SANTA MONICA, CA - Big Blue Bus (BBB) has launched a mobile ticketing application pilot in partnership with Token Transit that gives customers a new and cashless fare payment choice.
As part of BBB's commitment to providing a better customer experience, the Token Transit application will evolve fare payment methods and allow customers to purchase and activate BBB passes using their smartphones before boarding the bus.
More than three-fourths of BBB customers own a smartphone and a system for easy mobile payments creates accessibility for everyone. With more accessibility, BBB hopes to attract and engage with new customers who might not ordinarily choose public transit as a means of mobility.
"Our goal is to allow customers to experience our service in a manner that's very familiar to them. Many customers are accustomed to using their smartphone as means of staying connected to friends, family, communities, in addition to conducting financial transactions. We believe the app provides another great option for cashless travel on BBB, and that will seamlessly integrate into the lifestyle of current and potential new customers," said Ed King, Director of Transit Services.
Forty-seven percent of BBB customers still pay fares by depositing cash into the farebox, as opposed to using prepaid forms of payment. A cashless fare transaction takes 4-5 seconds to conduct when boarding, whereas depositing cash in the farebox takes approximately 22 seconds. In order to improve trip time speeds, which continually rank high in priority in BBB customer feedback surveys, BBB has rolled out a new solution to provide customers another option to pay fares, and reduce cash payments.
The program will be evaluated after a six-month period to determine whether customers feel that the App fare payment is beneficial, in addition to BBB staff determining the cost/benefit of adding the App to BBB's suite of fare media products.
For more information about the Token Transit pilot and a download link, visit www.bigbluebus.com/eticket.
About Big Blue Bus
Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of 200 vehicles transporting more than 54,000 customers daily across a 58 square mile service area. Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the entire fleet operates on alternative fuels, including renewable natural gas (RNG), a form of liquefied and compressed natural gas (LNG/CNG), which helps cut emissions by up to 90 percent. Serving Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area since 1928, Big Blue Bus has won numerous awards for its marketing, customer service, safety and efficiency.
About Token Transit
Token Transit is a mobile app to pay for public transportation. Using the Token Transit app, riders can purchase transit passes on their smartphones and board the bus by showing the driver a pass on their phone. Transit agencies are choosing Token Transit as a rapidly deployable alternative to smartcards in order to boost ridership, decrease costs, and improve service. Founded in San Francisco with the mission to increase access to public transportation across the United States, the company is helping transit agencies of all sizes provide an easy and convenient rider experience. For more information, visit: www.tokentransit.com or download 'Token Transit' on your iPhone or Android.
Media contact:
Sam Daly
Token Transit Co-Founder
sam@tokentransit.com
608.469.8227