By 1812Blockhouse
Richland County Transit is stepping into a more digital future with the arrival of EZFare, a new payment option that lets riders pay for their trips with a few taps on a phone instead of digging for cash or paper passes.
The system, which is now live, allows passengers to buy single rides, day passes, and monthly passes using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. There are no extra fees attached, and the app itself costs nothing to download or use. For riders who prefer to do things the familiar way, cash is still welcome on every bus.
A path for riders without bank cards
Transit officials were careful to make sure the new system works for everyone, not just people with traditional banking. Riders who do not have a debit or credit card can load cash onto EZFare at dozens of neighborhood stores through the Vanilla Network. A map of participating locations is available online, making it easy to find a nearby spot to add funds.
Fares remain unchanged. Adults continue to pay $2 per trip, with discounted daily and monthly options. Students up to age 18, seniors 65 and older, and riders with disabilities are eligible for half-price fares. Those riders are asked to call the transit office at 419-522-4504 so the discount can be attached to their account.
How it works on the bus
Using the new system is intentionally straightforward. After purchasing a ticket in the app, riders simply show the active pass on their phone when they board. The driver validates it on the spot, and the trip begins without paper transfers or exact change.
EZFare also connects directly to real-time bus tracking. Inside the same app, riders can plan trips, check arrival times, and choose the Transit option to map out routes before they leave home.
Part of a larger network
Richland County joins 18 other transit agencies in Ohio and nearby states that already use EZFare. The shared platform means a traveler can purchase fares for multiple systems without juggling different apps or accounts, a small change that could make regional travel easier.
The app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play, and riders can also purchase passes through a public website. Transit officials say the goal is not to replace any current way of paying, but to give people more choices.
For questions or help getting started, Richland County Transit can be reached at 419-522-4504, and updates are posted on the agency’s Facebook page. The buses will keep rolling either way, but now the ride can begin with a little less fuss.
Image by REDioACTIVE from Pixabay
