HopOn, an Israeli startup seeking to streamline payment for transit options from buses to rental bikes, announced a major milestone Tuesday Rav-Kav (multi-ride ticket) smart card users will now be able to charge their electronic ticket through the app.
In the first stage of the rollout, Android users with NFC-equipped phones will be able to use the app to load credits from their credit cards with a simple click.
The options presented to users are varied and include pay-as-you-go credit (valid for use in most areas), a set number of rides, and monthly passes for the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area. As such, the prices and ticket options are personalized for the user's profile whether senior citizen, child, student, etc. to assure the proper discounts are applied.
HopOn was launched a year and a half ago, mainly on the Dan bus service while operating pilot programs with other transport companies. David Mezuman, one of the co-founders, said "the new development will save a lot of time for public transport passengers by shortening the payment line that bogs down entry to buses. We see this development as a stepping stone to the support of full mobile payment and ticketing, without the need for smart cards and the expensive hardware that operates them."
Dan chairman Shmuel Rafaeli said the company was "proud to launch this remote-charging app which will lead to a significant improvement in service quality for public transport passengers… As in the past, Dan continues to lead the technological evolution of ticketing, data, and alternative energy in the Israeli public transportation sector."
HopOn was founded by Ofer Sinai and David Mezuman; it has raised $700,000 from private investors and is in the midst of another round of funding.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 11, 2015
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