San Bernardino Valley, Calif.-based Omnitrans, launched a new mobile fare payment partnership with Token Transit, offering riders the ability to go cashless when purchasing ride passes.   

Riders first need to download the free Token Transit app, and then set up an account tied to a credit or debit card. Purchasing and activating a pass takes seconds and riders only need show the driver their phone displaying an active pass to board. 

Over 20% of non-riders surveyed in spring 2017 indicated that the ability to pay by phone was an amenity that would entice them to use Omnitrans. The transit agency already offers real-time arrival information and online trip planning via smartphone through the free Omnitrans mobile app and the agency’s mobile-friendly website, www.omnitrans.org.

The Token Transit app is available through Google Play and the App Store. Also, texting “TOKEN” to 41411 will generate a download link. 

All fare categories are available for mobile purchase including single-ride, one-day, 7-day, and 31-day passes for full-fare and reduced-fare customers.

“To encourage customers to give it a try, we are offering half off their first 7-day or 31-day pass purchase through December 31 of this year,” said Wendy Williams, Omnitrans director of marketing and planning.

Regular bus fares are $1.75 for a single ride, $5 for a 1-day pass, $18 for a 7-day pass and $55 for a 31-day pass. Discounted fares are offered for seniors age 62 and up, people with disabilities, military veterans, and youth age 18 and under.

Aside from the convenience for customers, on board mobile fare transactions are four to five times quicker than inserting bills and coins into the fare box. This helps keep buses running on time. 

Currently, about one-third of Omnitrans boardings involve a cash transaction. The transit agency expects that as customers switch from traditional paper passes to mobile fares, it will be able to save on printing and outlet distribution costs.