San Antonio, TX – VIA Metropolitan Transit is making public transportation more convenient than ever with its newly introduced contactless payment system, allowing riders to pay quickly and effortlessly using a credit card or mobile wallet directly on the bus.

A Tap Away from Convenience

Gone are the days of fumbling for cash or waiting in long lines to pay for a bus fare. With VIA’s latest update, passengers can simply tap their contactless Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit/debit cards or use mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay to board.

“VIA’s new payment options make getting on the bus faster and easier than ever,” the transit agency stated. Riders no longer need to carry exact change, and payments are processed instantly when a card or phone is tapped on the onboard reader.

Key Payment Features & Tips

To ensure a smooth transition, VIA provided a few important reminders:

Accepted Payment Methods – VIA accepts contactless Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards. However, American Express is not accepted at this time.
Mobile Wallet Support – Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay can also be used for seamless transactions.
Discounts Still Apply – Riders who qualify for a discount should inform the operator before tapping their card or phone, or the full fare will be charged.
Day Passes – Daily passes must still be purchased with cash or through the VIA goMobile+ app, but they can also be bought on the bus with a contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet.
Printed Transfers Available – Riders who need a printed transfer can request one from the operator.

Currently, contactless payments are only available on VIA buses. The system does not yet support VIA Link or VIATrans services.

A Step Forward in Public Transit

This move aligns VIA with other major transit systems that have adopted tap-to-pay technology, making transit more efficient and user-friendly. VIA encourages riders to take advantage of the new payment options and visit VIAINFO.NET/PAY for additional details.

With contactless payments now in place, San Antonio’s public transit system is stepping into the future, offering riders a smoother, faster, and more accessible way to travel.