Public Transit service WeGo now accepts contactless payment options.
WeGo Public Transit Introduces Contactless Payment System for Easier Commute
WeGo Public Transit has rolled out a new contactless payment system for its fixed-route buses, including express routes and the WeGo Star commuter rail. This innovative change aims to make public transit quicker and simpler to use, encouraging more people to opt for bus travel [1][2][4].
The new system allows riders to pay their fares directly upon boarding by simply tapping a contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile device (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). This replaces the need for exact cash, paper tickets, or the WeGo app, making the process more accessible and convenient [1][4].
Key features of the system include automatic fare capping. Riders using the same card or device for multiple trips on the same day will not pay more than a set maximum daily fare. The daily cap for local bus service is $4, ensuring cost savings for frequent riders [2][4]. The base fare remains $2 for two hours of rides, unchanged by the new payment method [1].
Riders are still able to use exact cash or the QuickTicket app/card, which offers digital stored value and fare capping, especially important for youth and discount riders [4]. To avoid payment issues like "card clash," riders are advised to tap cards or devices separately and remove them from wallets or card holders when paying [4]. Each rider must use their own card or device for payment, so contactless payments are individual—even children need a separate payment method [4].
This system applies across all fixed-route buses, including express routes and the WeGo Star, standardizing the payment method for a smoother rider experience [4]. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell stated that making transit more convenient increases ridership, and the Nashville MTA Board Member Jessica Dauphin aims to create more opportunities for Nashville residents and visitors to confidently choose the bus [3].
In essence, the contactless payment system improves ease of use by enabling quick tap-to-pay options with fare capping benefits, while still maintaining other fare payment options for flexibility [1][4]. This transformation is a step towards building a transit system that feels easy, accessible, and inviting for everyone on WeGo Public Transit.
- The contactless payment system on WeGo Public Transit's fixed-route buses, including express routes and the WeGo Star commuter rail, includes technology that allows riders to pay with contactless credit cards, debit cards, or mobile devices like Apple Pay or Google Pay, revolutionizing the transportation industry.
- The finance aspect of the new payment system includes automatic fare capping, a key feature that ensures riders using the same card or device for multiple trips on the same day will not pay more than a set maximum daily fare, thereby offering cost savings for frequent riders.
- In the public-transit sector, the implementation of the contactless payment system on WeGo Public Transit buses not only simplifies the payment process but also aims to increase ridership by making transit more convenient and accessible, following the vision of Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Nashville MTA Board Member Jessica Dauphin.
