San Carlos, Calif.’s SamTrans will launch SamTrans Mobile, the transit agency’s official mobile application. SamTrans Mobile will allow riders to purchase and activate tickets from their smartphone devices, plan trips, and get real-time bus location and schedule information.

“Launching SamTrans Mobile is a top priority for our board and has been one of the most popular amenities requested by SamTrans riders,” said San Mateo County Transit District Board Chair Charles Stone. “Reducing traffic congestion in our communities means making public transit a more viable, convenient, reliable option for travelers, and SamTrans Mobile makes great strides toward that goal.”

SamTrans Mobile will enhance the overall customer experience for riders by making it more convenient for customers to pay for and plan trips. Riders will also have access to real-time bus location information. The applications trip planner includes scheduling information for other transit services that SamTrans connects to, including Caltrain, Bay Area Rapid Transit, San Francisco Municipal Railway, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and Alameda County Transit.

At launch, mobile ticketing will be available for SamTrans bus and paratransit services, but the application was designed to eventually allow riders to purchase fares for other transit systems and mobility services. SamTrans products available for purchase include Adult fares and fares for passengers that qualify for youth, senior, and disabled rider discounts. Redi-Wheel/RediCoast-eligible customers will also be able to pay for their fare using the mobile app.

SamTrans Mobile makes the payment process seamless and gives the most accurate information about when the next bus will arrive. Ticket prices are the same as the cash fare and there are no additional fees.

SamTrans Mobile can run on iOS and Android operating systems and will accept major credit and debit cards.

The Trip Planner option allows riders to enter a starting point and destination and see all available transit options to complete their trip. The My Account section allows riders to manage their stored information, add or remove on-file payment methods and view their transaction history.