Eagle File Photo

Justin Guido

A new system launched Tuesday, Sept. 17 allows bus riders in Butler to purchase their fares using smartphones.

Butler Transit Authority (BTA) announced its new mobile ticketing platform, RideBTA, via a news released on Tuesday morning, explaining that the contactless fare collection system is intended to streamline the ticketing process for Butler County commuters and local transit customers.

This system was in place Tuesday morning across all Butler Transit Authority bus routes, including four local fixed routes and commuter runs between Butler and Pittsburgh.

"This new digital ticketing system marks a significant advancement for public transportation in Butler County," said John Paul, executive director of Butler Transit Authority. "The system not only improves the daily experience for our existing local and commuter customers but also attracts new users looking for convenience and efficiency.

“This technology positions us to better serve our community today and in the future."

BTA’s new system is launched in collaboration with Modeshift, a digital mobility infrastructure platform. The system’s implementation makes BTA the eighth transit authority in Pennsylvania to partner with Modeshift.

"As we continue to partner with transit agencies across Pennsylvania, BTA's adoption of our mobile ticketing platform exemplifies how innovation can start with smaller transit agencies and evolve into a larger regional solution,” said Miroslav Katsarov, CEO of Modeshift. “By implementing our digital ticketing platform, BTA is setting a new benchmark for transit agencies nationwide, enhancing the rider experience, and paving the way for a more efficient and interconnected public transportation network.”

Via the RideBTA app or a web portal, commuters can manage their trips, buy fares and validate tickets. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

A smart pay account allows riders to establish personalized profiles for managing trips, tracking purchase history, purchasing passes and reloading smart cards and e-wallets.

Those who don’t use mobile devices can get reloadable Smart Cards linked to an e-wallet.

The change also provides BTA will “real-time data insights,” which the transit authority says will optimize transit operations and support data-driven decision-making.