Just in time for the 2012 U.S. Grand Prix, Capital Metro is making it easier to ride transit with the launch of the free More Mobile (M2) app.
The M2 app allows riders to avoid the lines at the ticket vending machines and eliminates the need for exact change or cash to purchase transit fares — your smart mobile device becomes the pass.
“Capital Metro will be the first transit agency in the nation to offer this type of mobile payment and ticketing solution across both our bus and rail services,” says Capital Metro President/CEO Linda S. Watson. “Through an innovative partnership, we’re able to test drive this new technology at no cost to Capital Metro, and our riders will have the option to conveniently and securely purchase fares through their mobile devices, with no added fees. This is just another example of Capital Metro’s leadership and financial stewardship.”
Capital Metro has partnered with Bytemark to develop the app and make it available during Formula 1 as a demonstration project to test the viability of mobile ticketing. Capital Metro is exploring new payment systems to coincide with the implementation of MetroRapid.
The free app will be available for download on iPhone or Android smart mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play beginning Wednesday, Oct. 31. Use the app to purchase fares Nov. 10-24.
More Mobile (M2) App Features
• Use the app and a credit card to purchase 24-hour or 7-day local, regional and reduced passes in advance. Activate the passes at your convenience and show your phone to your bus operator or fare inspector.
• The app meets all payment card industry security standards and will accept Discover Card, Visa, MasterCard and American Express payments.
• M2 incorporates access to Capital Metro’s mobile trip planner, service alerts, and maps and schedules — everything you need to ride is available right on your device.
• Purchase multiple passes on one device for a group, for example a family traveling together.
• The app produces a visually-verifiable virtual (V3) animated screen and includes several levels of security. The bus operator or rail fare inspector may request the rider to touch the screen as a further validation which will activate a visual change to the screen.
• The app will only be available for mobile fares between Nov. 10-24, and no refunds will be given.
"Bytemark worked closely with Capital Metro to develop an innovative and efficient mobile solution that could be available during the global Formula 1 event,” said Micah Bergdale, CEO of Bytemark. “Bytemark originally developed and launched this technology for NY Waterway, a ferry transit company in New York City. The NY Waterway app has been very successful, and we are confident Capital Metro’s customers will have a great experience with the M2 app during Formula 1.”
Capital Metro will use the information gleaned from the demonstration project to further inform and accelerate its plans for a permanent mobile payment system for transit riders.
