June 30, 2025 – Decatur Public Transit buses will soon go cashless, with convenient options to pay through your phone, through a rider card, and a new app. Riders can continue to use cash – to load value onto their rider card at the Transit Center instead of directly on the bus.
The current system requires either bus tokens or cash, however cash had to be exact change when boarding the bus. Decatur Public Transit has partnered with Modeshift to make the transition to cashless rides and will be installing kiosks that validate trips via QR code or by tapping a rider’s card.
Decatur Public Transit says the move to a cashless system on the bus is an effort to modernize our transit system.”We want to ensure transit remains equitable and simple for all users. We will not eliminate cash altogether, but centralize where and how cash is handled so we can better serve all riders. There will be no increase in fares with this transition.”
Riders can continue to use cash – to load value onto their rider card. This will happen at the downtown Transit Center instead of directly on the bus. This shift ensures faster boarding, reduces fare disputes, and enhances safety for both passengers and drivers. With the new system, riders can also manage their fare cards using a mobile app. This feature allows family, friends, or supporters to load value onto a rider’s card instantly from anywhere, which adds even more flexibility for community support.
Decatur Public Transit says the transition will take time, keeping the current physical fareboxes on buses for up to six months. This gives everyone a chance to adjust and ask questions, as staff helps train the community and evaluate adoption of the new system.
Anyone can obtain reloadable rider fare cards in bulk, similar to how individuals and agencies have purchased tokens in the past. There won’t be a minimum balance required per card, which means you can continue giving in the way that is most meaningful to the recipient.
Purchased tokens will still be honored and accepted during the transition. They can also be exchanged and converted to the new card system.
“Many transit agencies across the US have moved to similar systems and have seen improved rider experiences, more efficient boarding, and better tools for supporting low-income and vulnerable riders,” said Decatur Public Transit. “We’re committed to doing the same in Decatur, while listening to the community’s concerns.”
