Using validators from hardware supplier, Kapsch, the visual and barcode-based tickets will allow MARTA to deliver an even better quality and affordable transit service to the people of Atlanta.
Creating an app-based NFC mobile fare medium on iOS has long been seen by the transport industry as the “Holy Grail” of mobile ticketing, according to the company.
With mobile app and chip-enabled payments trending toward the norm, transit agencies are looking to add those capabilities to their systems to make paying fares simple, while also speeding up boarding times and increasing efficiencies in the process. METRO takes a look at some fare collection upgrade projects around the nation as well as the tech driving those changes.
The Transit GO Ticket app pilot project was created under contract by Bytemark, which has similar systems in use in Austin, Texas; Massachusetts DOT; and Atlanta.
The pilot app offers a three-day, $11 unlimited pass usable across Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus lines.
The acquisition allows the companies to continue their ongoing collaboration and expand their offerings in the growing mobile market.
Will use HaCon’s timetable information system, HAFAS, which works as a door-to-door information system with real-time data that helps passengers get the most up-to-date information on delays, connection status, service alerts or cancellations.
The app, which was developed with Bytemark Inc., has built-in security features. Customers may be asked to validate their purchase by tapping the screen, causing the background color of the pass to change.
The mobile tickets incorporate a QR Code which can be read by INIT’s PROXmobil2 readers installed on the new MetroRapid BRT buses.