Last Updated on August 23, 2017 by CCAR Staff
You can now pay for your ride on an Omnitrans bus using your smartphone.
The transit agency announced Monday that riders will be able to board by using a free app called Token Transit.
Once someone sets up an app and creates an account tied to a debit or credit card, it takes just seconds to purchase and activate a card, according to Omnitrans. Then, riders need to show the driver an active pass on their phone.
More than 20 percent of non-riders surveyed this spring said that being able to pay by phone would entice them to use Omnitrans, according to the agency.
Other benefits, according to Omnitrans, are keeping buses running on time because mobile transactions are faster, and spending less money on printing and distributing paper passes.
Omnitrans says about one-third of its boardings currently involve a cash transaction.
Real-time travel information and online trip planning are already available on the app and at the mobile-friendly website, www.omnitrans.org.
The Token Transit app can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple’s app store, or by texting “TOKEN” to 41411 and following the download link.
Any type of ticket is available, including for a single ride, one day, seven days and 31 days and for reduced-fare customers.
“To encourage customers to give it a try, we are offering half off their first seven-day or 31-day pass purchase through Dec. 31,” said Wendy Williams, director of Marketing and Planning.
Regular bus fares are $1.75 for a single ride, $5 for a one-day pass, $18 for a seven-day pass and $55 for a 31-day pass. Discounted fares are offered for seniors 62 and older, people with disabilities, military veterans and youths 18 and younger. Details are at www.omnitrans.org.
“We are excited to offer this convenient fare payment option to enhance the customer experience,” Omnitrans CEO Scott Graham said. “Paying by phone makes taking transit easier for both new and current customers.”
