Halifax Transit’s New App Finally Launched After Delays

Halifax’s long-awaited transit app has finally arrived, promising to simplify bus and ferry ticket purchases for residents and visitors. The app, called HFXGO, was launched on November 2, 2023, after facing several delays. Here’s a breakdown of the journey leading up to its release:

– The search for an electronic fare system provider began in July 2020
– U.K.-based company Masabi was awarded the contract in July 2022 with a budget of $1.6 million
– Contract finalization between Halifax and Masabi took until April 2023

Despite initial timelines for a much earlier launch, the project faced multiple delays along the way. However, since its debut, HFXGO has been downloaded over 40,000 times and boasts an 83% satisfaction rate among users.

While the app has been well-received overall, some criticisms have surfaced regarding payment options and integration with mobile wallets. For example:
– Lack of Apple Pay and Google Wallet integration
– Limited credit card and debit payments to Visa and Mastercard only

Despite these setbacks, the app is continuously being improved. The second phase of the project is already underway, involving the installation of on-board validators for app scanning.

Overall, HFXGO is contributing to modernizing Halifax’s public transportation system. With thousands of people using the app daily with minimal issues, it’s clear that it’s making an impact. Stay tuned for further updates as improvements continue to roll out!