The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) will launch its contactless “Tap to Pay” payment option this April. Riders will simply be able to tap a contactless credit or debit card, or mobile wallet, directly on the onboard reader.

Riders will board as usual and tap their contactless card or phone on the reader. Once a green light and screen confirmation indicate that their payment was successful, they are ready to ride.

Tap to Pay will benefit both the public and the CATA bus drivers by creating a faster and more convenient process. It also supports CATA as a whole by improving efficiency, making commuting to work or traveling to campus or downtown much smoother.

This is a big step towards modernizing how the State College community and visitors access public transportation, Todd Horsley, Chief Executive Officer of CATA, explained.

The Transit app will remain fully functional for riders who prefer purchasing fares in advance and scanning a QR code when boarding.

The new systems are assumed to speed up boarding time, reduce cash use, provide flexibility, and improve overall rider experience and safety.