ENNew Transit Connect Fare App Now Available!
Important Notice for ZipPass Users
A Path Toward Regional Integration
Just like the Connect Card system, Transit Connect will expand to include SacRT’s transit partners throughout the region. Full integration is expected in fall 2026, creating a seamless fare payment experience across multiple transit providers in a single app.
Transit Connect is more than a new app—it’s a smarter, simpler way to ride. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional rider, this new system is designed to work for you.
Important Information for Connect Card users:
All Connect Card users (including State workers and other subsidized Connect Card pass holders) are expected to transition to Transit Connect as part of Phase 2 sometime in late 2026. The transition will function like the ZipPass transition – SacRT will give customers a limited time to use up stored funds. Connect Card users with stored funds are encouraged to start using their remaining balances now. Current Connect Card users will have the option to transition to the mobile app or a smart card.
Transit Connect App
Our mobile fare app Transit Connect allows you to pre-purchase, store and activate SacRT tickets and passes instantly on your smartphone for both bus or light rail. Simply download the app from either the App Store or Google Play to get started.
- Ride buses and light rail trains for 90 minutes using a valid single ride ticket
- State of the art security to protect personal information
- Purchase single ride tickets, daily or monthly passes
Transit connect
SacRT’s New “Transit Connect” Fare Payment App
SacRT is making it easier than ever to pay your fare with the launch of a brand-new mobile fare payment app. The new app, called Transit Connect, is part of SacRT’s long-term commitment to using technology to improve the rider experience. The new payment platform will be rolled out in multiple phases to provide a smooth transition for customers.
Phase 1 Launch – Now Available
Riders can download Transit Connect and purchase tickets or passes directly from their smartphone (full fare and discount fare available now). Simply show your activated ticket to a bus operator or fare inspector, just like with the current ZipPass app, which will be phased out by June 30, 2026.
Key features include:
- Mobile fare purchase and storage – using credit/debit cards
- Visual fare validation – Show your activated ticket to the operator or fare inspector (similar to the current ZipPass app).
- Account protection – Easily restore tickets if you switch or lose your phone.
- Full fare, discount fare and SacRT GO fare now available now!
Phase 2 Launch - Updated Timeline Late 2026
Phase 2 will launch after successful testing between the Transit Connect mobile app (Masabi) and new Tap2Ride station hardware (Kuba). Testing is expected to begin in September/October 2026. A precise launch date will be shared once testing is underway.
- Full integration between the Transit Connect app and Tap2Ride devices
- Contactless fare payment integration – Riders will be able to validate fares electronically on buses, SacRT GO, and eventually light rail.
- Faster boarding – Tap your phone instead of interacting with an operator, reducing wait times.
- Fare capping – Riders will never pay more than the daily maximum, even when transferring between bus and light rail.
- Real-time data – Improved location and ridership tracking enhances service planning and customer alerts.
- Loading cash option - riders would be able to load cash at fare vending machines along with convenience store network
- Smart Card option - riders who don't want to use the mobile app, will have the option to get a Transit Connect card.
Phase 1 Hardware Rollout (Updated):
SacRT will begin installing new Tap2Ride contactless payment devices at light rail stations starting in September 2026. At least one device per station will be activated initially, with priority given to replacing broken or nonfunctioning Connect Card readers.
On Day 1 of hardware activation, riders will be able to tap a credit or debit card to pay fares at stations, with fare capping across bus and rail. Veterans and senior discounts will be available for riders who pre-enroll. Connect Card users will continue to use existing Connect Card devices.
Tap2Ride devices will provide an audible and visual confirmation of payment. Riders using contactless payment (credit card, Apple Pay, smartwatch) can show their payment device to a Transit Ambassador when boarding. Ambassadors will scan Tap2Ride purchases, Transit Connect app tickets, or physical cards using existing handheld devices.
Using the Transit Connect mobile app provides access to all features, including discount verification, future trip planning tools, and safety alerts. Riders who use the app can purchase and activate fares directly without tapping at a station.
How to Get a Discount Fare in the Transit Connect App
For New Transit Connect Users:
- 1. Download the Transit Connect App Available in the App Store and Google Play.
- 2. Open the App and Tap “Get Started”
- 3. Select Your Fare Type Tap the “Fare Type” button and choose the discount category that applies to you: Senior (age 62+) Veteran Student Person with a Disability
- 4. Confirmation You’ll receive a message confirming that discount fare pricing is now available to you.
- 5. Purchase Your Pass Go to the “Buy Tickets” section. Discount fare options will now appear. Choose your pass (single ride, daily, or monthly) and complete your purchase.
- 6. Activate and Ride When you're ready to board, activate your ticket and show it to the bus operator or fare inspector.
For Existing Transit Connect Users:
- If you already downloaded the Transit Connect App:
- 1. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the app (it looks like a person).
- 2. Select “My Account.”
- 3. Tap “Discounts.”
- 4. Choose the discount fare category that applies to you.
- Once selected, discount fare options will appear automatically in your ticket purchase screen moving forward.
How to Use New Transit Connect App
Learn how to download and use the new Transit Connect App to pay your fare on SacRT! Check out the steps in the how to use video.
