Umo Pass platform on 170 ORBT, fixed route and paratransit vehicles, as well as ticket vending machines.