Connect Transit has begun implementing new ways to pay for its services.
Connect Transit began a rollout phase for new fare collection equipment Monday. Riders will be able to pay a fare using a credit card, mobile device or a reloadable prepay card when fully implemented by the end of July. The Umo app will allow payment on devices like phones and watches. Umo replaced the Connect Transit mobile ticketing app.
“All of our efforts are on things that will make it as easy as possible for folks to jump on, for folks to choose to ride the bus,” said Connect Transit CEO Brady Lange.
The new equipment will not replace the option to pay using cash, but other transit companies that implemented the technology saw a decrease in cash usage when they did.
“We believe it is important to continue to accept cash,” said Lange.
Smart cards
Reloadable cards known as “smart cards” will soon be available. These would give an alternative way to pay for riders who do not wish to use a credit card or mobile app.
The cards would be available for pickup at Connect Transit offices and Heartland Parking in Uptown Station. Those places, as well as retailers such as Walgreens and CVS, will all be options to reload money onto the card using cash, credit or debit. There will also be an online web portal to do so.
“Folks can reload cash on that card and enjoy all the benefits, such as fare capping and things of that nature, that paying cash on board the vehicle won't allow,” said Lange.
Fare capping is when an automated system tracks payments and rewards users with an unlimited or discounted ride pass after they pay a certain amount or ride a certain number of times. Connect Transit customers who spend more than $3 per day, $10 per week or $40 per month on fixed route or Connect Flex services will be able to continue to ride for that period at zero-fare.
Those customers would have to use the same payment method as they used to reach the threshold to benefit from fare capping. Fare capping implementation means daily and monthly passes are no longer needed.
Customers eligible for ADA paratransit services or other discounts will receive an ID card issued at Connect offices. Those will work the same way as the smart cards.
