WMATA awards Accenture $184 million contract for electronic fare system

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will begin testing a new electronic payment program after awarding Accenture a contract to replace the existing fare collection systems for Metrorail, Metro-operated parking facilities, Metrobus and MetroAccess services, the agency announced yesterday.

The $184 million contract was awarded on a best value basis, following a competitive procurement process that included an examination of the technical capabilities of the shortlisted companies and their proposals, historical performance and value, WMATA officials said in a press release.

The new system will be designed to provide a state-of-the-art system for Metro customers, enabling them to continue to use SmarTrip cards while expanding fare payment to chip-enabled credit cards, federal government ID cards and mobile phones using near field communications.

"The new technology will provide more flexibility for accounts, better reliability for riders, and real choices for customers to use bank-issued payment cards, credit cards, ID cards or mobile phones to pay their Metro fares," said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles.

WMATA will be among the first U.S. transit systems to use the advanced technology to enhance reliability and make travel more convenient for riders, agency officials said.