Cloud-Based Contactless Fare Collection Platform

Overview

Software, Web & Mobile Development

Newington, Connecticut, United StatesPosted 3 months agoDeadline: April 7th, 2026

Fit Score

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SUMMARY

Connecticut is seeking a cloud-based contactless fare collection platform with mobile and web applications, QR validation, and integration with payment wallets and third-party apps for regional transit.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Provide a contactless fare collection platform for bus services
Validators capable of accepting contactless EMV payments
Fare calculation software
Mobile ticketing and supporting services
Comply with policies, standards, and procedures established by CTDOT
Comply with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations
Comply with State of Connecticut General Statutes and Regulations
Attend the mandatory pre-proposal conference

BUDGET

Estimate

$5,000,000 – $10,000,000

CONTRACT DURATION

60 months

TIMELINE

RFP Release: January 22, 2026 at 7:00 am E.S.T

Notice of Intent to Propose Due: February 3, 2026, 3:00 pm E.S.T

Pre-Register to attend the Pre-Proposals meeting: February 4, 2026, 3:00 pm E.S.T

Pre-Proposals meeting: February 5, 2026, 2:00 pm E.S.T

Receipt of questions: February 18, 2026, 2:00 pm E.S.T

Answers to questions posted as an Addendum: March 6, 2026

RFP Due Date: April 7, 2026, 2:00 pm E.S.T.

QUESTION DEADLINE

February 18th, 2026

Issuing Agency

Connecticut Department of Transportation

Organization overview and procurement intelligence available on paid plans.

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DESCRIPTION

Connecticut is seeking a qualified vendor to deliver a cloud-based contactless fare collection platform designed for regional transit agencies. The platform will be implemented in phases, allowing transit agencies to join over time, and must support modern fare payment solutions that enhance the experience for customers. Key features include a responsive web portal for users to monitor their tap and payment history and a native application for both iOS and Android devices, available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The solution must provide mobile fare products with QR codes for electronic and visual validation, accept mobile wallet payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, and support integration with third-party applications like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Transit App, Citymapper, and Transportation Network Companies. The platform should also offer an API for extracting and sharing usage data, and ensure hosting, operation, and maintenance of the app by the contractor.

To improve ridership and customer satisfaction, the system should offer convenient fare options, fare capping, and reduce barriers for new riders, while allowing for seamless transfers among services. The platform must include mobile inspection tools for fare enforcement staff to view transactions, customer account details, and program eligibility. The mobile ticketing application must already be deployed and in use at a transit agency with over 10 million annual trips, and be fully designed, tested, and revenue-ready within three months of the notice to proceed.

Source attribution

This Settle analysis is based on the issuing organization’s public RFP listing.