TriMet launches mobile ticketing app pilot

Portland, Ore.-based TriMet plans to launch the beta test of the much-anticipated TriMet Tickets mobile ticketing app this week.

Some 150 riders were chosen from more than 1,500 applicants to test the mobile application, powered by GlobeSherpa. They will become among the first riders of a multimodal transit system in the U.S. to use a mobile ticketing app. The TriMet Tickets app will allow those riders to conveniently buy fares anytime and anywhere from their smartphones to ride buses, MAX trains, WES Commuter Rail and the Portland Streetcar.

The beta testers represent a cross section of riders based on demographics, type of mobile device and operating system, credit/debit card type, trip purpose, fare type, frequency of transit use and use of buses, trains or both. They will test the app for about a month and providing feedback through surveys. Some will take part in focus groups. Once the beta test is completed and feedback incorporated, TriMet expects to launch the mobile ticketing app to all riders later this summer.