EZTransport System Enables MetroAccess Paratransit Riders to Prepay Trips by Phone or Online
BALTIMORE, MD – August 10, 2009 – MJM Innovations, a firm specializing in electronic transaction processing, technology solutions and services for transportation programs, announces today that it is providing electronic transaction technology to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to enable the new EZ-Pay feature for the MetroAccess paratransit program.
MetroAccess is WMATA’s shared-ride, door-to-door, paratransit service for people who cannot use public transportation due to a disability. MetroAccess EZ-Pay became available May 1 and allows customers to prepay for trips by phone or Online using a credit or debit card, eliminating the need to carry cash, tokens or other paper-based forms of payment.
To provide the new EZ-Pay capabilities, WMATA is employing the EZTransport solution from MJM Innovations. Developed in 2001 and currently in use by both small and large transportation programs throughout the United States, EZTransport utilizes a Web-based software application and a state-of-the-art transaction processing platform to enable automated fare collection and capture of fare and trip data.
“With EZ-Pay, customers can travel on MetroAccess without the need to carry cash, tokens or other fare media,” said Christian T. Kent, Assistant General Manager of Access Services, WMATA. “We still accept those methods of payment, but we hope customers will take advantage of this cashless-fare system that will help speed their trips and allow drivers to keep focused on safety and customer satisfaction.”
“Our goal is to provide WMATA with a solution that will streamline the fare purchase, collection and reporting processes for the MetroAccess program,” said Jeffrey Venick, president, MJM Innovations. “By eliminating the use of cash, tokens and paper and creating several convenient options for accessing and managing accounts, the EZTransport solution is designed to create a better experience for the rider, service provider and the agency.”
With the EZTransport technology, MetroAccess customers can access their EZ-Pay accounts either by phone or online at WMATA’s Web site. In addition to being able to add money to their EZPay accounts, customers can keep track of their account balances and view trips they’ve scheduled and taken. MetroAccess customer service representatives can also provide EZ-Pay account information to customers.
About WMATA
As the nation’s 4th largest transit agency, WMATA operates the 2nd largest heavy rail transit system, 6th largest bus network and the 8th largest paratransit network in the United States. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of 3.4 million within a 1,500-square mile jurisdiction. Metro began its paratransit service, MetroAccess, in 1994. It provided over 2.1 million passenger trips in FY 2009.
About MJM Innovations
MJM Innovations, a management and technology company, specializes in providing automated fare collection solutions and management services to the transportation industry. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Baltimore, MJM Innovations utilizes a unique blend of management and technology expertise to advance fare collection systems for both small and large agencies providing transportation using vans, buses, taxis and sedans. MJM Innovations’ suite of technology products are designed to streamline manual, paper and cash-based systems. The solutions enhance reporting and accounting capabilities while reducing costs, increasing efficiencies and improving customer satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.mjminnovations.com.
