Port Authority added new features to its ConnectCard electronic payment system on Monday.

ConnectCard transfers are completely automatic, providing faster fare payment for riders who use stored cash value. Transfers will continue to be valid for three hours in any direction for a one-zone ride; however, card users will no longer need to inform the operator or fare collector that they want to buy a transfer and will no longer be given a paper transfer.

Instead, the system will note the time of a rider’s first payment when he or she taps the farebox to begin the first leg of a trip. If the rider taps for another one-zone ride within three hours, the transfer fee ($1 for full fare, 50 cents for reduced fare) will be deducted. At those places in the system where Port Authority provides a free continuation transfer, the transfer also will be processed electronically but no fee will be deducted.

Also, single-trip and single-trip with transfer ConnecTix are available for purchase from ConnectCard machines. These ConnecTix will be available for both one- and two-zone rides, and will expire 30 days after purchase.

ConnectCard machines are located at selected light rail and busway stations as well as at Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center, the Monongahela Incline’s lower station and Pittsburgh International Airport. A full list is available online at ConnectCard.org/locations.

First Published: February 10, 2015, 5:00 a.m.