The New Fare System at MATA

Are the new features and vending machines accessible?

By Allison Donald, MCIL

The Memphis Area Transit Authority, MATA, has made a number of changes to the fare system over the past few months to make the way riders pay easier and more efficient.  They have been developing a new cashless mobile payment system that brings MATA on par with industry standards.  MATA’s new payment system “Go901” will include ticket vending machines and point of sale systems soon.

GO901 Mobile, a new free mobile fare app, will allow passengers to purchase fare tickets and all day passes on their smartphones using a debit or credit card. The new app – which can be downloaded to Android or iPhones – is available in both Apple and Google Play stores.

“Our former fair system was 25 years old, and in need of change,” said Gary Rosenfeld, the MATA CEO. “For a wide section of our customer base this will allow them the opportunity to use mobile ticketing on board the bus.”

Passengers can tap their phones onto a scanner in the front of their MATA vehicle near the operator.  A scanner will indicate when the scan is successful, according to a MATA  release. GO901 also has other features, including allowing registered users to check their balance, purchase reduced fare and purchase passes.

“Any expansion of the different ways to pay fares can be a good thing,” said Curtis Tillman a MATAplus rider. “I can see myself using a reloadable card, because I would not want to download another app on my phone.”

There are still questions about the operation of the system like the proper procedure in the event of mistaken charges. And people with disabilities have concerns about the accessibility of the new system.  

“I am not excited to use the new system,” said Della Bailey a fixed route rider, “because they want too much information”.

If you have any questions about the new fare system and MATAplus riders-please feel free to contact LaBarbra Houston at 901-722-7100 and follow the prompt.  Also, this information is located on the MATA website at www.matatransit.com.