The Kaua‘i Bus launches Open Payments with Masabi
LIHU‘E - The Kauaʻi Bus and Masabi announce the launch of Open Payments across the island’s transit network. Riders can now pay for trips by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, on any Kauaʻi Bus. This provides a simple, cash-free way to ride with the added benefit of automatic daily and monthly fare capping.
This launch follows the successful introduction of mobile ticketing in January 2025 and Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) with the Holomua smartcard in May 2025. Together, these improvements make Kauaʻi Bus a leading example of how agencies can modernize fare collection using a phased approach. With Open Payments now available, riders can choose to pay through the mobile app, smartcard, or contactless bank card while always receiving the best possible fare.
Open Payments also makes public transit easier for Kauaʻi’s many visitors. Tourists can simply tap a card or phone to ride. For regular riders, the system reduces reliance on cash, speeds up boarding, and lowers operational costs, helping Kauaʻi Bus provide more efficient and reliable service.
The launch also introduces Account Linking, which allows riders to connect their payment card to a single transit account. This feature enables reduced fares to be applied directly to the payment card and gives riders access to trip history and other account-based benefits.
Fare capping ensures riders always pay the lowest fare. Prices are set at:
- Mainline Single Ride: Adult $2.00 / Reduced Fare $1.00
- Shuttle Ride: $0.50 / Reduced Fare $0.25
- Day Pass: Adult $5.00 / Reduced Fare $2.50
- Monthly Pass: Adult $50.00 / Reduced Fare $25.00
“This latest launch makes riding The Kauaʻi Bus easier than ever, whether you are a local commuter or a visitor exploring the island,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “With Open Payments, you can simply tap your card or phone and ride with no need for cash, passes, or concern about overpaying. It is a modern, convenient, and fair system designed for everyone. We are proud to have completed this phased rollout with our partners at Masabi.”
“Kauaʻi Bus has shown the benefits of a phased approach to fare modernization, moving from mobile ticketing to ABT and now to Open Payments in less than a year,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “This rollout is about more than technology. It is about making public transit more accessible, efficient, and rider-friendly for residents and visitors alike. We are proud to partner with Kauaʻi to deliver a world-class, future-ready system that will continue to grow with new features.”
The new system is powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, an open, modular, and continually evolving fare payment system used by transit agencies and operators worldwide. Riders can continue to manage their accounts, load funds, and pick up smartcards at the Kauaʻi Bus office, or simply tap their contactless card or mobile wallet to ride.
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