On Nov. 1, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) transitioned to an affordable and cashless way of paying for bus fare called the Tapp Pay. It has been stated by the RTA that 90% of their customers are already using the new form of payment. Tapp Pay was introduced back in June 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, meaning COVID may have played a role.
‘‘In a sense it did, it helped us to accelerate what had already been put in motion before the pandemic,” said Brandon Policicchio, Regional Transit Authority’s Chief Customer, and Business Development Officer. “I had intended to upgrade the system and have everything ready to go, it’s just, it has got to be put in place sooner than we had intended.’’
The transit has stated that Tapp Pay cards can be purchased at any transit center such as the Wright State Plaza located downtown. People won’t be able to buy one outside of the transit centers.
‘‘Right now, we’re just selling them at the transit centers, the majority–I say 90% if not more–of our customers come through our transit centers every day,” said Policcchio. “So as far as the transit system, the way we’re set up, it was a perfect start from that perspective. That way we can answer questions about why we’re there. As the system continues to roll out, we may look at selling them at other locations as well.”
Dayton isn’t the only city adopting this form of payment.
‘‘Columbus is getting–I believe it’s this coming month–they will unveil basically the same thing we have with their riders as well,’’ said Policchio. ‘‘They’re upgrading their system and Cincinnati won’t be too far behind with a similar system.’’
The Tapp system was a long time coming.
‘‘For us, we have been operating the same fare payment system for well over almost two decades now. The technology itself is very outdated, there are newer technologies available, more options like the ability for people to pay with their phones as well as the contactless tapping of cards and just other available options, so we thought it was the right time to update the system given the legacy of our existing system,’’ said Policicchio.
The new system will have its disadvantages and perks.
‘‘With this new system they can pay as they go but once they spent what is the equivalent of a monthly pass, it no longer charges them for the rest of the month, so it’s actually saving customers money. So that was one of the main drivers of getting this new system, as well as being able to provide equity to our riders who frankly needed it the most,’’ said Policicchio.
There is something Sinclair students who ride the bus can take away from the Tapp System.
‘‘That it’s easy to use and that they’re two options available: that they can either download the transit app, which is a great app to use also for trip planning, not only you can pay for your RTA ride within that app ,you can also see when the bus is coming, plan trips as well,’’ said Policicchio. ‘‘Or if you prefer not to use a smartphone or don’t have a debit or credit card, then we have our smart cards, which customers can load value to and utilize those as well and get the same benefits as those utilizing the phone.’’
According to Policicchio, the transit agency is already looking for ways to improve the Tapp system in the coming years.
Jamario Brown-Tolliver
Intern