CATA Launching ‘Tap to Pay’ Fare System

The Centre Area Transportation Authority will launch a “tap to pay” system on all of its vehicles starting in April.

The contactless payment option will allow riders to tap their credit card, debit card or mobile wallet on their phone on the onboard reader to pay their fare, according to a release from the authority on Monday.

“This is an important step forward in modernizing how our community and visitors access public transportation,” Todd Horsley, CEO of CATA, said in a statement. “We’re focused on making transit as convenient as possible. Tap to Pay means it’s never been easier for anyone and everyone to ride CATA, whether you’re commuting to work, heading to campus or downtown, or just visiting for game day.”

CATA partnered with Token Transit in 2025 to provide an option for digital fare payment, and that app will remain fully functional for riders who wish to purchase their fare in advance and scan a QR code to board.

Tap to pay, also powered by Transit Token, requires only a credit or debit card with the contactless wireless signal waves symbol, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Wallet or Google Pay. After tapping, a green light and screen confirmation indicate a successful payment.

“Since we upgraded our fare system to provide options for using the Token Transit app to pay, I still get asked if we accept credit or debit cards,” Mike Philippe, a CATA bus operator of nearly five years, said in a statement. “Up until now, I’ve had to reply, ‘not yet’. But now there’s another convenient and quick way to board and pay. This is a great win-win for everyone: the public, our bus drivers and CATA as well.”

Tap to pay is designed to speed up boarding times, provide greater flexibility for occasional and first-time riders and reduce cash handling, according to CATA.