AASHTO Journal - Connecticut DOT Launches ‘Tap & Ride’ Pilot Program

The Connecticut Department of Transportation recently launched a new “Tap & Ride” pilot program that allows customers to pay for bus fares by tapping their Visa or Mastercard branded debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet at contactless payment readers on River Valley Transit and CTtransit Meriden Division buses.

[Above photo by Connecticut DOT]

This agency said this project marks a major step in “modernizing public transportation” statewide; providing a seamless and secure way for customers to quickly pay while boarding the bus in select service areas, with no downloads or signups required.

The Connecticut DOT added that this project is being funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation” or SMART grant program. The agency received $2 million Stage 1 SMART grant to fund its “Tap & Ride” initiative and is eligible for a Stage 2 SMART grant to expand it in the future.

“Contactless payments have become a part of everyday life. We want our transit customers to have a quick and convenient experience when it comes to paying fares, one that doesn’t require them to have exact change or even download a mobile app,” said Benjamin Limmer, Connecticut DOT’s bureau chief of public transportation, in a statement.

[Editor’s note: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently commented on the “Public Rights-of-Way Access Guidelines” or “PROWAG” components within a notice of proposed rulemaking issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in late August. That rulemaking initiative would impact the design and installation of transit stops.]

“This pilot project will help Connecticut test this technology out with customers and develop our roadmap for a large-scale implementation of contactless payments across all bus services in the state,” he added.

Other state departments of transportation are also currently involved in efforts to improve the bus services under their purview.

For example, the Kansas Department of Transportation recently launched a comprehensive bus study survey aimed at helping the agency enhance public transportation services statewide. The study will assess the current long-distance bus services provided by public transit agencies and private intercity carriers

“Public transportation plays a crucial role in connecting communities and allowing access to essential services across the state,” said Rene Hart, public transportation manager for Kansas DOT, in a statement. “The [survey] feedback will guide our efforts to create a more efficient, accessible and responsive transit system that meets the diverse needs of our communities.”