(Contact: Epoch 5 Public Relations)
Beginning Tuesday, June 3, gomobile app will be available to download;
NICE becomes first bus-only U.S. transit system to offer mobile ticketing
Riders of Nassau Inter-County Express, or NICE bus, will have the option of using their smartphones to purchase fares beginning Tuesday, June 3. Upon launching the new gomobile fare payment app for iPhone and Android, NICE becomes the first bus-only U.S. transit system to offer mobile ticketing.
Downloading the gomobile app is quick and easy: customers can go to their app store, download the app and follow the instructions for setting up an account by providing their e-mail address and creating a password. Purchasing fares is also simple: customers open the app, choose their ticket selection and provide payment information (credit, debit or gift card). To use gomobile, riders open the app, tap “use ticket” before boarding, and show their screen to the driver.
Fares will be available in single tickets or multiple tickets, up to 20 fares, and gomobile is capable of storing customer payment information. Riders must set up their account and purchase their fare before getting on the bus to use it. NICE is not eliminating any existing payment options, including cash.
Gomobile tickets can only be used on NICE buses but riders can use the same mobile ticket to transfer onto two additional NICE buses within a two hour and fifteen minute period. Gomobile is for travel on NICE buses only and does not accommodate transfers to the MTA system. Riders who need to transfer to other transit systems must continue using their current fare payment options.
Based on extensive customer surveying in late 2013, NICE learned that about 70 percent of all riders have smartphones. A follow-up web survey indicated that customers were excited by the upcoming launch. In a few months, NICE’s paratransit system, known as Able-Ride, will also use a version of the app allowing customers to prepay their fares online and on their smartphone.
Currently, NICE riders have limited payment options: they can either pay with correct change on the bus or use the MTA-issued MetroCard. However, there is only one location in Nassau County with full-service vending machines, and a limited number of resellers. NICE is working with Masabi Ltd., which offers advanced mobile ticketing and fare collection systems, to develop gomobile.
“Mobile ticketing is really taking off in the U.S. and NICE is excited to be at the forefront in bus transit. In the coming months, we look forward to rolling out additional technology initiatives that will help transform the experience of riding transit in Nassau County,” said Michael Setzer, NICE Chief Executive Officer. “Over the decades, fare collection for Nassau’s County’s buses has evolved, however, one area that has not is cash payments. With gomobile, we’re taking a big step to improve that situation and we expect riders will be very happy with the change.”
NICE will have its “street teams” in place at several major bus stations during launch week, including Hicksville and Hempstead Transit Center, to help customers begin using the app. If customers need additional assistance, they can contact NICE on social media, by email at NICEticketing@veoliatransdev.com, or by phone at 516-336-6600, Monday–Friday: 7:00am–5:00pm.
Here are some commonly asked questions about gomobile:
Is mobile ticketing going to replace MetroCard? Will it replace cash?
No, we will continue accepting all current fare payment options. Mobile ticketing will simply become another option for riders to pay their fare.
What types of tickets can I purchase with mobile ticketing?
Since mobile ticketing is a pilot program, only pay-per-ride fares will be offered at launch. You can buy a single-ride ticket, or packs of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 20. If you purchase 20 tickets, you will receive 1 free (5% discount)! We will explore offering new fare products, such as unlimited ride passes, in future phases of the project.
If I am eligible for a reduced fare ticket (student/senior/disabled), how do I use mobile ticketing?
Please click reduced fare under the ‘my account’ tab on the home screen, and follow the instructions.
How and when do I click “use ticket”?
You should click “use ticket” as soon as you see your bus is arriving. Have the ticket ready to show the driver when you board the bus. And make sure to check the head sign before clicking ‘use ticket’ so you know it’s the right bus! Once you activate your ticket, it will be valid for two hours and fifteen minutes and is good for two transfers on NICE buses.
Do mobile tickets expire?
Mobile tickets expire 180 days after they are purchased.
Can I transfer to the MTA bus and subway on a gomobile ticket?
No. Gomobile is for travel on NICE buses only and does not accommodate transfers to the MTA system. Riders who need to transfer to other transit systems must continue using their current fare payment options.
What do I do if a NICE official asks to validate my ticket?
Each ticket also includes a unique barcode that will occasionally be scanned by NICE officials to ensure validity. Please click ‘view barcode’ if it’s requested.
My bus has a ticket scanner on it! What do I do?
Tap ‘view barcode’ on your active ticket and scan away!
What do I do if a driver asks me to “tap” or authenticate my ticket?
Occasionally, a NICE bus driver might ask you tap your screen to ensure your ticket is valid. Please tap the center of the phone’s screen and the NICE logo will appear.
If I lose cell phone service while trying to use my ticket, will my mobile ticket still work?
Mobile tickets do not need cell phone or wifi service to be displayed; however, service or wifi is needed to purchase a ticket. If you lose cell phone service after boarding the bus, you will still be able to activate and display purchased tickets.
What happens if my smartphone battery dies before I can show my mobile ticket, or it stops working?
You are responsible for keeping your smartphone charged while riding with a mobile ticket. You MUST pay the cash fare if your smartphone is not working, so please plan accordingly.
What happens if I have technical problems, lose my smartphone or buy a new smartphone?
If you lose or purchase a new phone, you can transfer your tickets to your new device by logging in with your existing account. If you have issues transferring tickets, or any technical issues, please email us anytime at NICEticketing@veoliatransdev.com or call 516-336-6600, Monday–Friday: 7:00am–5:00pm. Please include your application ID in all requests. This can be found within the application under Info > App Info.