A Rapid Transformation with Lasting Results
When the South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) in Pennsylvania partnered with Modeshift in 2021, its goal was to simplify fare payments and improve the rider experience across Berks and Lancaster Counties. The agency faced several challenges, including low passenger satisfaction, an aging back end, a tight budget, and complex customer support processes.
Within six months, the team implemented a full account-based fare collection system, introducing mobile ticketing, smart cards, and contactless validation across the fleet.
The system went live at the height of the pandemic, providing a safer and more convenient payment option for riders. But the project quickly became about more than safety; it became a blueprint for rapid digital transformation in small and mid-sized transit systems.
SCTA oversees two transit agencies, the Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) and Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA), serving a combined population of nearly 1 million. Today, 95% of riders across RRTA routes and 40% of riders across BARTA routes pay using digital methods, a level of adoption rarely seen among regional agencies of this size.
This white paper demonstrates that large-scale digital transformation is achievable even for regional systems with limited resources – proof that strong partnerships, agile technology, and hands-on collaboration can produce fast, lasting results that other agencies can emulate. (Includes a Communications and Marketing Guide.)