Austin Transit Provider CapMetro Replaces Fare Collection System

Public transportation provider Capital Metro (CapMetro) has replaced the fare collection system and mobile app for the city of Austin in an effort to both curb fare evasion and improve the rider experience.

As of March 1, the CapMetro app has been retired in favor of trip-planning app Transit and Umo, a Cubic Transportation Systems fare collection solution.

Through Umo, CapMetro now offers contactless fare payments via credit or debit cards and digital wallets, as well as per-ride payments with automatic fare caps.

CapMetro buses and rail systems have since been upgraded with improved fare scanners to make the boarding process faster and fare collection more accurate.

The Umo system also provides detailed data on ridership patterns, fare usage and revenue, which CapMetro can then use to identify areas and services in need of optimization.

According to CapMetro CIO and Senior Vice President Tanya Acevedo, Umo’s payment flexibility, automated validation tools, support for various fare structures and its ability to integrate with Transit for a seamless mobility experience were major selling points when the transit provider was shopping for a new system.

“Transit systems need technology that can adapt to future growth and evolving passenger expectations,” Acevedo told Industry Insider — Texas. “Umo demonstrated its ability to scale and incorporate new technologies as they emerge with their open architecture and the ability to easily add new features, is a very important part of modern transit systems.”

Angela Miller, VP and general manager of Mobility Essentials at Cubic Transportation, expressed optimism toward the new partnership with CapMetro.

“Umo's goal is to help optimize mobility and safely move people along their journeys by bringing payment flexibility and enhanced rider tools to Austin,” Miller told Industry Insider — Texas. "We are proud to welcome CapMetro to the growing community of Umo adopters working to increase ridership through great customer experiences and equitable programs. Umo has served transit riders across various regions for years and we look forward to our new partnership with CapMetro to continue enhancing transportation for the broader Central Texas region and the people of Austin.”