Capital Area Transit and Geisinger partner to improve healthcare access via public transit

July 9, 2019

The partnership between Capital Area Transit (CAT) and Geisinger, an integrated health system, is working to create better access to healthcare thanks to Geisinger’s $43,900 contribution to be used to purchase 550,000 CAT MyPass fare cards, the foundation of the new fare collection system.

“We greatly appreciate Geisinger’s generosity in support of our farebox technology upgrade,” said CAT Executive Director Richard H. Farr. “This contribution has allowed CAT to bring the project to completion, thus allowing our community access to the benefits the MyPass fare media brings to transit users. The program will result in more efficient and faster boarding and fare processing, which improve customer experience, on-time performance and data processing, a giant step forward for CAT.”

Public-private partnerships, like CAT and Geisinger, enhance healthcare mobility and improve efficiency by providing more accurate route planning and bus stop locations. The My Pass system expedites boarding, facilitates improved on-time performance and provides more accurate passenger and financial data.

“Geisinger recognizes the vital role public transit has in providing access to healthcare services in the community,” said Steven Youso, GHP president and CEO. “Many of our GHP Family (Medicaid) members rely on public transportation to see their doctors, pick up prescriptions and get to the grocery store. We are pleased to support the organizations making it possible for our patients and members to pursue healthy lives.”

CAT distributed thousands of MyPass brochures onboard buses, at CAT offices and on the CAT website. A Farebox demonstration videos is available on the CAT website to show riders how to use the new fare collection system. Bus drivers and bus operations and maintenance staff have been trained on the use of the new farebox equipment and a hands-on class on the use of the new fare box will be available during the press conference.