Halifax Transit

[Keith P.]

According to Transit bossman Gerus, the vendor chosen via the procurement process is from offshore and is not certified by Interac to deal in Canadian funds. Unbelievably.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

According to Transit bossman Gerus, the vendor chosen via the procurement process is from offshore and is not certified by Interac to deal in Canadian funds. Unbelievably.

So much for “elbows up”…

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

That would fall under my definition of “clunky app” though. Maybe it would make sense if you used it every day, but remembering change is less bother.

I don't use it daily... I'd guess 2-3 times per month. I think it's a stupid alternative to tap-to-pay, which I think removes so many barriers, but I do find it heaps better than trying to find a spot that sells physical tickets and I simply do not have the change lying around to use, so it's net positive (but a VERY SMALL positive, lest I be characterized of suggesting a whiff of a job well done for Halifax Transit!) for me.

I downloaded the app a long time ago... and I've bought 20 tickets at a time, so about once a year, I have to buy another chunk of tickets. Otherwise, the process is:
1) open app
2) sign-in if it's been a long time since I last used it. The clunkiest part of the experience for me
3) activate ticket
4) board bus and scan ticket
5) sit down
6) avoid eye contact

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

I don't use it daily... I'd guess 2-3 times per month. I think it's a stupid alternative to tap-to-pay, which I think removes so many barriers, but I do find it heaps better than trying to find a spot that sells physical tickets and I simply do not have the change lying around to use, so it's net positive (but a VERY SMALL positive, lest I be characterized of suggesting a whiff of a job well done for Halifax Transit!) for me.

I downloaded the app a long time ago... and I've bought 20 tickets at a time, so about once a year, I have to buy another chunk of tickets. Otherwise, the process is:
1) open app
2) sign-in if it's been a long time since I last used it. The clunkiest part of the experience for me
3) activate ticket
4) board bus and scan ticket
5) sit down
6) avoid eye contact

Fair take. I use tap for most of my purchases, but carry a small amount of cash for smaller purchases, or in the event that the system goes down (as it does rarely, but occasionally), etc. So over time I tend to build up a small cache of change that I rarely remember to take with me, or use when I have it.

I’m a little hesitant to install apps on my phone that seem to be not so well done, or ones that I don’t use often, especially if they link to a payment method… so change is okay with me.

Really though, the salient point is that even the smallest of shops and services (and transit systems elsewhere) offer some type of CC tap payment method, yet our transit system is struggling with it? Unacceptable.

[Drybrain]

I used payment apps in Sweden and Denmark this month, and they were similar to HFXGO in that you bought a ticket, which activated a little barcode that you scanned on a transit vehicle.

Those apps were much more attractive and slick, of course, and they had detailed city maps, route planners and so forth that really added value. Once we get tap to pay here, I'll probably never use HFXGO again, but I can definitely see it being useful if its features were better built out.

[Summerville]

I use the HFXGO app. It’s easy.

But was really impressed while travelling in New York City three years ago when I received a notification on my phone as I entered a subway station that I could use the RBC tap function on my phone. No need for a transit app

I think the city teamed up with a company for HFXGO that didn’t have any existing relationship with moneris….or any other payment processing company.

[OldDartmouthMark]

I’m happy that people seem to be generally content with their app. Maybe Halifax Transit should save the money it’s spending on tap since their app is more than adequate. The rest of us can still carry change with us, not a big deal.

If people are happy with it, I’d rather see the cost of bringing the app into service amortized over a longer period of time, and have the cost of replacing it with tap diverted to adding transit options, like more routes, getting the new ferries rolled out more quickly… maybe another study on commuter rail…

[Saul Goode]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Too close to call!

Update: Halifax Water pulls ahead in the embarrassment sweepstakes.

AllNS reported this morning that they're seeking absolutely massive increases in development fees for water connection and wastewater disposal.

Single dwelling up 357% to nearly $37,000. Multi-unit buildings up to nearly $25K per unit.

Should be interesting to see how this application flies at the Regulatory and Appeals Board.

