The Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is partnering with Modeshift, a contactless fare collection system provider, to digitize CATA transit operations. 

CATA says the new online and mobile platform will provide riders with a hassle-free ticketing solution, enabling them to plan, pay and validate rides with just a few clicks on their smartphones. 

The goal of the collaboration is to revolutionize the transit experience by introducing a seamless and convenient way for passengers to manage their commute.

According to CATA, they are the latest Pa.-based transit agency to partner with Modeshift to modernize fare and data collection infrastructure. 

“Our partnership with Modeshift will help CATA further our strategic goals to improve the riding experience, reduce cash collection in the fare box and enhance our services throughout rural communities,” said Timothy Geibel, Executive Director at CATA. “CATA provides crucial lifeline services, and we’re excited to implement new technologies that just a few short years ago were only available in larger, more urban settings.”

Modeshift will provide the following features for CATA rides: 

  • Mobile Ticketing: With the free Smart Pay app, available for both Apple and Android devices, riders will be able to effortlessly plan their trips and purchase fares directly from their smartphones.
  • Smart Cards: For riders without mobile devices, CATA will offer special reloadable Smart Cards that can be linked to their credit or debit cards for convenient fare payment.
  • Web Portal: Passengers will access trip planning tools and fare purchasing options through an intuitive online portal, further simplifying the transit experience.
  • Smart Pay Account: Riders can create personalized profiles, manage their favorite locations within the CATA network, view purchase history and easily reload passes—all from one centralized platform.
  • Data Collection: Through Modeshift's advanced data collection capabilities, CATA will gain access to real-time insights that enable optimization of transit operations, data-driven decision-making and resource savings.

The mobile ticketing platform will be available for CATA passengers this summer. 

More information on the partnership can be found here.