On October 14th, 2022, the Chicago Transit Board approved a contract for a new integrated farebox system on all CTA buses and awarded technology provider Scheidt & Bachmann USA. The new fareboxes are part of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) ongoing efforts to modernize customer tools and offer seamless fare payment options for all riders.
Scheidt & Bachmann USA was contracted to develop and implement the new system including 2,240 fareboxes, vaulting equipment, software and installation, as well as five years of ongoing support with warranty and the option to extend in the future.
“We are delighted that CTA has chosen Scheidt & Bachmann to deliver CTAs new bus farebox system. The new fareboxes will feature an ergonomic, modern, accessible design coupled with improved back-end reporting systems, which will allow for seamless integration with Ventra and other on-board bus operating systems, providing for more efficient operations at CTA’s bus garages,” said Daniel Terryn, CEO of Scheidt & Bachmann North America. “Our new office in Chicago will allow us to provide excellent long-term services to the CTA and provide new job opportunities to the residents of the greater Chicago area.”
“While many are eager to move to a cash-less society, these new fareboxes will allow CTA to maintain the critically important and equitable cash fare option for riders. More than 9 million rides are paid for with cash each year,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “All of our riders deserve payment options that meet their needs. This new farebox system will serve to modernize our cash fare collections, and also complement the continuous upgrades we’re making to our Ventra system.”
Under the vision and leadership of CTA President Carter, equity and inclusion are a factor in every decision made by the agency. The awarding of this contract is the latest investment in support of this vision. By improving and modernizing farebox collections, CTA is ensuring critical access to transit services for the unbanked or underbanked in the region, while also improving its daily operations.
"That all people have access to sustainable transit services is what we strive for and providing riders in Chicago with fast and easy to use payment options on all CTA buses is part of this journey. We are proud to work with CTA to provide outstanding passenger services for every rider,” said Andreas Räschmeier, CEO of Scheidt & Bachmann Fare Collection Systems GmbH.
