Ready2Ride FAQs
Browse our FAQs to learn how to buy passes, manage your account, and ride with confidence using Ready2Ride mobile ticketing.
What is Ready2Ride®?
Ready2Ride® is Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s mobile fare collection application. The app allows you to purchase transit tickets and passes from your mobile device and add stored value to the app wallet to easily scan and ride.
Ready2Ride® also provides links to other important PRT resources, including TrueTime™ (real-time bus and light-rail vehicle tracking), trip planning, fare information, scheduling and detour information, Customer Service, and more.
How does Ready2Ride work?
Riders can load funds to their account or purchase traditional passes and then simply tap to ride using the app.
You can also add funds to your in-app wallet by using the web portal at https://pgh.justride.tickets/
If you want to use cash to add funds to your account, you can do so at any Fare Vending Machine, participating retail partner or Vanilla Direct retail location.
Does it cost extra to use the Ready2Ride® app?
No, Ready2Ride® is free to download and use. You will only be charged the price of your ticket or pass. No other fees are included; however, data fees may apply from your mobile service provider. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is not responsible for any mobile carrier data charges that you may incur as a result of using the Ready2Ride® app.
Do you need a smart phone to use the app?
Yes, you need a smart phone to download and use the Ready2Ride mobile app. You can purchase and load mobile Ready2Ride fares or stored value via the app, using the Ready2Ride website, at the PRT Downtown Service Center, using a ReadyFare machine, at participating retail locations and at Vanilla Direct retail locations.
Why should I use PRT’s Ready2Ride App?
The flexibility of Ready2Ride® is an especially convenient option for all riders. The app is also available for those who do not have a credit or debit card, as you can add funds to your account using cash at convenient Vanilla Direct locations and participating retailers.
Will the fee for a single ride be deducted straight from my credit card?
No, you will be able to add funds using a credit card or cash and store that money in the Ready2Ride® app, much like a digital wallet. The funds are deducted from your credit card when you add the funds to your app account. When you scan your app’s account barcode, funds are then deducted from your in-app wallet.
Does the app work on all modes of PRT transportation, including rail and incline?
Yes, you can use the Ready2Ride® app on bus, rail, and incline to pay your transit fare.
Do I need to set up an account to be able to use my mobile ticket or pass?
No, you do not need to create a Ready2Ride® account to access all mobile passes.
Do I need a credit card to use the app?
No. If you do not want to link a credit card to your account, you can use ReadyCash, our cash to mobile pass solution, available at ReadyFare machines and participating PRT pass retailers. You will need to be logged in to your Ready2Ride® account on your phone and scan your unique account barcode (available in the My Account section on the app) when you are purchasing passes at a machine or retailer.
Will the app store my credit card details?
You can choose to have the app remember your credit card details for future transactions, however, it is not required.
All personal and credit card information is stored on an encrypted Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant server. No account information is stored within the app.
You can add a debit or credit card while making a purchase or by going to “Payment” in the menu. Click “Add Card” to enter your card information and “Add Card” again to make the addition.
Can I store more than one credit or debit card on my account?
Yes. The app will allow you to store up to three credit or debit cards on your account. To add another credit or debit card, use the “Add New Card” button while making a purchase.
What are the main benefits to adding funds or purchasing tickets and passes through the Ready2Ride® app?
- You don’t need to carry exact cash.
- You don’t need to visit a Fare Vending Machine or retail outlet to make a purchase.
- You can add funds or purchase tickets or passes on your phone anytime and anywhere.
- Cash, tickets, and passes purchased through the app are immediately available for use.
- You can add funds to the app wallet for future use.
- You can purchase and store tickets and passes for future use.
- You can purchase a single fare or multiple fares for a group of riders.
What types of tickets are available on the Ready2Ride® mobile ticketing app?
Both full fare tickets and passes and reduced fare passes (for those who are eligible) are available for purchase.
How do I purchase a ticket or pass with the Ready2Ride® app?
Open the app.
Click on the “Buy Tickets” button.
Select the type of ticket you want to purchase.
Select the type of tickets or passes using either the “Single” or “Multiple” ticket(s) menu.
Select “Accept and Continue” on the ticket regulations screen.
Select payment method (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express).
Enter your credit/debit information required and select the “Accept & Pay” button.
To purchase at a Fare Vending machine using cash:
Select the “Ready2Ride®” button on the main screen.
Open your Ready2Ride® app.
