advertisement

---

When Minneapolis’ Metro Transit begins operating the area’s first light-rail system in late 2003, passengers will have the option of using magnetic or smart cards provided by Cubic Transportation Systems Inc.



Metropolitan Council in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 18 awarded Cubic the $15.2 million contract to provide the card media, and a central computer system designed to integrate bus, train and station equipment to a central source.



Smart-card technology also is planned for use at stations along Metro Transit’s Riverview Corridor busway, a bus rapid transit project being developed.



The contract also includes an option to buy additional equipment for Northstar Commuter Rail line, which regional officials and the state’s transportation department are evaluating.



If all options are exercised, the contract would total $19.3 million.