San Joaquin Regional Rail to roll out account-based ticketing

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) is introducing an account-based ticketing (ABT) platform, mobile app, and customer portal on its rail network in partnership with mobility payments specialist Kuba Group.

In the first phase of its contract, the system will be rolled out across the Altamont Corridor Express (Ace) commuter rail network.

Interoperable fare system

SJRRC selected Kuba to help advance key goals. First, to upgrade and modernise Ace Rail’s fare collection system. The commission reports this upgrade is a critical step towards delivering a data-driven, efficient operation, while improving the rider experience. Kuba’s ticketing platform offers potential to achieve the longer-term vision of deploying open-loop fare payments and supporting an interoperable fare system across Ace Rail and other connecting services.

Multi-token acceptance was an essential requirement for SJRRC, to ensure payment options for the unbanked and underbanked, as well as digital natives. Kuba’s solution accepts multiple “travel tokens” in place of traditional tickets, including digitised cash and dynamic barcodes in a mobile app. It will also eventually be enabled to accept contactless EMV payments.

“We look forward to demonstrating how Kuba’s mobility platform can be used to make journeys simpler and transport operations easier to manage and optimise”

Riders will be able to plan, book and pay for journeys. The customer website and mobile app, both provided by Kuba, will be fully integrated into the ABT system. Using either interface, riders can get full access to their travel and payment history.

“Ace riders now have a much-improved ticketing experience,” says David Lipari, deputy director of passenger experience and communications at Ace Rail. “The solution will better prepare our agency to provide a service that incentivises ridership by making travel easier.”