Exciting News for Chattanooga Bus Riders: Mobile Payments Are Coming!
Chattanooga residents, we have some news that’s sure to make your daily commute a little easier! Starting next month, bus riders in our city will finally be able to pay their fares using their smartphones, a welcome change from the current cash-and-coin method that requires exact change. Yes, you heard that right! The Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) is rolling out a mobile-ticketing system that will allow you to pay your fare with just a few taps on your phone.
The Current Situation
For those who may not be familiar with the current fare-paying system, riders mainly pay $1.50 for a single ride using cash. While there are unlimited daily, weekly, and monthly passes available, many of them need to be bought at physical locations, leaving online options pretty limited. As a result, many have argued that CARTA is lagging behind compared to other cities, where passengers enjoy more flexible payment methods.
What’s New?
According to CARTA’s CEO Charles Frazier, this new system is not just a temporary fix, but part of a larger plan to modernize the agency’s technology. With the introduction of the mobile app, riders will be able to download the Token Transit app, create an account, enter their payment information, and purchase tickets quickly and easily. As a bus approaches, they can activate their ticket right from their phone, which will then be visible to the driver as they board. What a breeze!
Inclusivity is Key
This change also means inclusivity for many riders. The app will integrate with Cash App, a popular choice among Chattanoogans, especially for those without a bank account. Board member Arcie Reeves emphasized this aspect during a recent meeting and expressed excitement at how this app would open doors for those who previously had trouble accessing public transportation.
Cost and Implementation
Now, you might be wondering about the costs involved in introducing this new service. CARTA estimates that the pilot program will cost around $26,000, which includes a startup fee and an annual fee for the app. Additionally, integrating the app with Cash App will cost approximately $10,000. Despite these costs, the transition appears to be quite cost-effective since no new hardware will be required on the buses, and minimal training will be needed for the bus operators.
Looking Ahead
But wait, there’s more! Earlier this year, CARTA received a $980,000 state grant aimed at updating its outdated fare boxes. However, Frazier mentioned that they are reconsidering how that money should be spent. Instead of using it immediately on new fare boxes, CARTA wants to take a step back and assess the best ways to modernize its fare collection system. The goal, according to him, is to eventually move toward eliminating traditional fare boxes altogether in favor of more advanced mobile payment solutions.
A Brighter Future for Bus Riders
This is all very exciting news for Chattanooga! The introduction of mobile payments is expected to improve convenience and accessibility for riders while potentially speeding up the boarding process. Frazier indicated that learning more about this technology over the next year will be crucial as they explore the right solutions for everyone in our community.
So, mark your calendars for next month when this convenient payment system goes online! This is just the beginning of what promises to be a significant upgrade to public transportation in our vibrant city.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback, feel free to share them as we all navigate this exciting new chapter in Chattanooga’s transit journey together!
