Bytemark Onboards First Two Massachusetts Regional Transit Agencies For BusPlus Mobile Solution

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) add the cashless option for riders

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) became the first two regional transit authorities in Massachusetts to climb aboard BusPlus, a mobile ticketing solution provided by Bytemark, a leader in the Mobility as a Service space.

BusPlus makes travel easier for riders by offering a cashless option to purchase single-ride and monthly tickets electronically. The solution is also employed by two local shuttle services, Middlesex 3 and 128 Business Council.

The BusPlus program is available to other Massachusetts RTAs, should they want to provide a mobile ticketing option.

“We’re thrilled to expand the partnership of BusPlus by extending the capabilities to PVTA and BAT,” Bytemark Chief Executive Officer Eric Reese said. “Bytemark remains excited for the coming functionality expansion of this solution for the region, which includes giving riders easier access to payment options in real-time while being more local to the ridership. We welcome the opportunity to assist other RTAs on similar implementations.”

Before the rollout of BusPlus, BAT and PVTA riders could add stored value to fare cards, purchase tickets at customer service windows, or buy a day pass on the bus. Now, they can pick up their phones or go online, using their devices to get tickets at any time of day or night.

“It puts the ease of purchase in the palm of riders’ hands,” said PVTA spokesperson Brandy Pelletier. “Contactless payments are becoming the new normal. We hope our riders take advantage of this new way to pay.”

In addition to benefiting riders, BusPlus offers many advantages to the RTAs themselves. Amidst the pandemic, transit agencies are eager to implement touchless ticketing options. Such contactless systems decrease unnecessary person-to-person contact. Drivers look at a rider’s phone to visually verify the ticket, reducing the need for drivers to handle cash or tickets.

Cashless systems promote shorter dwell times. The solution will also provide the two RTAs with extensive data on fare collection, which they can use to improve their services.

“A lot of our riders use two connecting transportation systems,” said BAT Administrator Michael Lambert. “BusPlus allows them to pay for rides or passes at any location on either system, as well as make a seamless transfer during their commutes.”