STATE COLLEGE — Getting around town is about to become faster and easier. The Centre Area Transportation Authority will soon launch Tap to Pay, a new contactless fare payment option powered by Token Transit. Beginning in April, riders can simply tap a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Wallet or Google Pay, directly on the onboard reader and ride.
No app. No cash. Just tap and go.
With Tap to Pay, riders board as usual and tap their contactless card or phone on the fare reader. A green light and screen confirmation indicate a successful payment, and they’re ready to ride.
“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,” said Mike Philippe, a CATA bus operator of nearly five years. “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.”
Most credit and debit cards issued in recent years include contactless capability, indicated by the familiar wave symbol. Riders who prefer mobile wallets can tap their phone instead.
“This is an important step forward in modernizing how our community and visitors access public transportation,” said Todd Horsley, Chief Executive OƯicer of CATA. “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.”
The popular Token Transit app will remain fully functional for riders who prefer purchasing fares in advance and scanning a QR code when boarding.
The new system is expected to:
- Speed up boarding times
- Reduce cash handling
- Provide greater flexibility for occasional and first-time riders
- Improve overall rider experience
CATA joins transit agencies nationwide in adopting contactless fare technology to create faster, safer, and more convenient transit service.
For more information about Tap to Pay, visit: https://tokentransit.com/tap-to-pay.
