Pittsburgh Regional Transit, IndiGO make it easier for riders to pay to ride public transit
Two public transit agencies in Pennsylvania are modernizing their fare collection offerings for riders. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) launched account-based ticketing (ABT), and Indiana County Transit Authority (IndiGO) introduced IndiGO Mobile Pay, a new digital fare collection system.
PRT’s account-based ticketing
This new system, implemented in partnership with Masabi marks a major milestone in modernizing public transit in the Pittsburgh region, enabling riders to enjoy seamless, convenient and flexible travel across all the agency’s transit modes, including buses, light rail and inclines.
With ABT, riders no longer need to purchase a ticket or select a fare in advance. Instead, they board, tap their mobile device on an onboard validator and ride. The system, available exclusively through PRT’s Ready2Ride app, allows riders to use a secure QR code to validate their trips on PRT’s network of more than 700 buses, 80 rail cars and the Duquesne and Monongahela inclines.
“Pittsburgh Regional Transit is committed to ensuring public transit in Allegheny County is as easy and accessible as possible,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “The introduction of account-based ticketing is the next step toward modernizing our fare system.”
The launch follows a successful collaboration between Masabi and PRT, which began in 2021 with the rollout of the Ready2Ride app and mobile ticketing integration into the Transit app. In 2023, Masabi completed the rollout of validation devices across the network, with certified devices going live on PRT’s light-rail fleet.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Pittsburgh Regional Transit launching account-based ticketing, which will provide riders with an effortless and frictionless way to travel across the city,” said Masabi CEO Brian Zanghi. “Across the country we are upgrading our agency partners to ABT, showing the power and flexibility of Justride and making public transit more convenient and accessible, in turn helping to drive ridership and support commitments to sustainable mobility.”
IndiGO’s digital fare collection system
On Dec. 16, 2024, IndiGO riders began experiencing a modernized transit system designed to enhance convenience, improve fare management and streamline their overall travel experience. The new system was implemented in partnership with Modeshift.
IndiGO Mobile Pay allows passengers to manage their fares through a mobile app or smart cards, reducing reliance on physical tickets or cash. Beyond simplifying payments, the system provides benefits like the ability to plan trips, track ride history and manage accounts digitally. These enhancements aim to make public transit more accessible and user-focused, all while complementing existing fare payment options.
“We are thrilled to offer this new digital system, which not only simplifies the way our riders pay for travel but also improves the overall experience,” said John Kanyan, executive director, IndiGO. “IndiGO Mobile Pay reflects our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, user-friendly solutions that make every day travel smoother and more reliable. As we move into the future of transportation, this modernized system will help meet the evolving needs of our community.”
Key features of the IndiGO Mobile Pay platform include:
- Mobile ticketing: The free IndiGO app, available for Apple and Android devices, enables riders to plan trips, pay fares and validate tickets with ease.
- Online portal: Riders can access the same benefits through a user-friendly online portal, offering tools for trip planning and fare purchases.
- Smart pay account: Riders can create personalized profiles to manage smart cards, save favorite trips, track purchase history and reload e-wallets.
- Smart cards: For riders who prefer physical options, reloadable smart cards are available, offering a convenient way to pay fares using a credit or debit card.
- Data collection: The system provides real-time ridership insights to support optimized transit operations and data-driven decision-making.
“With this launch, IndiGO is taking an important step in modernizing public transit,” said Miroslav Katsarov, CEO, Modeshift. “Technology plays a crucial role in improving public transportation systems, and we are proud to partner with IndiGO to elevate the level of service in the region. IndiGO Mobile Pay is not just about transforming how people pay; it’s about creating a more connected, efficient and sustainable transit system that puts rider benefits at the forefront.”
Megan Perrero | Editor in Chief
Megan Perrero is a national award-winning B2B journalist and lover of all things transit. Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of Mass Transit magazine, where she develops and leads a multi-channel editorial strategy while reporting on the North American public transit industry.
Prior to her position with Mass Transit, Perrero was the senior communications and external relations specialist for the Shared-Use Mobility Center, where she was responsible for helping develop internal/external communications, plan the National Shared Mobility Summit and manage brand strategy and marketing campaigns.
Perrero serves as the board secretary for Latinos In Transit and is a member of the American Public Transportation Association Marketing and Communications Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing and a minor in public relations from Columbia College Chicago.
