Paying for your transit fare in Saint John just became a whole lot easier.
Saint John Transit users can now buy tickets and passes through a mobile app.
It is the first phase of the agency’s new digital fare payment system powered by London-based technology company Masabi.
Kevin Loughery, senior manager of transit and fleet for the City of Saint John, said there are many benefits to the SJTRides app.
“You can upload it and use it at any point in time. You can purchase your tickets at any point in time, you no longer have to go to a vendor,” Loughery said in an interview.
Riders who choose mobile ticketing will also see a five per cent discount across all fare categories.
When boarding the bus, you will simply scan your mobile device using the new onboard validators.
You can also purchase tickets online and send them to a mobile device — particularly useful for parents purchasing tickets for their children — or print them for use.
Loughery said they plan to roll out even more options to purchase tickets and passes in the future.
“For future phases, we’ll have web-based ticketing, as well as reloadable cards. That’s phase two and three as we go along,” he said.
Saint John Transit also plans to bring in account-based ticketing, which would allow users to pay with debit or credit on the bus.
Bus riders can still pay with cash on board the bus and purchase passes at several locations in the city.
