Duluth Transit Authority (DTA), the public transit operator serving the Twin Ports region of Minnesota and Wisconsin, announced the expansion of its myDTA fare system with the launch of Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) and Open Payments, powered by Masabi, the global leader in enterprise-grade SaaS fare collection for public transit. Building on the myDTA mobile ticketing app launched in May 2021, the expansion reflects DTA’s commitment to fare innovation, delivering a system designed to be easy to use and to serve every rider across the Twin Ports region.
With Account-Based Ticketing, riders can now simply tap and ride using either the myDTA app or the new More smartcard. There is no need to choose a ticket or pass in advance. The system automatically calculates and deducts the correct fare from a rider’s account at the point of boarding. Fares are capped at $3 per day and $40 per month, with additional discounts applied for eligible riders, ensuring every rider always pays the lowest possible fare.
With Open Payments, riders now have even more ways to pay, with the option to tap any contactless Visa or Mastercard bank card, a prepaid card, or a mobile wallet directly on the validators onboard the bus. For visitors, tourists, or any rider who simply wants to board using what is already in their wallet or on their phone, getting on a DTA bus is now as straightforward as a single tap. The same fare caps apply, and riders who pay by contactless card or mobile wallet can also link their payment to a myDTA account, unlocking trip history, discounted fares, and concessions. Account linking means every rider has access to the same benefits, whatever payment method they choose.
“Making transit work for every rider in the Twin Ports has always been at the heart of what we do at DTA,” said David Clark, Director of Marketing at DTA. “With the expanded myDTA system, riders can now pay in the way that suits them best, whether that’s the myDTA app, the More smartcard, or simply tapping their bank card or phone at the validator. Everyone gets the same great fare and the same benefits, and we are proud to be delivering on that promise for our community.”
“Account-Based Ticketing and Open Payments are most powerful when they work together, and DTA is the perfect illustration of that point,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “We are delighted to support DTA at this stage of its journey with Masabi. Building on five years of partnership, the expanded myDTA system ensures that no rider in the Twin Ports ever pays more than they should, regardless of how they choose to pay.”
Duluth Transit Authority operates 16 bus routes throughout the Twin Ports region, serving Duluth, Minnesota, Superior, Wisconsin, and the surrounding suburbs. The expanded myDTA system is powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, used by transit agencies and operators worldwide to deliver modern, account-based fare payment at any scale.