Tap-To-Pay Transit Tech Is Cash-Poor, but Rich in Data

Technology developments in transit fare payment are enabling residents to ride without cash, as so-called “cashless riders,” and opening the door to equity programs like fare-capping.

Coast RTA, a regional transit operator serving coastal South Carolina, has initiated new “tap-to-cap” technology aboard its 41 buses — so the most a rider will pay is $3.50 a day, regardless of how many trips they take. The system relies on contactless tap-to-pay credit or debit cards.