RFTA Launches Contactless Fare Payments System

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and Masabi announced the launch of RFTA Tickets will be Nov. 21, according to the agency's news release.

RFTA Tickets is a mobile fare payment system powered by Masabi’s Justride platform that will increase access to RFTA services. 

The RFTA Tickets mobile app will enable riders to purchase tickets anytime. Riders can purchase single one-way and round-trip tickets at a discounted rate of 25% off across all RFTA regional routes, 30-day zone passes for routes to and from the City of Aspen and Seasonal Zone Passes. 

“RFTA is the connection between the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys, serving not just the great number of visitors we welcome year-round but also residents who use our service daily to commute to work, school, and as they go about their daily lives. Introducing this new mobile fare payment system makes using our services safer, easier, and more efficient for everyone,” said Dan Blankenship, CEO at RFTA. “We’re delighted to be going mobile and working with Masabi, not just to make RFTA a better service for our locals, but a more efficient way of connecting our region.”

Upon passengers’ first download and creation of an account with the RFTA Tickets app, they will receive a free one-day bus pass to use on any of RFTA’s regional services, according to the agency. When activated, the free pass can be used until 4:00 a.m. the next day. The free pass will be available for activation for 30-days in the account holders' ticket wallet.

RFTA riders can also use the mobile app to add funds to their accounts using their bank cards either through the app or a web portal or by using cash at RFTA’s Rubey Park Transit Center.

Passengers can pre-purchase tickets for future use and activate them as they ride, or they can purchase a ticket on the day of travel. When waiting to board the bus, riders should activate their tickets or passes and then scan their activated tickets on the ticket validation machines aboard the buses, according to RFTA.

“Modern public transit systems need to have accessibility and equity at their heart, and we are delighted to see cities and towns across the world recognizing this and entrusting Masabi with the job of delivering solutions to help make that a reality for their residents and visitors alike,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO of Masabi. “Building on Masabi’s presence in Colorado with RTD Denver, ECO Transit, Bustang, CDoT, and Mountain Metro, our ticketing technology allows RFTA to quickly provide their customers with affordable and equitable fares, no matter how much or little they travel - making transit fairer and faster for all.”

RFTA said it will continue to accept current Stored Value Cards, 30-day zone passes, and cash aboard all buses.