Spokane Transit Authority launches Connect fare system with INIT

On Oct.1, 2022, Spokane Transit Authority (STA) launched the Connect fare system, an account-based fare collection system supplied by INIT. Connect encompasses both physical cards and mobile payments within the eConnect mobile app delivering best-in-class electronic fare payments across the Spokane region in Washington state.

The Connect fare system will improve the customer experience by delivering real-time account management, facilitating new payment options, maintaining customer data security and enabling the use of mobile devices to pay fares.

Riders can take advantage of balance protection and account management by simply registering their account online. The website and mobile app provide useful features for riders to add funds, utilize an autoload option, view ride history, and check their current balance. The mobile app allows the rider to create a virtual card (eConnect) and use it to pay their fare using a barcode.

Using the INIT fare validators inside STA buses, riders simply board, tap or scan and ride.

The core of the Connect fare system is MOBILEvario, INIT’s back-office fare management and processing software. MOBILEvario delivers the ability for STA to offers riders a more socially equitable fare payment structure called Fare Capping. Fare capping can work in two ways — by the day or by the month. Once a rider meets the cap, they earn unlimited rides for the day or the month at no extra cost!

“STA embraces new technology to improve both the customer experience and our operations,” said STA CEO E. Susan Meyer. “The tap and go feature also makes boarding quicker and keeps our buses and Paratransit vehicles running on time. Connect makes it easier for our customers to ride transit without needing to purchase daily or monthly passes. They can add value on their own terms and with fare capping, they don’t risk paying for rides they may not end up taking.”

“It’s great. I finally just earned my first month cap today.” Jack B, STA Beta Tester

Utilizing MOBILEvario, STA will onboard the Universal Transit Access Pass (UTAP) programs which serve the region’s colleges and universities in addition to the City of Spokane and Spokane County employees. Additionally, STA expanded their fare structure with reduced and zero-fare options. The ability to offer these choices allows a more equitable fare policy for various groups of riders including seniors, students, and youth ages 6 to 18.

Due to INIT’s open architecture design, STA and cooperating agencies can easily integrate both new and existing partners into the Connect fare system at any time. This standard is demonstrated in all of INIT’s fare projects, including the next gen ORCA fare system recently launched in Washington State.