When the St. John’s Transportation Commission selected PIM’s team and staff to implement Canada’s first contactless smart card-based automatic fare collection (AFC) system in 2005, it marked the beginning of a long-standing, collaborative partnership. This enduring relationship, spanning 20 years, has seen the system grow from a simple smart card platform to a powerful, fully integrated, cloud-based fare solution—all developed and supported by PIM.

These upgrades not only improved the user experience but also demonstrated our commitment to continuous improvement. As technology evolved, so did the system. In the early 2010s, PIM helped Metrobus integrate a loyalty program, allowing riders to accumulate Air Miles for transit use—one of the first in North America. In 2015, accessibility services were enhanced with handheld card readers installed on GoBus vehicles, enabling mobility riders to pay using the same media as conventional bus passengers.

In 2016, Metrobus and PIM seamlessly upgraded onboard validators to the new Futura 3FB model. Installed over a single weekend, the new units offered larger screens, enabling digital advertising and promotional video content, unlocking new revenue opportunities and enhancing rider engagement.

Then in 2021, Metrobus launched a major system-wide upgrade: a shift to a real-time, account-based fare platform. PIM transitioned the system with minimal hardware replacement, preserving validator infrastructure through firmware updates and continuing support for all existing smart cards. New driver displays and Attended Add-Value Machines were added, enhancing usability for both staff and riders.

To support this shift, PIM migrated the Metrobus server environment to the Microsoft Azure cloud, fully managed by PIM to ensure robust security, streamlined updates, and reduced local IT burden. Our commitment to security and data management is unwavering, ensuring the reliability and trustworthiness of our services. The GoBus fleet was also upgraded to Android-based tablets, offering enhanced functionality and enabling integration with a third-party On-Demand Transit service.

Most notably, this comprehensive transformation—modernizing both hardware and backend systems—was carried out without disruption to drivers, staff, or riders. It’s a testament to Payment in Motion’s ability to deliver seamless innovation and a reliable long-term partnership. Our expertise and track record in managing such complex system upgrades are unparalleled in the industry.