AKRON, Ohio – Nearly a year after METRO RTA partnered with the EZfare app to allow riders to buy a digital bus pass, the transit agency has launched a service for patrons to plan and pay for trips through a single app.
The Moovit app, available for free on Apple and Android devices, on Wednesday announced its partnership with METRO RTA, which previously encouraged passengers to plan their trip using the transit function of Google Maps.
METRO partnered with EZfare in October 2019, which allows riders to use their smartphone to purchase a bus pass and show it to the bus driver. The Moovit app – an Israel-based company – incorporates EZfare ticketing, while also showing bus lines and trip times.
After users can select their route, the app will calculate the total fare for the rider to purchase an e-ticket. Moovit will display the digital ticket and a unique QR code, which can be shown to the bus driver or scanned when boarding.
EZfare and Moovit are now available for 13 transit agencies in Ohio and northern Kentucky, including PARTA in Portage County, MCPT in Medina County, Laketran in Lake County and SARTA in Stark County. Passengers can use the services to transfer between lines.
“Our partnership with Moovit is an exciting one, because it provides a one-stop shop for passengers to plan their trip and purchase their bus fare all in one app,” said METRO spokeswoman Halee Gerenday. “Additionally, passengers transferring to one of our neighboring systems, PARTA (Portage County) or SARTA (Stark County), can see on the map where to make their connection. METRO’s integration with Moovit is another example of how we are taking steps to enhance the transit experience for our passengers.”
Yovav Meydad, chief growth and marketing officer for Moovit, said the technology is a way to limit personal contact and using cash or coins during the coronavirus pandemic.
“With seamless integration of mobile ticketing and payment providers, users no longer need to search pockets for change or stand in line to top up monthly transit passes,” Meydad said.