The Butler Transit Authority announced Tuesday a new mobile ticketing platform, allowing riders of the local transit service to now manage their trips, buy fares and validate tickets via the RideBTA app or a Web portal.

This is a crucial step into the future for the local transit system that must be noted and commended. The authority will no doubt enhance the riding experience for its current ridership, while also attracting a potential new audience with the digital adjustment.

On Tuesday, the system was implemented across the authority’s routes, including four local fixed routes and commuter runs between Butler and Pittsburgh.

John Paul, executive director of Butler Transit Authority, called the change a “significant advancement for public transportation in Butler County.”

Significant it is. The new ticketing service will lead the system into the future.

And those who don’t wish to use their smartphones for this technology or don’t use smartphones at all, will be able to use reloadable cards to still access the bus. People won’t be left behind amid this adjustment.

But also worth noting is another benefit of the new system: The change provides BTA will “real-time data insights.”

This will help the authority optimize transit operations and support data-driven decision-making.

This is great news for Butler County. We’re happy to see this change, for riders and the system’s leadership, too. This will help steer decision-making well into the future, further supporting the bus system.

— TL