Mayor Terry Announces METS Fare Collection System Modernization

METS Modernizes Fare Collection System to Accept Cash and Digital Payments

March 12, 2026 - The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) is pleased to announce a five-year agreement with Matawan, a leader in SaaS mobility platforms, to completely modernize the city's bus fare collection system.

METS is advancing public transportation with the introduction of Matawan's advanced Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) and Open Payment system. This initiative offers increased accessibility and equity for over one million annual METS riders, by allowing payment via cash, credit, or debit across 29 buses and 21 routes. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of city transit.

"Our top priority was ensuring modernization didn't mean exclusion. Matawan understood this immediately," said Evansville Transportation and Services Director Todd Robertson. "Their ability to blend paying by bank credit card, debit card or mobile wallet with a system for digitizing cash fares will allow us to expand the ability to sell bus passes through a third-party vender in the future, if needed."

Bridging Legacy Technology with Future Mobility

The core of this transformative project is Matawan's unique ability to integrate its cutting-edge ABT platform with the existing infrastructure. This capability allows METS to transition smoothly, while immediately gaining:

• Inclusive Access: Existing fareboxes are retained, and physical cash top-ups are integrated via local retail partners-effectively digitizing cash for the unbanked-while simultaneously accepting standard EMV (credit/debit card) and mobile wallet payments.
• Dynamic Fare Engine: Providing the flexibility to easily implement programs, such as popular "Free Ride Days," without system overhaul, a feature often difficult for legacy systems to manage.
• Fare Capping: Automatically ensuring riders never pay more than the daily or weekly pass price, regardless of how often they tap.
  
  

Matawan's proven and innovative SaaS fare payment platform will enable METS to achieve their goals and improve the user experience," said Ian Woodroofe, Matawan's Managing Director North America. "Our solution ensures that while we digitize and streamline operations, we don't leave anyone behind. We are digitizing cash, ensuring every rider-whether they use a card, mobile wallet, or cash-benefits from flexible, fair, and data-driven mobility."

This implementation positions Evansville at the forefront of regional US transit modernization, showcasing how even mid-sized networks can pivot easily to take advantage of new payment platforms to improve service to their clients.

About Matawan

Matawan streamlines the daily commute by bridging the gap between public transit and all forms of modern mobility. By integrating Account-Based ticketing, payment processing, service reliability, and real-time data management, our SaaS platform enhances the rider experience, enables single-fare travel across different agencies, and reduces the carbon footprint of every trip.

As a trusted partner to local transit authorities and private operators, Matawan works at the core of our communities to provide equitable, accessible, and sustainable transportation for everyone. Founded in France in 2012 and backed by numerous industry awards, Matawan is now a global leader in the evolving mobility ecosystem. More information on https://matawan-mobility.com/en.

Press Contacts

City of Evansville - Ella Johnson-Watson - 812-760-5089 | [email protected]

Matawan - Pauline Dessertine - +33 7 68 49 54 98 | [email protected]