Amtran has on-boarded a new fare-collection system designed to make it easier for riders.

EZfare “went live” Aug. 4, enabling riders to download the EZfare app to their smartphones — or buy an EZfare card at Amtran’s offices — according to the Amtran website and interim CEO Michele Barnes.

EZfare replaces the myFare Smart Card that Amtran has been using, which allowed riders to load money for fare payments, but only by visiting the Amtran offices or talking with a driver while boarding — not by using their phones, like they can now, Barnes said.

“(Riders) couldn’t manage their own accounts,” she stated.

The new system will make it especially convenient when riders are getting ready for work in the morning and realize they don’t have enough money loaded on their card, for example, she said.

Rather than worrying about adding funds when they step on the bus, they can do it before they leave home, she said.

Riders can purchase single rides or passes for all day or a month or any of several kinds of discounted fares, according to Barnes and the website.

Riders can no longer purchase the old myFare cards, although they can use funds loaded on the old cards until Sept. 2.

Amtran can transfer funds that are loaded on the myFare cards to the new EZfare cards at its offices.

For single rides, adults pay $1.75; with a card, $1.65. Monthly passes are $50. Students pay $1 to ride all day; people with disabilities or a Medicare card pay 85 cents per ride; people 65 and older and children 5 and younger ride free, according to the website.

Amtran has purchased a copy of the Masabi EZfare system, according to Barnes.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.