Knoxville Area Transit Unveils Account-Based Ticketing with "Lowest Fare, Guaranteed" Through Transit app and katpay Smartcard, Powered by Masabi

Written by Irina Grant | 23-Oct-2024 01:00:00

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) launches its next-generation Account-Based Ticketing system powered by Masabi. This major upgrade is available to riders through the Transit app and the katpay smartcard, and is designed to provide riders with a seamless, cost-effective, and hassle-free transit experience, emphasizing KAT’s continued focus on convenience and affordability.

The new fare payment system integrates KAT’s "plan, pay, scan" approach for the Transit app and "tap & ride" functionality for the katpay smartcard, offering riders flexible payment options to suit their preferences. Using the app, riders can plan their journey and pay online, scanning a barcode on their smartphones when they board. Meanwhile, the katpay smartcard allows riders to simply tap their card on a validator.

The account-based system includes innovative fare capping technology to ensure the “Lowest fare, guaranteed.” Under the new pricing structure, riders will never pay more than $2 per day or $30 per month for standard fares. Discounted fare riders will pay a maximum daily cost of $1 and a monthly cap of $15, making public transit more accessible and affordable for all.

With fare capping, riders automatically receive the best possible fare based on their usage. Once the daily or monthly fare cap is reached, all additional rides for the day or month are free, offering unlimited travel without the worry of exceeding a budget. Riders eligible for discounted fares can also enjoy these benefits, ensuring that public transit remains an inclusive option for the entire community.

The Account-Based Ticketing system is powered by Masabi’s Justride, an open platform that integrates with other software and apps from partner vendors and provides a robust foundation for fare payments and operations. With real-time fare calculations and automatic fare adjustments, the system eliminates the need to buy tickets or select a fare, streamlines boarding processes, and provides valuable data insights for smarter decision-making by KAT.

"We're excited to bring this new era of transit payment to Knoxville, ensuring that our riders get the best fare every time they travel," said Isaac Thorne, Director of Transit for the City of Knoxville. "By leveraging Masabi’s technology, we’re simplifying the transit experience and making it more accessible for everyone in our community."

“As agencies work towards the dual goals of increasing fare equity and driving rider uptake, Account-Based Ticketing delivers the necessary functionality to ensure both of these needs are met,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “Knoxville Area Transit joins a growing list of forward-thinking agencies adopting ABT solutions from Masabi, further cementing our position as a leader in innovative and rider-focused transit services.”

"We want to make it as easy as possible for people to ride public transportation," said David Block-Schachter, Chief Business Officer at Transit. “KAT's passengers already rely on Transit to find their next trip and track their ride. Adding Account-Based Ticketing gives riders everything they need in one app.”

To celebrate the launch, KAT is rolling out two special incentives:

Free katpay Smartcard: Through May 2025, riders who purchase a katpay smartcard for $4 and register it online will receive a $4 credit, making the card essentially free.
Ticket Exchange Program: Until February 2025, riders can trade in unused tickets and change cards for credit on their katpay smartcard, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.

For more information on the new Account-Based Ticketing system and to take advantage of launch incentives, visit katbus.com or download the Transit app today.

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