Austin’s Cap Metro to upgrade fare system

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Cap Metro) in Austin, Texas, announced last week it will upgrade its fare payment system. 

The new Bytemark system will offer rail riders a contactless payment option, and an account-based smart card with a cash reload feature. The smart card will replace Cap Metro’s current system, which offers limited-used cards pre-loaded with cash.

The solutions build on Cap Metro's recently introduced in-app stored value wallet, which allows users to add funds for ticket purchases.

“The new upgrades … will save time and have more payment choices,” Cap Metro officials said in a press release. “By using contactless payments, passengers reduce their interactions with drivers, an important consideration during the current COVID-19 pandemic as we all continue to practice social distancing.”