TriMet launched the TriMet Tickets mobile app on Sept. 4, 2013, becoming the first transit agency in the U.S. to implement a mobile ticket for use on both buses and trains, and now, a year later, our riders have purchased nearly two million fares with the mobile app.
“Our mobile ticketing app has been an overwhelming success, quickly surpassing our expectations,” said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. “As part of our five year plan, we continue to focus on our riders and will look at other tools that make riding easier, while we find ways to increase the overall service level we provide.”
With the free TriMet Tickets app, you can purchase tickets anywhere, at anytime right on your smartphone. And the tickets are stored in your phone. It’s quick and easy.
While the TriMet Tickets app is catching on with our riders, it is also catching the attention of other transit agencies interested in implementing mobile ticketing. TriMet also just received a first place AdWheel award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for the app based on its overall design, functionality and clarity.
TriMet Tickets mobile app shatters expectations
Since launching the app in September 2013, the number of downloads has skyrocketed to 127,838, shattering our first year goal by nearly 100,000 downloads. The use of the mobile app has surpassed all our expectations.
TriMet Tickets first year statistics (Sept. 4, 2013 – Sept. 3, 2014)
- Tickets sold: 1,957,900
- Validations: 1,739,800
- Revenue: $8,322,200
Partnership put mobile ticketing in TriMet riders hands
TriMet partnered with local software developer GlobeSherpa to create the app. “We are extremely proud to work with TriMet to make fare collection easier and more efficient,” said GlobeSherpa CEO Nat Parker.
Since helping TriMet launch the TriMet Tickets mobile app, the company has contracted with Portland Streetcar, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Virginia Railway Express and Valley Metro in Phoenix to create similar ticketing apps. “We are also excited to help usher in the next generation of mobile ticketing in Portland.” said Parker.
The future of fares
TriMet recently awarded GlobeSherpa a contract to create a new mobile app that will be part of our electronic fare system. Beginning in 2017, TriMet will replace a 25-year-old, twentieth century technology fare collection system with an account based e-fare system that reduces reliance on mechanical equipment like transit vending machines and fare boxes. Our e-fare system will allow customers to use stored value accounts and load transit fares onto cards by smart phone, at retail stores, and online. The stored value accounts will allow for fare capping, which provides a benefit for customers who are currently unable to pre-pay for a monthly pass. Based on the popularity of the mobile tickets, we expect riders will also welcome the e-fare with the same enthusiasm.
