OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has launched a mobile ticketing application pilot in partnership with Token Transit that gives customers a new and cashless fare payment choice.
As part of GCTD’s commitment to providing a better customer experience, the Token Transit application will evolve fare payment methods and allow customers to purchase and activate GCTD passes using their smartphones before boarding the bus.
A system for easy mobile payments creates more access for passengers to purchase passes with a click of a button. With more accessibility, GCTD hopes to attract and engage with new customers who might not ordinarily choose public transit as a means of mobility.
Courtesy photo.
“We know that smartphones are how most folks stay connected with family, friends, news, etc. Now, they can also purchase their bus pass from anywhere, anytime”. said GCTD General Manager, Steven Brown. “It’s a great way to integrate public transit more seamlessly into everyday life.”
Nearly half of GCTD customers still pay fares by depositing cash into the farebox, as opposed to using prepaid forms of payment. Depositing cash in the farebox takes approximately 22 seconds per boarding, whereas a cashless fare transaction takes only 4-5 seconds. GCTD hopes that by encouraging more passengers to use the mobile app, trip speeds will improve, which continually ranks high in priority in customer feedback surveys.
The app will be evaluated after the first year to determine whether customers feel that the mobile fare payment is beneficial, in addition to GCTD staff determining the cost/benefit of permanently adding the App to GCTD’s menu of fare media payment options.
For a limited time, passengers using the App will get 50% off the first purchase of a multi-ride or 31-day pass. Funding for the app and discounted passes are made possible by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment.
For more information about the Token Transit App visit http://www.goldcoasttransit.org/fares/mobile-tickets or to download the app text “TOKEN” to 41411.
About the District: Gold Coast Transit District provides safe, responsive, convenient, efficient, and environmentally responsible fixed-route bus and paratransit public transportation that serves the diverse needs of the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura, and in the unincorporated County areas between the cities. Utilizing a fleet of 56 clean natural gas-fueled buses, and 26 paratransit buses and vans, GCTD carries nearly 4 million passengers annually on its 20 bus routes. GCTD is the largest provider of public transit in Ventura County and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of an elected official from each member jurisdiction. For more information or to plan your trip, visit www.GoldCoastTransit.org.
About Token Transit: Token Transit is a mobile app to pay for public transportation. Using the Token Transit app, riders can purchase transit passes on their smartphones and board the bus by showing the driver a pass on their phone. Transit agencies are choosing Token Transit as a rapidly deployable alternative to smartcards in order to boost ridership, decrease costs, and improve service. Founded in San Francisco with the mission to increase access to public transportation across the United States, the company is helping transit agencies of all sizes provide an easy and convenient rider experience. For more information, visit: www.tokentransit.com or download ‘Token Transit’ on your iPhone or Android.