Under the “My Account” page, select “scan account” from the list of options.
Type in your 11-digit account ID on the screen.
After you accept the terms and conditions, select the amount you would like to add to your account.
Insert cash into the ConnectCard machine. Once the transaction has been processed your purchased amount will appear on your Ready2Ride® app under “Funds.”
Continue to the Ready2Ride® app to purchase passes and tickets using your uploaded funds.
To add cash to the app wallet at a retailer:
Locate a PRT pass retailer here https://rideprt.org/locations
Proceed to the PRT pass purchase area at the retailer and open the Ready2Ride®. app.
Under the “My Account” page, select “scan account” from the list of options.
Have the retail associate scan the unique account barcode from your app.
Select the amount you would like to add to your account.
Pay the retail associate for your transit purchase. Once the transaction has been processed your purchased amount will appear on your Ready2Ride® app under “Funds.”
Continue to the Ready2Ride® app to purchase passes and tickets using your uploaded funds.
How do I load stored cash value into my account?
Open the app.
Under “Account Balance” click on the “Add Funds” button.
Select the amount of stored cash value you would like to load to your account, or type in a custom amount.
Select payment method (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express).
Enter credit/debit information required and select the “Accept & Pay” button.
How do I use a pass on the mobile app to pay my fare?
Select the “Ticket Wallet” button.
Select which ticket(s) you would like to activate.
Activate the ticket just prior to boarding the vehicle.
Select a pass or scan your stored cash value QR code at the reader.
How do I use the balance in my app wallet to pay my fare?
Your wallet will have its own account barcode to use for paying the fare without purchasing a pass. The wallet barcode is used the same way as your ticket or pass barcode.
If I am traveling with a group, can I purchase and use more than one ticket on my phone?
Yes. For groups, you can purchase however many round-trip tickets you need and activate multiple tickets one at a time in your mobile app. Once all tickets have been activated, swipe up on the tickets to reveal the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen. This will allow you to toggle through and scan each ticket at the validator.
Can I pay multiple fares with the balance in my wallet?
Not at the current time. Since each scan of the wallet’s barcode is a ride, it has a built-in transfer for 3 hours, therefore, it is treated as a 3 Hour Fare and can only be used for a single rider. When traveling with multiple riders, you will need to use your wallet to purchase a separate pre-purchased mobile ticket for each rider.
Can I set up automatic purchases?
Not at this time. This will be an option in the future.
How quickly is the payment processed?
Payment is processed as soon as it is authorized.
Are receipts available for mobile ticketing purchases?
Yes. A receipt is emailed to you following each purchase. You can also resend the receipt by clicking the “Actions” link for any ticket in the mobile app.
Can I get a refund for unused tickets and passes or service disruptions?
We will permit self-refunds for tickets and passes purchased through the app if they are inactive and haven’t expired. Please review the service maps and schedules prior to purchasing your ticket or pass. Ticket and pass refunds may be considered, but are not guaranteed, in the event of a necessary service cancellation as determined by PRT.
When should I activate my mobile ticket or pass?
Please have your mobile ticket or pass activated and ready to scan before boarding. Do not activate your ticket or pass too early, as tickets will expire after 60 minutes (passes will remain active during the entire validation period). Your purchased tickets and passes can be found in your Ticket Wallet on the main screen in the mobile ticketing app.
Can I see how much time is left on the active ticket or pass before it expires?
Yes. The expiration date and time is displayed on the top of your ticket or pass. If your ticket or pass expires and turns gray, you may remain on the vehicle to complete your trip, but you may not board another vehicle until you buy or activate another ticket or pass.
How do I validate my mobile ticket or pass?
Activate the mobile ticket or pass you want to use. A barcode displaying the ticket options available for use will display on your screen. Hold the barcode up to the QR code reader window on the validator inside the vehicle. An audible beep will sound indicating that your ticket(s) or pass has been accepted.
Do I need to activate my ticket or pass each time I travel?
Single-use tickets must be activated for each trip taken. Passes will remain active during the entire validation period.
Can I transfer to other routes with a mobile ticket?
Yes, as long as the ticket remains active, and you transfer/board another vehicle before the validation period expires.
Does my mobile ticket(s) expire?
Yes. Mobile tickets expire 30 days from the purchase date. If you purchase a 7-Day or 31-Day pass, your pass will be valid for the purchased time from the date you first validated your ticket. If you purchase an annual pass, it will be effective for 365 days from the first day of the month in which the pass was purchased.
