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The Monroe County Transportation Authority (MCTA) has launched a new contactless payment system on all fixed-route buses, offering riders a modern and convenient way to pay fares. Passengers can now use bank-issued credit or debit cards, as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Cash App, to board and pay for their trips.
This new system allows users to simply tap their smartphone, smartwatch, or RFID-enabled card on a card reader when boarding. According to MCTA's website, the contactless payment method is designed to be quick and efficient, taking only a few seconds to process. Riders will hear a beep or feel a vibration to confirm payment.
The new system also offers automatic fare capping, which ensures that riders pay the best possible fare based on how frequently they travel. For example, a one-way fare is $2, but if a passenger takes three trips in one day, they will only pay a daily cap of $4 instead of $6.
MCTA's contactless payment system is part of a broader trend towards digital payment solutions, which are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and security. As mentioned by Magnifi Financial, digital wallets keep card information secure by not storing it on devices or sharing it during transactions.
The contactless payment system is expected to make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for residents and visitors in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.