DART in the Digital Age
DART finally goes paperless with new GoPass smartphone app
A bold future was promised when DART announced plans last year to introduce a mobile ticketing app for area mass transit users. Although a little later than expected, that plan has finally come to fruition.
Starting Monday, September 16, riders of DART, TRE and The T in Fort Worth can use the GoPass app on their smartphones as their tickets. Developed by Danish company Unwire, the app has the obvious benefit of allowing riders to go paperless, lessening the chance of losing a ticket for which you paid good money. Users can also buy daily, weekly or monthly passes ahead of time and simply activate them as needed, up to 60 days from purchase.
The pass will be color-coded so bus drivers or fare inspectors can quickly determine whether it's active or not. It will also include a countdown timer that tells a rider exactly when the pass will expire, preventing you from using an expired ticket.
The GoPass app will also have a trip-planning tool, rider alerts and schedule information, as well as the ability to check real-time bus and train arrivals and information about transit-accessible activities and events. Future plans include corporate annual and college semester passes and combination tickets that give you both a transit pass and entry to area arenas, museums, festivals and other events.
Although not unheard of in other parts of the United States, mobile ticketing is still rare; this is Unwire's first venture in the U.S. The GoPass app will be available for free in Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store on September 16.