CHAT File Photo

By Gates Guarin

Medicine Hat Transit introducing electronic fare system, reloadable passes

Aug 29, 2022 | 4:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – There will be a new way to pay when boarding the bus come this fall. Medicine Hat transit will be introducing a new electronic fare collection system which allows contactless payment. With the new system, transit will also introduce a new reloadable card, known as the MHT Go! pass, which riders will tap or scan to pay when boarding.

The project was first announced in 2020, when grant funding from the federal government was secured to support technology upgrades to transit, upgrades to Athletic Park and Echo Dale Regional Park and multiple other projects.

In a news release, acting transit manager Gordon Dykstra says the city is excited to share the new project with riders and the community.

“This technology is more secure, and often more convenient than carrying cash,” Dykstra says.

The MHT Go! pass will allow riders to easily load and re-load their card, through an online account or by visiting a fare vendor. Riders can also pay fares using an app on their smartphone. Current transit fares will remain in place.

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Transit will work to introduce the community to features of the new electronic fare system over the coming weeks, and new reloadable passes will be available starting in October.

Even with the new system in place, transit drivers will continue to accept regular monthly bus passes until the end of the year. “Our buses will also remain equipped to take cash fares,” Dykstra added.

More information can be found on the city’s website.