The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) has launched a new mobile app that allows riders to pay for the bus directly from their smartphones. Mobile tickets are valid for any of BATA’s fixed route City and Village Loop systems, as well as its demand-response Link service.

Customers can download the Hopthru app by visiting the Apple or Google Play app stores. Riders also can receive a link to download the app by texting “hopthru” to 43506.

Once the app is downloaded, riders simply enter their payment information, select the type of ticket they want, and activate the selected ticket to show the driver before boarding the bus. Purchased passes can be activated at any time with or without an Internet connection, enabling riders to travel without having to worry about keeping a cell signal. For a limited time, first-time users of the Hopthru app get their first ride free (a $1.50 value).

“Being able to purchase BATA fares through a mobile app is a technology our riders have been requesting and we’re thrilled to make this feature available to our customers,” says BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham.