What is BARTA GO MOBILE?
BARTA GO MOBILE is a simple new way to pay for BARTA bus fares and validate once you’re onboard a bus. There are three ways you can buy and validate fares and passes: using your smartphone and the BARTA app, using a smart card, or using traditional paper tickets. You can choose the most convenient for you, or mix & match according to your preferences.
The BARTA mobile app can help you navigate Reading’s public transit system, saving you time and money by offering flexible fare options to suit your lifestyle. An integrated solution that will fit your schedule and budget with ease!
Download the BARTA mobile app here:
How to use BARTA GO MOBILE?
THE 3 DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE BARTA GO MOBILE
1. The BARTA Mobile Application
The BARTA mobile application is a simple yet innovative way to buy fares and/or passes, and validate them once onboard the bus. The mobile app also gives you the option to explore routes, plan your trip, and save your favorite addresses for future use.
How to buy a fare/pass from the mobile app:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and create an account.
- Open the app and tap on the Fares tab.
- Choose the desired fare or pass and follow the instructions to complete the purchase.
How to use the E-Wallet feature on the mobile app:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and create an account.
- Select the E-Wallet option and connect your credit/debit card to load money into your E-Wallet in the app.
- When boarding your bus, scan the E-Wallet QR code in the app at the validator located in the front of the bus to pay for your trip. The Adult Fare* of $1.80 will be deducted.
Please Note: The E-Wallet does not alert customers when their account is low. It is up to the customer to monitor their wallet total to be sure they have enough funds in their account.
*Fares are capped meaning you won’t pay more than the cost of an All-Day Pass ($3.70), even if you take multiple rides throughout the day.
How to use the mobile app to validate your fare or pass:
Open the mobile app, navigate to the Fares tab and select a fare or pass. Point its QR code at the camera located at the bottom of the validator onboard the bus.
2. Reusable Smart Card
How to buy a smart card:
You can buy a reusable smart card at the BARTA Transportation Center, and reload it according to your needs.
How to use your smart card:
Scan the card with the reader located at the top of the validator onboard the bus.
How to reload your smart card:
At the BARTA Transportation Center:
Ask the employee to reload your account.
Via the BARTA mobile app:
Download the mobile app and connect your BARTA GO MOBILE account with the app using the email you specified when buying the smart card. To reload your smart card via the app, choose the desired fares or passes and follow the instructions to complete the purchase. Fares and passes are then available to be used both via the mobile app and the smart card.
Via BARTA GO MOBILE website
You can access your BARTA GO MOBILE account online after you log in. To reload the smart card online, choose the desired fares or passes and follow the instructions to complete the purchase. Fares and passes are then available to be used via your smart card and via the mobile app (if it has been connected to your account).
Reload Account
Please note that if you intend to use and connect a smart card, the mobile app and/or online reload you need to use the same email address across the system. If using social login, make sure your social profile is linked to the same email address.
3. Paper ticket
If you prefer, you can buy a single-ride paper ticket from the BARTA Sales Window (701 Franklin Street). Each paper ticket is in the form of a paper slip with a QR code printed on its front.
How to buy a paper ticket:
You can buy a paper ticket at the BARTA Transportation Center (701 Franklin Street).
How to use your paper ticket:
Point the QR code on the paper slip at the camera located at the bottom of the validator onboard the bus.