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

I’m happy that people seem to be generally content with their app. Maybe Halifax Transit should save the money it’s spending on tap since their app is more than adequate. The rest of us can still carry change with us, not a big deal...

I think the app is OK, and a huge step forward from tickets/cash, but tap really should be the standard. It lowers the bar to usage so much. Particularly for visitors or casual users who, like you, don't want to have to download an app and deal with payment info for something they don't plan to use regularly. The lower the barriers to use, the higher the use... we need to do everything we can to lower the load on our streets and be serious about reducing congestion.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

I think the app is OK, and a huge step forward from tickets/cash, but tap really should be the standard. It lowers the bar to usage so much. Particularly for visitors or casual users who, like you, don't want to have to download an app and deal with payment info for something they don't plan to use regularly. The lower the barriers to use, the higher the use... we need to do everything we can to lower the load on our streets and be serious about reducing congestion.

I agree that tap is the way to go, FWIW, but after expressing my opinion and reading the replies, I’m left to think that maybe most people think that the current system is great, and that my reluctance to use an app (or those who don’t have up to date phones) is the real problem. So I would rather use change and let the rest of the city continue on with the more than adequate app if they are happy with it. Improving transit should be a high priority, and if we are ditching a great app just to accommodate a few new users, then logically the money should be used to improve the system in other ways.

I do agree with your arguments, though. I was just surprised that so many people seem happy with the app, and being one who hasn’t used it, who am I to argue?

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Saul Goode

Update: Halifax Water pulls ahead in the embarrassment sweepstakes.

AllNS reported this morning that they're seeking absolutely massive increases in development fees for water connection and wastewater disposal.

Single dwelling up 357% to nearly $37,000. Multi-unit buildings up to nearly $25K per unit.

Should be interesting to see how this application flies at the Regulatory and Appeals Board.

Argh! In a housing crisis it’s always a great idea (sarcasm) to add on unnecessary costs to new buildings!

They seriously need an adult in the room! 🙄

[Arrdeeharharharbour]

I see in AllNS this morning that HRM has issued a tender for construction services for the Wright's Cove transit terminal...finally. Tender closes on the 18th of August.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Arrdeeharharharbour

I see in AllNS this morning that HRM has issued a tender for construction services for the Wright's Cove transit terminal...finally. Tender closes on the 18th of August.

Great news!

[Antigonish]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

According to Transit bossman Gerus, the vendor chosen via the procurement process is from offshore and is not certified by Interac to deal in Canadian funds. Unbelievably.

Good lord, what has happened at Halifax Transit? I thought Dave Reage was the sole culprit but... I dunno maybe the municipality is just FUBAR at this point.

[Arrdeeharharharbour]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Great news!

It sure is! AllNS covered the story today making the point that by the time it opens it will be eight (8) years behind schedule. There will be a lot of grateful people who currently have to stand and wait for their bus in inclement weather and pee in the bushes. Hopefully they'll install plenty of ashtrays and garbage cans. Construction may start in October leading to a spring 2027 opening.

[kzt79]

Originally Posted by Arrdeeharharharbour

It sure is! AllNS covered the story today making the point that by the time it opens it will be eight (8) years behind schedule. There will be a lot of grateful people who currently have to stand and wait for their bus in inclement weather and pee in the bushes. Hopefully they'll install plenty of ashtrays and garbage cans. Construction may start in October leading to a spring 2027 opening.

I doubt it will open in 2027 at all. Certainly not spring! lol

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Arrdeeharharharbour

It sure is! AllNS covered the story today making the point that by the time it opens it will be eight (8) years behind schedule. There will be a lot of grateful people who currently have to stand and wait for their bus in inclement weather and pee in the bushes. Hopefully they'll install plenty of ashtrays and garbage cans. Construction may start in October leading to a spring 2027 opening.

Better late than never! The Mill Cove ferry terminal was supposed to be in use starting in 2026, so we’ll see how long that takes to actually be built. Maybe we should start a pool…