Halifax Transit users will now be able to tap and ride thanks to a new feature in the HFXGO mobile fare payment app. The Halifax Regional Municipality says the tap and ride feature will make paying for transit easier and help riders receive the lowest fare possible. “HFXGO users who add funds to their verified account can now use the new Tap & Ride barcode feature to pay their fare when boarding Halifax Transit buses and ferries,” reads a news release from the city. “Funds are then automatically deducted from their HFXGO account balance with no need to purchase or activate individual tickets.” Halifax Transit is also introducing fare capping, which the municipality says will ensure riders don’t pay more than $7.50 per day or $90 per month – the cost of a daily or monthly pass respectively for adult fares. Seniors can also take advantage of fare capping by self-identifying in the app. The update to the HFXGO app comes after Halifax council voted to delay the increase of transit fares on July 14 after receiving a report that the long-awaited tap-to-pay system will not be ready until December. The new tap-to-pay system – which will allow customers to use contactless cards, mobile wallets or smart devices – was set to launch on Sept. 21, at the same time as the fare hike. A staff report said this “timeline is not achievable.” The municipality said it still plans to launch tap to pay later this year. With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sean Mott. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
