RTA Mobility Wallet

AN EASIER WAY TO PAY FOR TRANSIT

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan is developing a mobility wallet pilot program. The technology will allow users to pay for public transportation trips through a single shared system, which will connect with all major regional providers and various mobility services. The initial program will launch in 2024 with a small group of users that will be selected from groups that use United Way Southeast Michigan or Detroit at Work services. It will make it easier for riders to pay fares, improve integrated access, and drive decisions with collective data.

The mobility wallet will offer access to multiple public transportation options, including DDOT, SMART, QLINE, People Mover, MoGo, and at least one e-scooter company, as well as an option for AAATA. In addition, the mobility wallet pilot will explore future opportunities for fare-capping across multiple providers and subsidy programs—in efforts to save riders money and make transit more accessible.

Click here to read more about the community benefits of the mobility wallet.

LEARN MORE

The RTA in partnership with regional mobility providers, including the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit at Work, and Downtown Detroit Partnership, has developed a mobility wallet pilot and project development approach focused on the principles of universal basic mobility. The pilot program will deliver an account-based mobility wallet that meets the five key functions established by ITS America. The mobility wallet will have the capability to access multiple transportation services, including DDOT, SMART, QLINE, People Mover, MoGo, and at least one scooter company. In addition, the mobility wallet pilot will seek to test methods for deploying fare-capping across multiple providers and subsidy programs with a focus on equity and access for a largely cash-based transit rider population.

The unique element of this project is that the partners in this project have decided to take a phased human-centered design approach to this challenge due to the diversity of mobility options that are being integrated, the existing fare technology involved, and the scale of the mobility equity issues for potential wallet users. The RTA was awarded $1 million for this project.

“The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan is thrilled to receive a grant to be the lead agency coordinating efforts for the Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge in our region. We look forward to collaborating with our partners from MDOT, MEDC, and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification on this project,” said Ben Stupka, interim general manager of the RTA. “This initiative will help transform the transit landscape in Southeast Michigan by using this innovative technology to simplify the transit payment process. We hope the knowledge gained during this pilot program can be used as a blueprint that can be replicated and introduced across the state.”

Creating a streamlined mechanism for fare payment is a significant step toward improving the transit experience for Michiganders.

The Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge is a collaborative effort stemming from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME). It includes the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Poverty Task Force.

How it works

Use a digital account or a dedicated bank card provided through RTA, making it easy to access transit.

A centralized payment method eliminates the need for transfer fares and reduces duplicative payments.

One primary method of payment offers the prospect for enabling fare capping, so riders can capture savings.

Click below to read more about the community benefits of the mobility wallet.

Our partners

The Mobility Wallet Project is led by the RTA with help from our trusted partners:

Community impact

The Mobility Wallet Pilot Program increases the interoperability of transit services and creates greater access in personal mobility for Michigan residents.

Easy fare payment

The Mobility Wallet allows commuters to pay for various modes of public transportation, such as buses, rails, and rideshares, with a single, unified payment system. This reduces the need for multiple tickets or payment methods.

Enhanced Integration & Accessibility

The Mobility Wallet supports seamless integration between different modes of transportation. This makes it easier for commuters to plan and complete their journeys using various transportation options.

Data-driven decision Making

Analyzing data from the Mobility Wallet can help transportation authorities better understand where and when services are most needed. This allows for more responsive and efficient service planning to meet the demands of Southeast Michigan residents.