Cal-ITP is multi-year project within Caltrans whose charter is to help transportation agencies throughout California shift from closed-loop payment systems—where riders essentially buy prepaid gift certificates to ride transit—to an open-loop system where riders use their existing debit and credit cards to pay for transit rides, just as they would for any other purchase.
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I'm the product lead for Cal-ITP Benefits, an open source software application that streamlines the process for Californians to verify their eligibility to receive federally-mandated fare discounts and register their contactless debit or credit card for reduced fares. The service requires partnership, collaboration, and coordination with several public and private stakeholders.
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Login.gov (digital identity and age verification)
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California Digital ID Framework (facilitates benefit eligibility checks and rider data management)
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US Veterans Administration (API providing Title 38 Veteran status)
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Littlepay (fare processor handling transit payments)