BATA launches new mobile ticketing app with Hopthru

From staff reports

The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) has launched a new mobile app that allows riders to easily pay for the bus directly from their smart phones. Mobile tickets are valid for any of BATA’s fixed route City and Village Loop systems as well as its demand-response Link service.

Customers can download the Hopthru app on their Apple or Android devices by visiting the Apple or Google Play app stores. Riders also can receive a link to download the app by texting “hopthru” to 43506.

Once the app is downloaded, riders simply enter their payment information, select the type of ticket they want from a variety of fare options and activate the selected ticket to show the driver before boarding the bus. Purchased passes can be activated at any time with or without an internet connection, enabling riders to travel without having to worry about keeping a cell signal. For a limited time, first-time users of the Hopthru app get their first ride free (a $1.50 value).

Hopthru mobile ticketing features includes: single-use City Loop, Village Loop or Link tickets ($1.50-3); 1- and 3-day unlimited use passes for all Loop routes ($9-17); 31-day Commuter Pass for unlimited use on all Loop routes ($35); reduce fare options available for students, seniors 60+, people with disabilities, veterans and active military with proper ID or a BATA Reduced Fare card; a trip planning tool.

“Being able to purchase BATA fares through a mobile app is a technology our riders have been requesting and we’re thrilled to make this feature available to our customers,” said BATA executive director Kelly Dunham. “Mobile fare payment is one of many new rider-friendly technologies we hope to launch in the next couple of years, and we’re excited to partner with Hopthru to pilot this particular technology.”