BCTA launches new mobile ticketing system

The Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) has announced the launch of its new mobile ticketing system, which offers users a safe, fast and contactless way to pay and ride the local bus service by allowing riders to buy tickets and passes anytime, anywhere, using their smartphones.

Credit: Beaver County Transit Authority

The transit authority has partnered with Masabi to launch this mobile ticketing service, which is available on BCTA’s Mobile Ticketing app. Through the app, riders of BCTA services are able to purchase and use fare products such as Single Ride, Day Pass, 11 Ride, 7 Day passes, 31 Day passes and reduced fares directly from their mobile device. Group travel is also possible with the ability to purchase multiple fare products using the same device.

As part of the project, new validation devices have been installed across the entire BCTA fixed route bus fleet. This involves passengers scanning their dynamic and encrypted mobile passes on the devices when boarding the bus, followed by an audible beep and a coloured screen that identifies the ticket as valid for use. These validation units will help to speed up boarding times, making riding BCTA services faster and safer by enabling contactless fare payment and validation.

Mary Jo Morandini, BCTA’s General Manager, said: “Customers will now find it faster and easier than ever to pay for fares. A rider installs the BCTA mobile app on their smartphone and they never have to deposit coins or tickets in the fare box again. Riders board the bus and simply scan the barcode that appears on their phone on validation devices installed on the buses. And, for those without a smartphone, a ticket can be printed from their computer and scanned on all fixed route buses.”

Riders can also go to BCTA’s website and use a new web portal service to purchase tickets and passes to use alongside the BCTA Mobile Ticketing app.