Caltrain says its passengers “are one step closer to a mobile ticketing option” following the Jan. 5 approval by the agency’s Board of Directors to develop the new fare technology.
The Caltrain Board approved an estimated $643,733 for a two-year contract with the moovel Group of Stuttgart, Germany, to develop, implement, maintain and host an app that will allow customers to purchase fares on their mobile phones. The contract includes an option to extend services for an additional three years.
By this summer, passengers are anticipated to have the technology available for mobile ticketing to purchase One-way, Day Pass and Zone Upgrade fares. Future options may include daily parking permits and components for trip planning and real-time information on service updates, among other functions. The app will support iOS and Android operating systems and will accept major credit and debit cards, including commuter benefit cards, as forms of payment.
Caltrain is in the midst of modernizing its system by electrifying between San Francisco and San Jose, a project that is slated for completion by 2021. “Caltrain serves the most innovative region in the nation, so we know the system’s passengers are enthusiastic about the opportunity for technology to make riding Caltrain more convenient,” said José Cisneros, Chair of Caltrain’s Board of Directors. “Mobile ticketing is just one way Caltrain is stepping forward to improve the customer experience.”