TriMet launches electronic fare payment system

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) yesterday launched the Hop Fastpass™ electronic fare payment system.

The technology enables riders to use a contactless payment devices — such as a Hop card — to pay for fares on TriMet trains and buses. In the coming weeks, passengers will be able to use a contactless bank card or smartphone with a mobile wallet connected to a bank card to pay for trips.

Riders also can use the Hop Fastpass system to pay for fares on the Portland Streetcar.

In February, TriMet formed a group of passengers to beta test the app over five months.

"The benefits of this new fare system will be far reaching, bringing more efficiency to TriMet and providing important benefits for our riders, including saving money the more they ride," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane in a press release.