Benefits for PTAs and PTOs
- Reduce cash-handling
- Reduce operational costs
- Increase passenger satisfaction
- Increase ridership
Benefits for riders
- Convenient, secure and quick way to pay
- Improved experience for the digital age
- Less boarding time, less dwell time
- Simplified PAYG, concessions and fare capping options



*VISA survey, 2023
Download our latest eBook:
Open Loop Payments Explained: A Simple Guide for Transit Professionals
Empower your transit network with actionable insights to drive ridership, enhance passenger satisfaction, and reduce operating costs.

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The future is contactless
Contactless payments are gaining traction worldwide. In Europe, 48% of all POS transactions each month are contactless, according to Statista. In the US, over half of Americans (51%) now use contactless payments like tap-to-go cards and mobile wallets, according to Mastercard Contactless Consumer Polling. In the UK, contactless payments accounted for 38% of all transactions in 2023. Meanwhile, the Middle East sees around 70% of consumers using contactless methods, according to Mastercard. The global shift towards contactless is undeniable and continues to grow rapidly.
Serving the Unbanked
A common misconception is that contactless payments exclude unbanked or underbanked populations. Littlepay addresses this by accepting payments from any contactless EMV card or mobile device, including reloadable and virtual EMV cards. This ensures that subsidized travel is accessible to disadvantaged riders, providing an inclusive solution that works across various demographics and regions.
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Concessions and Discounts
Providing concessions and discounts with contactless payments is easier than you might think. In various regions, Littlepay enables eligible customers to purchase reduced fares using a contactless EMV payment method. With seamless integrations, eligibility can be verified instantly, allowing for discounted payments in just one tap. This system has already been successfully implemented in places like California, showing its adaptability and effectiveness.
Cost-Effectiveness
Transitioning to contactless payments is not as costly as it may seem. Littlepay operates on a per-transaction fee model, with no upfront costs. Additionally, EMV validators are more affordable compared to proprietary hardware and can be easily integrated with Littlepay’s platform. This approach ensures that the transition is budget-friendly and sustainable for transit agencies of all sizes, globally.
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Simple Implementation
The complexity of deploying a new transit payment system can be daunting, but Littlepay simplifies the process. We manage all aspects of deployment, ensuring PCI compliance and robust security measures. Our web-based merchant portal makes fare management, tracking, and reporting straightforward, allowing transit operators to focus on providing a great service rather than worrying about technical details.
Integration with Existing Hardware
Worried about the cost and hassle of replacing your current infrastructure? Littlepay’s Device API allows for seamless payment transactions through existing vendor hardware. This flexibility means that over 20 devices globally have already adopted Littlepay's technology, proving that our system can integrate smoothly with your current setup without requiring a complete overhaul.
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“The Littlepay team provided creative solutions and technical support to help MST demonstrate that open-loop payments are viable and cost-effective for transit operators in smaller communities.”
Carl Sedoryk, CEO, Monterey-Salinas Transit

"Littlepay's experience is valuable for us, as contactless payments in transit is a strictly regulated area. We appreciate good knowledge, experience and partnership" Kira Hellstrom, Project Manager, Helsinki Regional Transport
"Littlepay is helping us meet the demand for flexible ticketing. Our tap-on, tap-off schemes, with fare care adjustments ensure that passengers are always charged best-value fare" Kanwar Brar, Group IT Director, The Go-Ahead Group
"The Littlepay team provided creative solutions and technical support to help MST demonstrate that open-loop payments are viable and cost-effective for transit operators in smaller communities" Carl Sedoryk, CEO, Monterey-Salinas Transit
Increase revenue and prevent fraud
Our fraud protection and debt recovery processes keep loss rates to a minimum. Littlepay Inspect, our revenue inspection app reduces the impact of fare evasion.
Mitigate risks
We can help you launch a contactless fare collection pilot before a full rollout. Real data from a trial can help you map out an effective ticketing strategy.
Hassle-free procurement through Cal-ITP
Littlepay is part of the Cal-ITP Mobility Marketplace, a federally approved index of vendors selected to provide procurement and technical expertise to transit agencies and operators of all sizes across the US.
So far, Littlepay has been selected as a payment processing partner for 100% of projects delivered through the initiative, including the cities of Santa Barbara and Sacramento, the Monterey Salinas transit agency and for the first time outside of California for Coast RTA in South Carolina.
Book a consultation with our team and we will demonstrate how Littlepay can help you set up open-loop payments at your transit network in a simple, swift and cost-effective way.



Download Free eBook:
The Fundamentals of Transit Payments Explained
Delve into the intricacies of contactless payments (cEMV) and explore the evolution from traditional cash-based systems to modern open-loop solutions. Whether you're a decision maker from a transit agency or a public transport operator, this eBook is your roadmap to simplifying fare collection, enhancing passenger experience, and driving operational efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Master transit payment essentials: From contactless payments to fare collection systems, gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals.
- Deliver exceptional experiences: Unlock the secrets to delivering seamless payment experiences that keep passengers coming back for more.
- Optimize revenue streams: Discover strategies to minimize costs and maximize revenue from your payment systems.
- Simplify system integration: Explore solutions to integration issues and outdated infrastructure that plague transit agencies and operators.
- Navigate procurement challenges: Learn to avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions that drive successful procurement processes.
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