Halifax Transit passengers, accustomed to having loose change and finding retailers that sell bus tickets, will soon be able to use their mobile phones to pay for their rides, according to the city’s website. He says it might be possible.
Halifax Transit has announced that it will launch a new mobile fare payment app for Android and iOS devices starting this fall.
The announcement didn’t give an exact date, but said it would serve as an additional payment option for physical tickets or cash.
“App users simply purchase their desired ticket or pass, validate the ticket, and present it to the operator or ferry security staff immediately before boarding,” Halifax Transit’s webpage states. It has been.
Liz Cobb said she might consider switching to a mobile fare payment app once it’s introduced. (George Sady/CBC)
Passengers who visited Mumford Terminal on Saturday said the new option was likely to be more convenient for some people.
Liz Cobb, who was waiting for the bus with a monthly Halifax Transit pass in hand, said she rides the bus to work five days a week, but usually doesn’t ride on the weekends.
Cobb said he would consider switching once the new system is in place.
Graham Dodge, a volunteer with the Souls Harbor Rescue Mission in Halifax, said his only concern is whether the cost of the new system will increase ticket prices.
Graham Dodge said he hoped the cost of the new system would not lead to higher ticket prices. (George Sady/CBC)
He said some people may have difficulty finding the correct change for the bus or where to buy tickets.
“I’m the type of person who carries cash,” Dodge said. “But I also realized that I’m a dinosaur, or trying to be a dinosaur. I also realized that that’s not where society is heading.”
Faith Daly said she doesn’t think the app will work for her. (George Sady/CBC)
Faith Daly sometimes takes the bus. She said that while her use of the app probably works for many people, it doesn’t work for her.
“I don’t use the app much because I find it a little confusing,” Daly said. “I bought my bus ticket at the drugstore and always have it with me.”
Halifax Transit says the app will be a privately-branded version of Masabi’s JustRide app, which is used by more than 75 transit agencies around the world.
Tickets and passes activated through the app can be used on different bus and ferry routes without the need for paper transfers, according to the webpage. Tickets on the app are valid for 150 minutes from activation.
According to the webpage, 1, 2, and 7-day passes will be available on the app, along with monthly passes and single tickets.
Halifax Transit said it will continue to accept cash and physical tickets after the app launches.
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