By Katherine Conrad
NEORide agencies were awarded a $3.3 million grant from ODOT through the OTP2 grant in October 2019. This grant will allow member agencies of NEORide to install validators on all fixed route buses streamlining the new EZfare mobile ticketing system. Validators allow passengers to use the EZfare system by scanning a barcode on their mobile devise to pay their fare. This new technology improves the speed of boarding the bus, reduces the demands on operators and allows integration with other payment options, including college passes. NEORide is also looking into the integration of a smartcard system for those passengers without access to a smartphone or bank account.
NEORide and EZFare screen shot. Photos courtesy of NEORide.
NEORide, a council of governments based in Ohio, has embarked on the largest regional mobile ticketing initiative in the country. This unique system allows transit passengers to travel between multiple counties utilizing a single fare payment system promoting regional transportation.
NEORide has partnered with Masabi, a leading international mobile ticketing provider with successful deployment across North America, to develop EZfare using their Software as a Service (SaaS) Justride platform. With the EZfare app, passengers have access to an account-based fare collection system for multiple transit agencies and receive electronic transfers. The app eliminates the need to carry cash or purchase multiple tickets/passes at every transfer location. Passengers can pay for tickets using a credit or debit card, or via various digital wallets. Tickets are then stored in the app’s secure “ticket wallet.” The system is also designed specifically to be used on the go, meaning once a ticket is purchased it is available even without an internet connection, so riders are always able to travel.
The EZfare app is branded for each partner agency to create consistency and build on brand awareness. Member transit agencies can customize their branded section to meet their needs including agency fare types and policies, links back to their website and social media channels.
To further enhance the rider experience, EZfare ticketing is being integrated into Transit, North America's leading app for public transportation, available in more than 175 cities worldwide. Ohio and Kentucky transit riders are using Transit to plan trips, track their ride in real-time, and make last-mile connections through ride hail and bikeshare. With the EZfare ticketing integration, they'll also be able to pay for their transit trip in one simple experience, making Transit the platform for getting from A to B with transit agencies.
Currently, riders who purchase their tickets through EZfare must show their mobile device to the bus driver in order to validate their ticket purchase. The OTP2 grant will serve to purchase and install validators that will be able to read the mobile ticket by scanning the device, making boarding easier and faster. With the increased interest in EZfare around the state, there is potential for Ohio and Kentucky (and other regional partners) to eventually operate a single mobile platform for statewide fare collection.
About NEORide:
NEORide was formed with the goal of encouraging cooperative arrangements and coordination among multiple transit agencies. Current member transit agencies include:
Butler County RTA (BCRTA)
Cleveland RTA (not an EZfare member)
Cincinnati Bell Connector (EZfare member – joining NEORide in 2020)
Laketran
Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit
Medina County Public Transit (MCPT)
METRO RTA (Summit County)
Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA)
Sandusky Transit System
Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)
Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA)
Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK)
Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA)
Katherine Conrad is the Director of Client Services at Ohio Transit Risk Pool and NEORide. Maria Walliser-Wejebe assisted with this blog post.