Caltrain passengers are one step closer to a mobile ticketing option, following an approval on January 5 by the agency’s Board of Directors to develop the new fare technology.
During its monthly meeting, the Caltrain Board of Directors approved an estimated of $643,733 for a two year contract with the moovel Group to develop, implement, maintain and host an app that will allow customers to purchase fares on their mobile phones.
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.
The contract also included the option to extend services for an additional three years.
Caltrain is in the midst of modernizing its system by electrifying its railway between San Francisco and San Jose, a project that is slated for completion by 2021. The agency is excited about creating an advanced ticketing system to match its innovative rail network.
“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.”
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About Caltrain: Owned and operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, Caltrain provides commuter rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, with limited commute service to Gilroy. Caltrain enjoyed five years of consecutive monthly ridership increases, surpassing more than 60,000 average weekday riders earlier this year. While the Joint Powers Board assumed operating responsibilities for the service in 1992, the railroad celebrated 150 years of continuous passenger service in 2014. Planning for the next 150 years of Peninsula rail service, Caltrain is on pace to electrify the system, reduce diesel emissions by 97 percent by 2040 and add more service to more stations.
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