Skip to main content

Masabi launches Pennsylvania bus app

New validation devices have been installed across the entire BCTA bus fleet
By Ben Spencer March 18, 2022 Read time: 2 mins
Masabi says the validation units will help speed up boarding times making BCTA services safer by enabling contactless fare payments (image credit: BCTA)

Masabi has launched an app that allows riders to purchase tickets using their smartphones for buses operated by Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) in Pennsylvania. 

The BCTA Mobile Ticket app allows riders to purchase passes for a single ride, a day, seven days and 31 days as well as reduced fares. Group travel is enabled through allowing users to purchase multiple tickets using the same device. 

As part of the project, new validation devices have been installed across the entire BCTA bus fleet. Passengers scan their dynamic and encrypted mobile passes on the devices when boarding the bus, with an audible beep and a coloured screen identifying the ticket as valid for use.

Masabi says these validation units will help speed up boarding times making riding BCTA services faster and safer by enabling contactless fare payment and validation.

The units are powered by Masabi’s Justride Inspect software. Riders can also use a new web portal service to purchase tickets to use with the BCTA Mobile Ticket app.

BCTA's general manager Mary Jo Morandini says: “Riders board the bus and simply scan the barcode appearing on their phone on validation devices installed on the buses. And for those without a smartphone, a ticket can be printed from their computer and scanned on all fixed route buses”.

Masabi CEO Brian Zanghi says: “The change in people’s behaviours brought about by social distancing requirements has made mobile ticketing and the move towards more contactless journeys a must-have for transit agencies. We’re delighted to be working with Beaver County to launch a network-wide mobile ticketing option for their riders, helping passengers and agency staff to stay safe and fast-forwarding public transit to a contactless future.”

The BCTA Mobile Ticket app is available at the App Store and Google Play.

Related Content

  • Init wins e-fare system in Oregon
    April 2, 2014
    In a project valued at more than US$14 million, integrated ITS and ticketing systems supplier Init is to implement a new e-fare/smart card payment system for the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) in the US. TriMet provides bus, light rail, and commuter rail service in the Portland metro area; the new system will enable passengers to utilise contactless bank cards and mobile phones, offering more convenience and pricing equity. The contract comprises the delivery of a
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Go-To gets the Cubic touch
    April 23, 2024
    Contactless fare system is centrepiece of upgrade to transit ticketing in the Twin Cities
  • Detroit transit authorities offer unified fare system for buses
    May 3, 2019
    The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDoT) has partnered with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to launch a unified payment system for the US region’s buses. Detroit’s mayor Mike Duggan says: “Dart will bring our two systems closer together with seamless transfers and more flexible payments making riding transit easier for everyone.” According to the mayor’s office, riders can take unlimited rides on both systems as each pass starts on the first use for the time
  • RIPTA partners with Init for electronic fare management project
    February 8, 2018
    The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) has selected Init Innovations in Transportation (Init) to implement an account-based electronic fare and back-office revenue management system on their fixed route fleet of over 240 buses. The technology is designed with the intention of allowing passengers to board faster and have more convenient fare options. Additionally, RIPTA hopes to eventually transition most of its fare transactions to mobile, retail, web and agency-internal e-fare smartcar