Mar 13, 2014

Customer spotlight: Vix Technology enables contactless payments for mass transit

Ansley Kilgore

How is Vix Technology transforming fare collection in public transit?

While many transit agencies still rely on collecting cash from riders, that model is quickly disappearing due to advancements in fare collection technology. Vix Technology, a global provider of integrated transit and mobility systems, continues to enhance the commuter experience through innovations in contactless payment technologies.

What innovations earned Vix Technology industry recognition?

Headquartered in Australia with North American offices in Seattle, Vix Technology delivers hardware and software solutions for electronic fare collection (EFC) systems. The company recently received the Transport Ticketing Technology of the Year award for its product innovation developed for Salt Lake City’s Utah Transit Authority (UTA).

This system enables riders to pay using student and employee ID cards, bank-issued credit cards, ISIS Mobile Wallet, Google Wallet, and UTA’s FAREPAY pre-paid contactless card. By supporting multiple payment formats, Vix helps transit systems stand out in an increasingly digital transportation ecosystem.

How does the UTA FAREPAY system benefit riders and agencies?

With features like mobile account management and lost card protection, the UTA FAREPAY system creates value for both riders and transit agencies. To deliver this seamless, integrated experience, Vix requires infrastructure capable of handling millions of transactions across diverse payment types. For perspective, Seattle’s ORCA system processes more than 100 million transactions per year.

Why did Vix transition from colocation to Internap’s managed hosting?

Before partnering with Internap, Vix used dedicated colocation cabinets in local data centers—purchasing and maintaining their own hardware while managing operations internally. This model was not only capital-intensive but also costly in staffing and 24/7 monitoring requirements.

Seeking a more cost-efficient, secure, and scalable alternative, Vix evaluated multiple hosting providers and ultimately selected Internap for its strong infrastructure capabilities and service quality.

How does Internap’s solution meet Vix Technology’s infrastructure needs?

Vix Technology now uses Internap’s managed hosting services in its Seattle and Santa Clara data centers. The Internap solution addresses three primary areas of importance:

Security

With strict data privacy and transaction regulations, Vix requires complete control over how passenger information is processed. Internap’s infrastructure provides a secure, compliant environment to handle financial transactions and ensure data integrity. Vix benefits from cloud-like scalability without the risks associated with shared hosting environments.

Scalability

Internap offers dedicated scalability, enabling Vix to expand seamlessly as transaction volumes and ridership grow. Its flexible architecture supports large-scale data processing while accommodating future expansion into international markets through Internap’s global data center footprint.

Support

With 24/7 support from Internap’s Network Operations Center (NOC), Vix can focus on improving its transit solutions rather than managing infrastructure. Certified engineers provide continuous monitoring and maintenance, ensuring high uptime and reliability for mission-critical transit systems.

How do analytics enhance Vix Technology’s value to transit agencies?

Beyond fare processing, Vix empowers transit agencies with data analytics that help them understand rider behavior, optimize routes, and adjust schedules. These insights are becoming essential tools for the future of mass transit planning.

How does Internap enable Vix Technology’s global transit vision?

Whether traveling by bus, train, or ferry, Vix Technology is transforming how people connect and commute. Through its partnership with Internap, Vix combines innovative payment systems with reliable, scalable infrastructure—making mass transit more convenient for riders and cost-effective for agencies worldwide.

Explore HorizonIQ's
Managed Private Cloud

LEARN MORE

Stay Connected

About Author

Ansley Kilgore

Read More