Veolia, Masabi launch fare payment app in N.Y.

Veolia Transportation rolled out its “GoMobile” fare payment app on the NICE Bus system on Long Island, N.Y., making it the first bus-only U.S. transit system to offer smartphone-based mobile ticketing.

Veolia partnered with Masabi to bring smartphone ticketing to NICE bus riders, with the app available for both iPhone and Android users.

The app enables passengers to purchase, store and use tickets with a smart-phone app, which greatly increases their convenience. Upon boarding, riders display to the bus operator a secure, visually verifiable ticket on their smartphone.

“Mobile ticketing is really taking off in the U.S. and NICE is excited to be at the forefront in bus transit. In the coming months, we look forward to rolling out additional technology initiatives that will help transform transit in Nassau County,” said Michael Setzer, NICE CEO and VP of Veolia Transportation. “Over the decades, fare collection for Nassau’s County’s buses has evolved, however, one area that has not changed much is cash payments. With GoMobile, we’re taking a big step to improve that situation.”

NICE is a public-private operating partnership between Nassau County and Veolia Transportation. Veolia manages all aspects of the transit system under contract to the county, effectively serving as the transit agency.