Greene CATS Launches EZfare Mobile Ticketing
Have you ever found it difficult to gather the exact change needed for a bus fare? Residents of Greene County can now avoid this hassle with the introduction of mobile ticketing through the EZfare app.
A press release from Greene CATS public transit, dated March 24th, revealed that EZFare was developed by NEORide, an Ohio organization focused on fostering cooperative initiatives and action coordination among its members. Sixteen transportation providers, including Greene CATS, now offer mobile tickets through EZfare. Greene CATS was able to integrate this app with the help of a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation, which covered 80% of the costs.
EZfare is a free app designed to simplify bus travel for passengers by enabling them to purchase tickets for same-day or future rides. It is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. After downloading the app and creating an account with an email and password, users can link a credit or debit card to enable mobile ticket purchases. Once payment methods are set up, passengers can buy tickets in the “Buy Tickets” section by selecting Greene CATS as their agency, indicating the type of ticket they want, and choosing their preferred payment method. When ready to ride, passengers can activate their ticket within the “Ticket Wallet” of the app and present it to the bus driver. Mobile ticketing, which launched in Greene County on March 17th, is applicable for both flex rides and scheduled trips.
According to the Greene County website dedicated to EZfare Mobile Ticketing found here, mobile ticket prices include a minor convenience fee. Passengers aged 14 and older will pay $4.30 each way for same-day or scheduled rides within the county, or $8.60 for rides outside the county. Children aged 13 and younger are charged $1.08 each way for rides within or outside Greene County. For flex rides, passengers aged 14 and older pay $2.15 each way, while those aged 13 and younger, seniors over 65, or individuals with disabilities pay $1.08 each way.
As noted on the website, monthly passes for flex rides can also be acquired through EZfare. Children aged 13 and younger, seniors over 65, or individuals with disabilities eligible for half-fare assistance can purchase monthly passes for $23.65. Passengers aged 14 and older can obtain monthly passes for $47.30. It is important to note that monthly passes can be bought up to three months in advance but are valid only from the first to the last day of the month, regardless of the purchase date. For example, a monthly pass for June acquired on May 15th will be valid from June 1st to June 30th, whereas a pass purchased on June 15th will only be valid from June 15th to June 30th. Monthly passes are non-refundable and will have the name of the purchaser, making them non-transferable.
For further information on EZfare mobile ticketing, please visit https://www.greenecountyohio.gov/2042/EZfare-Mobile-Ticketing or call 937-708-8322.
