Masabi announced the deployment of 440 HID Global VAL100 units across the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) fleet, which allows riders to validate tickets and passes when boarding SORTA services, according to the company’s press release.

SORTA tickets are now available for purchase on the EZfare regional fare payment system. The system is powered by Masabi’s Justride platform.

Passes can be purchased on the EZfare app and within Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). Passes can also be bought through mobility apps such as Transit, Uber, and Moovit. In addition, riders can add funds to their EZfare Accounts at their local Transit Centers. 

“The last 18 months have demonstrated the importance of reducing contact between riders and staff on public transit and minimizing touchpoints has taken on a new relevance to agencies with an important focus put on providing riders with a simple, contactless and speedy ticketing experience,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO of Masabi.  “We’re excited to see the continued rollout of validation units across the EZfare network, providing quick and easy electronic validation for their riders, and expanding the reach of contactless validation, making riding public transit safer in face of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Riders can scan their mobile passes on a VAL100 when boarding SORTA buses with the installation of validation devices.

“We are excited for SORTA to launch validators throughout their entire system. This is the next step in expanding EZFare and creating a truly regional fare system that is easier and safer”, said Katherine Conrad, Director at NEORide. 

SORTA is a member of NEORide that focuses on the development and promotion of regional public transportation services. Other agencies in the EZfare network that have deployed validators include: Laketran, PARTA, METRO BCRTA, TANK, and MCPT.

“Putting the power to validate tickets into riders’ hands makes for a quicker and safer boarding experience, minimizing dwell time and helping our operators,” said SORTA CEO Darryl Haley. “We are excited to continue our work with Masabi building an EZFare network that not only empowers regional travel, but that strives to offer the same safe and comfortable experience to every rider, every step of the way. All via a single app.”