KINGSTON, ON, November 10th 2020 – HONK, North America’s leading provider of contactless payments, and the Howe Island Ferries have teamed up to bring clean, contactless fare payments to ferry passengers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Howe Island Ferries needed to quickly transition from cash payments to a touch-free fare option for passengers and staff. Now, travellers can pay for ferry passage via HONK’s contactless fare payment system — no need to wait in line, approach fare collectors, or touch money.

“Providing a safe end-to-end ferry journey has never been more important to us,” said Kevin Farrell, spokesperson for Howe Island Ferries. “Working with HONK to implement a contactless fare payment system felt like a no-brainer — as the official mobile parking app for both the City of Kingston and Town of Gananoque, the HonkAPP already has a large user base in the area. This decision reaffirms Howe Island Ferries’ commitment to the highest of safety standards for our passengers and staff.”

This hands-off fare payment system is available for single-passage tickets on the County Ferry (Mainland Side) and the Township Ferry (Mainland Side). Passengers can choose one of the following touch-free ways to pay: (1) Download the free HonkAPP from the App Store or Google Play, or (2) Tap or scan their phone at a patent-pending HonkTAP smart station —– no app or account setup required. Once a ticket has been purchased, users show ferry staff a payment receipt they received via email on their device.

“We’re thrilled to bring our contactless payments to Howe Island Ferries’ fare collection,” said Michael Back, HONK President and CEO. “The coronavirus pandemic has illustrated the need for a safe and contactless point-of-sale experience, and we’re proud to help Howe Island Ferries pivot their fare payment system to one that is contactless, clean, and seamless.”

Both touch-free fare payment options work with all smartphones and accept Apple Pay, PayPal, and all major credit or debit cards. There are currently three rates available:

  1. Cars, pickup trucks, and motorcycles – $6
  2. Cars and pickup trucks (with trailers) – $15
  3. Heavy trucks and buses (over 6,000 kg) – $15

Travel via Howe Islander Ferries regularly? Annual passes will go digital in the near future — Stay tuned!

About Howe Island Ferries

The County of Frontenac operates the Howe Islander Ferry 24 hours per day, 365 days per year on demand. The ferry is a 15-car/48-passenger cable vessel with a seven-minute transit between the mainland East of Kingston to Howe Island. The Township of Frontenac Islands operates the Howe Island Foot Ferry, a three-car ferry at the east end of Howe Island, which operates 18 hours per day, 365 days per year on demand. Learn all about Howe Island Ferries and fares and how you can purchase fares at www.HoweIslandFerries.ca.