Digital ticketing system coming to Sandusky Transit

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Transit riders can soon purchase their tickets at speeds seemingly quicker than how fast the buses actually travel.During a recent public meeting, city officials announced they've joined a public transportation program called NEORide. They committed $1,000 in public funds for a one-year membership.Several counties across northeast Ohio formed the group to, ultimately, break down barriers and better synchronize services across political boundaries. Sandusky marks the 11th county to partner in the system.Among its biggest goals: NEORide wants to implement a mobile ticketing app on smartphones so people can digitally take care of their fares or passes. The app should draw parallels to those of Uber or Lyft, officials said."This would make it more convenient for (passengers) to ride the bus, and it would also make it easier for out-of-town guests to utilize the transit system," city assistant planner Tom Horsman said.A couple of other benefits, according to Horsman, include:• Large groups in the area depending on public transit, such as those seasonally employed by Cedar Point or Kalahari Resorts, can more easily receive their fare cards.• Joining NEORide opens up additional opportunities for Sandusky Transit to receive grant funds in hopes of improving the overall system.Several details, including its arrival date and whether people must pay a convenience fee beyond standard fare rates, remain unknown at this time.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.