NMI and INIT collaboration enhances San Diego Transit System with seamless 'tap-on/tap-off' contactless payments. NMI - The Ticketing Payment Gateway Published: 4 Sep 2026 Germany-based INIT integrates NMI's advanced embedded payment technology into its transit ticketing system, prioritising convenience and security for passengers NMI(R) a global leader in embedded payments, has partnered with INIT, a leading supplier of public transit ticketing solutions, to implement a cutting-edge payment processing solution for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). This collaboration showcases a new "Tap-on/Tap-off" model that enhances both convenience and security for daily commuters on MTS buses and trolleys. The new system has revolutionized how San Diego residents and visitors experience public transit. Passengers can now easily tap their credit or debit card, or use Apple Pay or Google Pay on their mobile devices, at the start and end of their journey, removing the need for traditional tickets or stored-value cards. The fare is automatically calculated to ensure passengers receive the lowest fare possible based on their travel. With 94% of riders expecting public transit to offer contactless payment, transport operators across the U.S. are upgrading to open-loop ticketing systems, where a payment card or mobile device is used in place of a ticket, to streamline the payment process and provide a more seamless passenger experience. INIT used NMI's straightforward API to embed the NMI Gateway into its transport ticketing solution to establish a secure and efficient 'open loop' system. When a passenger 'taps on', the NMI Gateway processes initial authorization and card tokenization, as well as subsequent authorization and settlement at 'tap-off.' The NMI Gateway also handles deferred authorization for any transactions that fail or are declined. All card reader terminals involved in this process are installed and operated under NMI's end-to-end encryption solution, enhancing both physical and transaction security and ensuring compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). With this partnership passengers benefit from enhanced convenience and safety, as it allows them to pay using their preferred contactless methods while improving security and ease of use. MTS also benefits from advanced fraud prevention measures and protection against stolen card usage as the system is fully PCI DSS compliant. Pete Alcock, Head of Marketing at NMI, said: Partnering with INIT and MTS to bring this innovative payment solution to San Diego's transit system marks a significant step in enhancing transit experiences for passengers through payment innovation and technology. By embedding NMI's card payment technology into INIT's software, a2b Global Media Ltd is streamlining the ticketing and transaction processes for passengers and operators, as well as providing the highest level of security and fraud protection. Its technology not only offers ease of use and enhanced security but also showcases its commitment to advancing public transit systems globally. Andy Singh, Chief Operations Officer, East at INIT, said: Its collaboration with NMI is integral to delivering a system that not only meets the current demands of passengers but also highlights its commitment to advanced ticketing processes through cashless and contactless payments. The partnership between NMI and INIT underscores a shared vision for enhancing public transportation with modern, secure, and convenient payment solutions. As transit operators across the U.S. continue to adopt open-loop systems, this project serves as a model for others aiming to improve passenger experiences and operational efficiency. About NMI. NMI is a global leader in embedded payments, powering more than $203 billion in payment volumes every year. From its industry-leading payment gateway technology to its seamless merchant underwriting, acquiring, onboarding and management platform, a2b Global Media Ltd enable its partners across the entire payments ecosystem. a2b Global Media Ltd help its partners deliver frictionless payment solutions to their customers, offering modularity, flexibility and choice, wherever and however consumers want to pay - online, in-store, in-app, mobile and unattended. And a2b Global Media Ltd is constantly innovating, empowering ISOs, software vendors and payment professionals as they embrace the future of fintech.

NMI, a global embedded payments infrastructure provider, has launched AXIUM SmartPOS, its first all-in-one card-present terminal line for independent sales organisations, independent software vendors, SaaS platforms and their merchants. Built on Ingenico's AXIUM Android platform and integrated with NMI's payment acceptance platform, the solution targets retail, hospitality, food service and field services sectors. The terminal supports chip, swipe, tap and mobile wallet payments, with offline-first architecture allowing transactions during connectivity issues. NMI processes close to $700 billion annually and serves over 6,000 technology partners supporting more than 1.2 million merchants across various payment environments. The solution will support Ingenico's full range of AXIUM devices, with initial models PCI PTS v6 certified through 2032.

NMI debuts its smart POS terminal; MagTek pairs with Star Micronics on access tokens. Payments provider NMI has added to its point-of-sale terminal lineup the Axium SmartPOS, which works across merchant types. In related news, MagTek Inc. says it will provide digital access tokens, which replace keys and passwords, for Star Micronics devices. Schaumburg, Ill.-based NMI says the new terminal uses POS equipment maker Ingenico's technology. Ingenico provides the Android-based platform the terminals use while NMI adds its gateway, software development kit, remote management services, compliance protocols, and deployment abilities, NMI says. NMI says the Axium SmartPOS device is for merchants that need a single card-present terminal that can work in a variety of situations and is suited to retail, hospitality, food-service, and field-based payments. NMI markets a portable version for retail payments, a version for countertop and semi-attended kiosk environments, and a series designed for mobile and field payments. The new devices accept chip, swipe, contactless, and mobile-wallet payments. Ingenico introduced the Axium POS terminal line in 2018, and has updated it multiple times since. In related news, Seal Beach, Calif.-based MagTek says it will provide its digital-token technology to POS hardware maker Star Micronics. The technology can be used in lieu of passwords to access payments devices. MagTek says its Qwantum multi-factor authentication tokens can be incorporated into software applications. These tokens can then be used to authorize specific actions, such as initiating payments, opening cash drawers, or providing manager overrides. MagTek says this can reduce complexity by removing the need for physical keys, passwords, and shared credentials. This benefit is possible because the Qwantum framework replaces physical credentials with time-bound, dynamic, and context-aware tokens, MagTek says. "This enables ISVs and merchants to move beyond device-centric integration and build more flexible, scalable, and economical operations," Tim Guella, Star Micronics information technology director, says in a statement.