St. Joseph Transit riders can now purchase bus passes with their smartphone.

Token Transit is a free app that allows riders to purchase their bus passes on their smart phones using a credit or debit card. The app displays a digital pass on the phone’s screen, eliminating the need for a paper pass. It also eliminates the need to purchase a monthly pass at a specific time.

“Right now, you buy it and it expires at the end of the month, regardless of whether you bought it on the first or the 21st of the month,” Bruce Woody, St. Joseph City Manager, said. “This new system, once you buy a 30-day pass, it’s good for 31 days from the date you purchase it, so you get the maximum use of your pass.”

In addition to monthly bus passes, customers may purchase single ride tickets, 10-Ride Ticket Books, and Deviations with the app. The app also allows customers who are eligible for a discounted fare (seniors, disabled, and youth riders) to purchase their discounted fares on their smartphone. 

“This app makes paying the bus fare much more convenient,” Andy Clements, Director of Public Works and Transportation said. “We encourage any customer with a smartphone to try it… there is a fifty percent discount for the customer’s first purchase using the app.”

The app is being used by over 50 transit systems around the country, including Springfield Utilities in southern Missouri.

Go to: tokentransit.com to get the app, or search for it in the Apple or Google Play stores.