The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) are asking for the public’s help in testing out the beta version of their new transit mobile ticketing app and smartcard system before its release later this year.
Both PSTA and HART need 200 volunteers to test out the Flamingo Fares app, which will allow riders to use a single payment method for travel on any of the participating transit systems.
According to the PSTA website, "PSTA and HART along with transit systems in Pasco, Sarasota, and Hernando counties have agreed to adopt the Flamingo Fares app as the regional fare collection system."
"We’re looking for riders who are excited to be among the first group of people to see Flamingo Fares in its full form,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “This innovative app is going to change the way people experience transit in Tampa Bay and across the region.”
Those looking to test out the app have until mid-April to sign up on psta.net/FlamingoTesters or gohart.org/FlamingoTesters. Selected participants will receive an email within two weeks of submitting an application with instructions and next steps.
“The Flamingo Fares regional payment solution is a great step toward helping our riders more easily navigate transit options across our collective communities,” said Jeff Seward, interim CEO of HART. “Our initial testing group will provide our teams with valuable insight and feedback to ensure a smooth deployment once the service launches later this year.”
Flamingo Fares is available on the Google Play and iOS app stores. Android users will need to be running OS version 4.4 or later to get the app, while Apple users will need iOS 8.0 or later.
For more information on the app visit the PSTA website.
