The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has launched a new payment option. As of today, transit riders can now use their contactless-enabled payment devices to ride Metrorail. Contactless transit payments Miami

This means riders can simply tap their contactless-enabled American Express credit card, Visa and Mastercard bank cards, or digital wallets to pay directly at fare gates.

Digital wallets accepted include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Fitbit Pay.

“My administration has been clearly focused on incorporating innovative technologies to make public transportation both hassle-free and appealing,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “The launch of contactless payment for our transit riders marks a great step forward for Miami-Dade County.” 

“We strive to make it easier to use transit. Now, you can tap your phone or card, and go! Tapping to pay with a contactless-enabled bankcard or digital wallet meets the high consumer expectations in today’s age of convenience,” said DTPW Director Alice N. Bravo, P.E. 

Contactless payment includes a fare-capping feature, which guarantees a maximum cost of $5.65 per day for unlimited rides on Metrorail, which is equivalent to the cost of a 1-Day Pass. For example, after the third time a transit rider taps into the Metrorail fare gates, the system will cap the fare for the day at $5.65 (versus $2.25 per trip). Fare capping will include trips made the same day on Metrobus once deployed.

Discounted fares are not available through contactless payment. It applies to the regular full fare only. Other current forms of payment such as EASY Card, EASY Ticket and passes will continue to work the same.

“At Cubic, we are committed to enhancing the travel experience with our innovative, flexible and future-proof technologies,” said Matt Cole, president of Cubic Transportation Systems. “Our proven, contactless payment technologies are deployed in major cities such as New York, London, Sydney, Vancouver and Chicago, allowing travelers the convenience and freedom to “tap and go” for travel. Miami-Dade County is among the first in the U.S. to pioneer contactless payment technologies and we are proud to partner with Miami-Dade DTPW to further modernize its transit fare payment system.” Contactless transit payments Miami

The system enhancement positions DTPW to meet the needs of the 21st century consumer. Major credit card companies predict that the number of contactless cards issued in the U.S. will rise to 300 million by the end of 2020.