Nitte University alumnus Sumanth Kamath earns global recognition for ethical cybersecurity research. Mangalore Today News Network Mangaluru, Jul 28, 2026: Nitte University proudly congratulates Sumanth Kamath, an alumnus of Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, for earning international recognition for his responsible cybersecurity research. His work was recently featured by Boston University after he uncovered a critical vulnerability in Boston's public transit payment system. Sumanth, who graduated from NMIT's Bachelor of Engineering program in Information Science and Engineering (2020-2024), is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science at Boston University. Along with fellow researcher Damodhar Pai, he identified a design flaw in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) tap-to-pay fare collection system that could potentially allow passengers to access transit services even when payment authorization failed. Instead of exploiting the vulnerability, the researchers adhered to the principles of ethical cybersecurity by responsibly disclosing their findings to the MBTA. Boston University recognized their work as an example of research that strengthens public infrastructure and enhances digital security. The study highlights a complex issue within modern contactless payment systems, where rapid transaction processing and tokenized digital wallets can occasionally create gaps in payment verification. Sumanth's research offers valuable recommendations for improving coordination among transit agencies, payment networks, technology providers and financial institutions to address such vulnerabilities. Reflecting on the discovery, Sumanth said that public transit systems rely heavily on fare revenue and that responsible disclosure allows organizations to fix security flaws before they can be exploited. His approach reflects the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public service in cybersecurity research. The Nitte University community takes immense pride in Sumanth's outstanding achievement. His journey from the classrooms of NMIT to contributing to the security of critical digital infrastructure in the United States is an inspiration to aspiring engineers, researchers and innovators. Nitte University extends its heartfelt congratulations to Sumanth and wishes him continued success as he advances the fields of data science, cybersecurity and responsible technological innovation. Watch Sumanth's NBC Boston interview: https://www.nbcboston.com/video/on-air/as-seen-on/mbta-tap-to-pay-vulnerability-exposed/3963998/

MBTA riders could save hundreds this fall. See new discounts. USA TODAY NETWORK - New England July 28, 2026, 10:17 a.m. ET * New discounts include an expanded "unlimited" transfer window, the elimination of higher express bus fares and free fares to some seniors. * Plus, some Commuter Rail discounts from the summer will continue into the fall. * Summer discounts led to an increase in ridership, Healey said. Massachusetts MBTA riders could save money this fall with three new discounts on public transportation. Gov. Maura Healey, joined by MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng and several others at the Belmont Commuter Rail station, announced the new "affordability initiatives" on July 28. They include an "unlimited" transfer window, the elimination of higher express bus fares and free fares for some seniors. Plus, some commuter rail discounts from the summer will continue into the fall, she said. "Every day, we're looking for new ways to lower costs and make it easier for people to choose public transportation," Healey said in a press release. "These new fare pilots and the extension of our commuter rail savings will put money back in people's pockets while giving more riders the flexibility they need to get to work, school and everywhere in between." How can I save money on the T this fall? The MBTA is launching three new fare pilot programs in fall 2026. * Expanded 2-hour transfer window: Beginning Sept. 1, riders can make a "practically unlimited number" of transfers between subways, buses or ferries during a two-hour period, rather than just the two times currently allowed, and only pay the highest fare incurred during that window. Riders must use the same form of payment for the transfers to apply. * Elimination of higher express bus fares: Beginning Sept. 1, most MBTA buses, even express bus routes that currently charge up to $4.25, will only cost the local bus fare ($1.70 full fare / $0.85 reduced). However, the program does not apply to the SL 1, 2, 3 and W routes. * Discounts for car-free seniors: Massachusetts residents 75 and older who no longer drive will be eligible for free bus, subway, ferry and commuter rail services beginning at a date to be announced this fall. To qualify, residents must be aged 75 or above and hold a Massachusetts ID card, but no driver's license. Summer discounts continue. The fall savings come after Healey announced four commuter rail promotions earlier this summer including "Free Fridays" and discounts on monthly and weekend fares. In a press release, Healey said that those promotions led to a 50% increase in commuter rail ridership on Fridays and over 6,200 people taking advantage of the weekend discount. Free commuter rail services on Fridays will come to an end at the end of August, but some of the other promotions have been extended through November. * 50% off discount: Calendar-month commuter rail passes for September, October and November will be discounted by 50%. * $1 "weekend companion" fare: On any weekend commuter rail trip covered by their pass, monthly pass holders may bring one companion for $1 each way.

MBTA to receive $530M in Fair Share funding, including $450M to cover operating budget shortfalls. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors approved a $530 million funding transfer to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on July 22, drawing from the Commonwealth's FY26 Fair Share Supplemental Budget to shore up the transit agency's operating budget, fund infrastructure improvements and support a reduced-fare program for low-income riders. The funding transfer includes $450 million for the MBTA Deficiency Fund Replenishment which funds MBTA's operating budget shortfalls, $60 million for MBTA Physical Infrastructure Improvements, and $20 million for the MBTA Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program, officials said. "People across Massachusetts are seeing the difference in the MBTA as it becomes safer and more reliable every day," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said. "This funding builds on the progress we've made while making it easier and more affordable for people to get where they need to go. We are committed to giving the MBTA the resources it needs to deliver the high-quality transit that riders deserve." Officials said the funding transfer would allow MBTA to maintain reliable service, improve transit infrastructure and expand access to public transportation. "Fair share funding has been instrumental to the MBTA improving in all aspects: safety, reliability, accessibility, and more," Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said. "Across the Commonwealth, people rely on transportation to connect them to opportunities like good jobs, healthcare, education, and much more." The largest portion of the funding will support MBTA's operating budget while expenses exceed revenues, while $60 will support new infrastructure projects and supplement existing capital projects to preserve and modernize the agency's core assets. The remaining $20 million will provide discounted fares across all MBTA modes for riders with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. During Fiscal Year 2026, enrollment in the Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program reached nearly 45,000 riders.