San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit launched its new goMobile app, which will change the public transit experience in the region by putting convenient planning and purchasing power in the palms of passengers’ hands.

The new mobile ticketing and trip-planning app, powered by moovel North America, will allow bus and VIAtrans patrons to purchase fares using their smartphone, and activate them when they are ready to ride. The digital ticketing process expedites boarding and reduces the need for cash and transfer cards. The app’s trip-planning feature provides bus arrival information to help riders plan more easily and accurately.

“The VIA goMobile app is part of VIA’s ongoing investment in innovation, and part of several recent initiatives that will help transform the rider experience,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “The launch of this new trip-planning and mobile ticking app signals a major advancement in the way our customers connect to opportunity and to the places where we live, work and play.”

VIA goMobile is the next in a series of technological advancements VIA has introduced to enhance passenger amenities and modernize the agency’s programs and services. The goMobile app is free to download for Apple and Android devices. Fares and passes can be purchased using credit cards. The app was designed in partnership with moovel, a transit technology provider, and features local landmarks and iconography that become animated once the ticket is activated. Passengers will simply show their phone screen to the operator when boarding.