The Butler Transit Authority is going digital.
Starting March 1, the authority will roll out its new smart card fare system that will replace all paper passes.
The ConnectCard is a reusable plastic smart card with a computer chip inside that can store a variety of fare options, including up to two bus passes and cash value. Customers can get a ConnectCard from a bus terminal representative for no charge through June 1. After that, new cards will cost $5.
To use, passengers will tap the smart card onto an orange target on the fare-box on each bus they board.
The cost of all bus trips will remain the same with no increase.
Transit officials say the new system provides a more convenient and secure way to pay fares. It will also make it easier for riders to transfer between the transit services of Southwestern Pennsylvania. For instance, a regular Butler Transit Authority rider who occasionally takes trips into Pittsburgh or another county could load a Butler Transit Authority pass on a ConnectCard, then also load money onto their card to pay for trips taken on a participating regional transit provider.
The regional partnership consists of: Port Authority of Allegheny County, Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT), Butler Transit Authority, Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority, City of Washington and Westmoreland County Transit Authority.