What should I do if my ticket or pass expires before I can use it?
If your activated ticket or pass expires before you can use it, you are still required to pay for your trip. That is why we encourage you to wait until you see your vehicle is approaching before you activate your ticket or pass. Contact customer service for any ticket use disputes.
Can I still activate my ticket or pass if I lose cellular service or go offline?
Although you do need connectivity to purchase a ticket or pass you do not need cellular or Wi-Fi service to activate, validate, or display your mobile ticket or pass.
Can I use the app on multiple phones and/or smart devices?
Accounts are limited to three device changes before you are locked out to prevent fraud. For example, if you log in to your phone on Monday, your tablet on Tuesday, and back to your phone on Wednesday, you will not be able to log back into the account on your tablet on Thursday.
Where is my personal information and credit card information stored and what methods are in place to protect my personal information?
All personal and credit card information is stored as data on a securely encrypted Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant server. No account information is stored within the app itself.
What if the app is unresponsive?
Try closing and reopening the app. If that does not work, try logging out of the app and logging back in. If that does not work, try powering your phone off and then back on. If you continue to experience technical difficulties, navigate to the “Help” tab in the app, or contact Customer Service at 412-442-2000.
What if my credit/debit card is declined?
First, confirm you have the correct bank card details registered in the app exactly as they appear on your card and billing statement, including the correct billing address, zip code, and three-digit security code. Other common errors are adding a period after your middle initial, including the apartment number in the Address Line 1 field, or entering an incorrect billing address. If everything is correct and your card is still declined, contact your bank for further information. Transactions showing as “pending” have not been processed and are typically removed within two business days. Your credit card will not be charged for these transactions.
What happens if my smartphone becomes inoperable (e.g., dead battery) prior to being able to show my mobile ticket or pass?
You are held responsible for having a smartphone in good working order and usable prior to boarding. If your smartphone is inoperable, you must use another payment method.
I purchased a ticket or pass but my screen is unreadable. What should I do?
If your ticket or pass cannot be read or displayed, it is not valid. You will need to pay cash fare or purchase your fare at a ReadyFare Vending Machine, a participating ReadyFare retailer, or at PRT’s Downtown Service Center at 623 Smithfield Street.
Will an operator or other Pittsburgh Regional Transit staff member show me how to use the app?
PRT staff are instructed not to touch riders’ devices. The “Help” feature in the app will provide all the information you need to set up and use the app.
What happens if I lose my mobile device or buy a new device?
If you lose your mobile device or purchase a new one, you can transfer any valid, unused tickets or passes to a new device. To transfer your unused tickets or passes and account to a new device, download the mobile ticketing app on your new device and login. You will be prompted to confirm you wish to transfer your account to this new device. Please note, accounts can only be transferred between devices three times in six months.
Who do I contact if I am experiencing any issues with the app?
If you are experiencing any issues or have questions about the app, you can call Customer Service at 412-442-2000.
What other resources are available through the app?
In addition to mobile ticketing, the app has links to resources meant to make your trip easier:
TrueTime™ (real-time bus and light rail vehicle tracking) system
Trip Planning
Fares
Scheduling and Detour Information
Customer Service
How can I link my ReadyFare card to the Ready2Ride mobile app so my balance is available on both payment methods?
In the mobile app, go to “Pay as You Go”
Select “Add a Travel Token”
Enter the Smart Card number shown on your card
Give your token a name
Click to agree to the terms and conditions
Click on Register Smart Card
Can I manage my ReadyFare card using the Ready2Ride mobile app?
Yes, you can manage your card in the mobile app and on the Ready2Ride website.
Am I able to add multiple ReadyFare cards to my Ready2Ride account?
Yes, you can have multiple cards on your account.
Where do I tap my ReadyFare card to pay my transit fare?
Your card is tapped on the black square on the bottom half of the validator that has the smart card reader icon.
Can I pay my transit fare using a credit card payment?
While this option is not currently available, this feature is planned to launch in 2026.
How can I protect my ReadyFare card?
The best way to protect your card balance is to register the card to an account in the app or on the website. ReadyFare cards have components that can become damaged. Keep your card in a safe place, such as a wallet, to help ensure that it doesn't become scratched or cracked. Also, be careful not to wash it when doing laundry. Do not punch a hole in your card to put it on a lanyard or keychain.