Sergio Cisneros / OPB
TriMet is launching a new smart phone application that officials say will be the first in the country to serve multiple modes of transportation.
The transit agency’s mobile ticketing app is entering a month-long “beta” test this week. It’s scheduled to launch publicly this summer.
The application allows riders to use a smart phone or computer to buy fares for individual rides, or longer-term passes. Riders would then need to show their validated e-ticket to the bus driver or fare inspector.
Nat Parker is the head of GlobeSherpa -- the Portland company that designed the app.
Sergio Cisneros / OPB
Nat Parker is the head of GlobeSherpa
“People spend so much time getting to and from work, to and from school, and the idea that you go to Fred Meyer, you go to Safeway, and they’re out of your favorite fare, or you get to the ticket vending machine and it’s out of order, and you risk perhaps getting a citation if you get on the light rail. Those days are over.”
TriMet says there’s no upfront cost to the application. GlobeSherpa will be paid by the transaction.
TriMet officials say roughly half of their riders have smart phones.
The application works in English. But officials expect to add several more languages, starting with Spanish.
