TriMet, C-TRAN and the Portland Streetcar will be launching the new Hop Fastpass fare payment system later this year, but TriMet is asking for rider feedback to improve the system prior to launch. Specifically, TriMet needs beta testers to put the system through its paces before full roll out to all our riders.
Hop is the new regional electronic-fare payment system. Riders will be able to use contactless payment devices such as a Hop smart card, bank card or smartphone to pay their fare onboard TriMet and C-TRAN buses and Portland Streetcar, or at a Vine, Max or Wes Commuter Rail platform.
TriMet will be counting on a growing pool of beta testers, over the next few months, to give the agency critical feedback on what’s working and what could be improved.
Beta testers will receive an adult, youth or honored citizen Hop card to register, use and reload. Beta testers will be loading their own money on the card. Testers will tap their Hop card every time they ride a bus or train and report any issues they encounter along the way. Testers will also be asked to share their opinions about Hop in a survey.
TriMet will initially select roughly 250 riders to test the system. Every two weeks after that, the agency will add more riders to the test group until regional launch this summer. Unfortunately, not everyone who applies will be chosen.
During this testing period, beta testers will be able to add value to their cards at more than 100 retail locations. Once fully launched, Hop cards will be available at more than 500 retail locations, including supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies. Riders also will be able to load value over the phone, website, on a mobile app or at the TriMet Ticket Office.
