Shenango Valley Shuttle Service Ushers in a New Era of Transit Convenience with Contactless Payments and Mobile QR Code Validation
In an exciting step forward for public transportation, the Shenango Valley Shuttle Service—operated by the Mercer County Regional Council of Governments (COG)—has launched a cutting-edge digital fare payment platform on June 16. This state-of-the-art system, developed in partnership with Modeshift, introduces contactless mobile payments and ticketing to Mercer County’s fixed-route service, offering riders a seamless and modernized transit experience. The initiative aims to provide greater convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for commuters across the Shenango Valley region.
A Modernized Fare Payment System
The newly implemented third-generation fare collection system is designed to streamline the rider experience. Passengers can now use their smartphones to purchase fares and validate trips by scanning a QR code onboard. This marks a significant advancement in transit modernization for the area while maintaining flexibility for those who prefer traditional payment methods. Cash payments will continue to be accepted on all Shenango Valley Shuttle Service routes, ensuring that riders have multiple options to suit their preferences.
Standard one-way fares remain at $1.25, and a new One-Day Pass has been introduced for riders planning multiple trips within a single day. These passes are exclusively available through the RideSVSS app or at the customer service center located at 2495 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA.
“Our goal is to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Mercer County and Shenango Valley communities as they evolve,” said Jill Boozer, Executive Director of the Mercer County Regional COG. “By embracing new technology, we’re not only enhancing the convenience of public transit but also paving the way for future innovations that align with how people live and travel today.”
Key Features of the New Digital Platform
The RideSVSS app offers a host of features designed to simplify trip planning, payment, and validation:
- Mobile App Integration: Available for both Apple and Android devices, the RideSVSS app allows users to purchase fares and validate rides using QR codes directly from their smartphones. The app provides a clean, user-friendly interface that appeals to commuters of all ages. It combines trip planning, ticket purchases, and validations into one streamlined platform.
- iOS: Download here
- Android: Download here
- One-Day Pass Option: For frequent travelers, the new One-Day Pass offers added value and convenience, allowing unlimited trips within a 24-hour period.
- Web Portal: Riders can access RideSVSS’ features through a convenient online portal, which simplifies fare purchases and trip planning. Visit www.ridesvss.mcrcog.com/go-mobile for more details.
- Smart Pay Account: Customizable profiles enable users to manage their travel history, view past purchases, buy passes, and add funds to smart cards or digital wallets—all in one place.
- Smart Cards: For those who prefer not to use their phones, reloadable smart cards connected to e-wallets provide a tap-and-go alternative.
- Data-Driven Insights: The digital platform collects real-time usage data, empowering planners to make informed decisions about future service improvements and route adjustments.
“This launch is about more than just going digital; it’s about laying the foundation for a transit system that’s responsive, forward-looking, and easier to use,” said Miroslav Katsarov, CEO of Modeshift. “Shenango Valley is joining a growing movement of agencies leveraging modern fare collection to connect more meaningfully with the communities they serve.”
A Seamless Transition for Riders
While the new digital system represents a significant leap forward, the transition has been carefully planned to ensure inclusivity. Cash payments remain an option for those who may not yet feel comfortable adopting mobile technologies. Additionally, the introduction of smart cards ensures that no rider is left behind, providing an accessible alternative for individuals without smartphones.
About Modeshift
Modeshift, Inc. is a technology company that helps transit agencies modernize their user-facing technology and the underlying infrastructure to improve efficiency, increase ridership and provide adequate, sustainability-oriented service. It is the only all-in-one digital mobility infrastructure platform that also gives the transit industry the tools to reduce their carbon emissions and aim for sustainability.
Our core product is Account-based Fare Collection System, based on the Microsoft Azure cloud and delivered as a service (Software as a Service – SaaS). Modeshift also provides other subsystems which complete the stack of hardware and software needed to operate a modern transit system such as Mobile ticketing, AVL/CAD and real-time passenger information.
