Who are you?
What industry do you work in?
Beginning this fall semester, Hartnell College students will be able to ride MST (still free!) more easily than ever through a new Tap2Ride pilot program that allows students to board by simply tapping a contactless bankcard on the fare reader.
Originally published on MST.org
For Immediate Release
21 August 2026
MONTEREY-SALINAS TRANSIT (MST) AND HARTNELL COLLEGE LAUNCH TAP2RIDE PILOT FOR STUDENTS THIS FALL
Beginning this fall semester, Hartnell College students will be able to ride MST (still free!) more easily than ever through a new Tap2Ride pilot program that allows students to board by simply tapping a contactless bankcard on the fare reader.
The pilot streamlines the boarding process by eliminating the need for students to show their student ID to the driver. Instead, students can quickly and securely tap a contactless bankcard on a fare reader, creating a faster and more convenient experience for both riders and operators.
The technology behind the pilot is provided by Jawnt, a mobility technology company that helps transit agencies modernize fare payment systems and improve access to public transportation. The company works with transit providers across North America to simplify fare collection and enhance the customer experience.
The Tap2Ride pilot is part of an ongoing partnership between MST and Hartnell College to improve access to education, employment, and essential services through public transportation. The pilot is the next step in continuing MST’s groundbreaking contactless payments system that allows anyone with a major credit/debit card or contactless-enabled device to tap to pay and register to receive any discounts for which they may be eligible.
“Public transit plays a vital role in helping students reach campus, jobs, and other opportunities,” said Carl Sedoryk, MST General Manager/CEO. “By working with Hartnell College to implement this technology, we’re making it easier for students to access the transportation benefits available to them while improving the customer experience.”
Jawnt CEO, Jeff Stade stated, “Connecting students to transit, while they’re in such an exploratory and transitional life phase, is a great way to win lifelong transit riders. Jawnt is excited to make it easier for students to build these habits.”
“Hartnell College is committed to removing barriers that can impact student success,” said Sandra Guzman, Hartnell College Vice President of Student Affairs. “This pilot makes it easier for our students to take advantage of transit services and focus on what matters most: their education.”
In addition to improving convenience, the Tap2Ride program is expected to reduce boarding times and create a more seamless transit experience by allowing students to validate their eligibility electronically.
The pilot will launch at the start of the Fall 2026 semester. MST and Hartnell College will monitor the program’s performance and gather feedback from students throughout the pilot period.
For more information, visit www.mst.org or call Monterey-Salinas Transit toll-free at 1‑888‑MST‑BUS1 (1‑888‑678‑2871). For RealTime bus arrival information, text “Next” and your four-digit bus stop ID (example, “Next 9103”) to 25370, call 1‑888‑MST‑BUS1 with your four-digit bus stop ID, download the free Transit app, or use Google Maps.
