Fare updates: Crawford Area Transportation Authority; Community Transit; Caltrain

Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has launched its mobile ticketing platform, while Community Transit paratransit rider can now pay for their ride with an ORCA card and Caltrain's board of directors have voted to reduce fares for its youth riders.

CATA

In partnership with Modeshift, CATA has launched its new mobile ticketing platform on Aug. 1, 2024 - CATAPay. This change is a part of CATA’s efforts to modernize transit operations in its servie area of Crawfor and Venango, Penn., counties and improve the commuting experience for its passengers.

"In today’s fast-paced world, transit agencies must adapt to the changing needs of their riders and CATA is leading the charge,” said Miroslav Katsarov, CEO of Modeshift. “By integrating our mobile ticketing platform, CATA is demonstrating a commitment to innovation and setting a new standard for transit agencies nationwide. This move not only enhances the rider experience but also paves the way for a more efficient and connected public transportation network.”

The new platform offers CATA riders a seamless, contactless ticketing solution, allowing them to plan, pay and validate rides directly from their smartphones. This innovative system covers six intown bus lines in Meadville and four commuter (or lifeline) routes from Titusville, Cochranton, Conneaut Lake and Saegertown.

The mobile ticketing platform features the free CATAPay app, available for both Apple and Android devices, enabling riders to purchase fares and plan trips. Additionally, CATA is offering reloadable Smart Cards for passengers who prefer not to use mobile devices. An intuitive web portal is also available for trip planning and fare purchasing, further simplifying the transit experience.

"With the launch of this mobile ticketing system, CATA is making public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for all our riders,” said Timothy Geibel, executive director at CATA. “By adopting this technology, we are not only improving the daily commute for our current riders but also attracting new users who seek convenience and efficiency. This advancement positions us to better serve the community now and in the future."

Community Transit

Community Transit's riders using its Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) paratransit services can now pay with an ORCA card. This will help to create a more seamless payment experience across the agency's transit services.

DART is a ride-sharing service for Snohomish County residents who can't use fixed-route bus service due to a disability or condition. 

An ORCA card can be purchased online for new users or in person with an option of loading funds to the account or prepaying with an unlimited ride payment of $90 a month.

Caltrain

The Caltrain Board of Directors voted to reduce fares for youth riders at its most recent monthly board meeting. Effective Sept. 1, a $1 All Zone One-way youth fare will be available on all fare payment methods, a $2 All Zone Day Pass will be available on Caltrain Mobile (while available) and at Caltrain ticket vending machines. Additionally, upon the Clipper Next Generation launch, expected in 2025, a $24 All Zone Monthly pass will be available to anyone with a Youth Clipper Card.  

Caltrain launched four fare promotions in September 2023, with the $1 One-way youth fare being the most successful at driving ridership increase. During the promotion, the fare only applied to Clipper users and Clipper youth ticket sales was up 43 percent year over year, compared to 18 percent overall ticket sales increase during that period.

Caltrain noted that people who begin riding public transit in their youth are far more likely to continue to use it as adults.

“It’s now easier than ever for young riders to take advantage of Caltrain, embracing freedom and flexibility rather than traffic and gridlock,” said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard. “Now young people can get up and down the peninsula with ease for less than the cost of a boba tea.” 

To promote this program, Caltrain has launched its Youth Rider Electric Train Contest, in which Caltrain riders 18 and under can submit a video or short essay demonstrating their excitement around the upcoming launch of electrified service.