The Kauaʻi Bus Launches Open Payments with Masabi, Bringing Tap-and-Go Simplicity to Bus Riders Islandwide

The Kauaʻi Bus and Masabi announced the launch of Open Payments across the island’s transit network. Riders can now pay for journeys by tapping their contactless credit or debit card, or mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on any bus operated by Kaua‘i Bus to enjoy a simple, cash-free way to ride with the reassurance 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, making Kauaʻi Bus a leading example of how agencies can modernize fare collection using a phased approach. With the addition of Open Payments, launched in just 5 months, riders now have the flexibility to pay using their preferred method of mobile app, smartcard or contactless bank card, while still receiving the best possible fare.
 
Open Payments also makes it significantly easier for Kauaʻi’s many visitors to use public transit. Tourists can simply tap and go using the card in their wallet or phone in their pocket. For regular riders, the launch will reduce reliance on cash, speed up boarding times and lower system costs, helping Kauaʻi Bus deliver more efficient and reliable service.

The launch also features Account Linking, enabling riders to link their payment card to a single transit account. This functionality allows reduced fares to be assigned to the payment card, while also unlocking access for the rider to their trip history and other account-based benefits.
 
Fare capping will ensure that riders always get the best deal. Prices have been fixed 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’re a local commuter or a visitor exploring the island,” said County of Kauai, 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 worries. It’s a modern, convenient and fair system designed for everyone. We are delighted to have completed the phased rollout of this payment technology alongside our partners, Masabi.”
 
“Kauaʻi Bus has shown the power of a phased approach to fare modernization moving from mobile ticketing to ABT and now to Open Payments in less than twelve months,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “This rollout is about more than technology, it’s making public transit more accessible, efficient and rider-friendly for residents and visitors alike. We’re proud to be working with Kauaʻi to deliver a world-class, future-proof system that will continue to develop as new features come online.”
 
The new system is powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, an open, modular, and constantly evolving fare payments 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.