If you ride METRO, then you already know that we're the best deal on wheels.
What you may not know is that METRO has 65 ways to pay a fare - the most complicated fare structure in the United States. The complexity of our system is confusing, a frequent source of disputes with drivers and vulnerable to abuse.
It also hasn't kept pace with METRO's soaring operating costs. Our fuel costs, alone, have nearly tripled in the past few years.
It's time for a change.
With the unveiling of METRO's new Q Card, we'll be introducing a new fare system that includes the following features:
- Base fare remains $1
- One “smart” card - the Q Card - instead of 65 ways to pay
- Period passes and most discounts will be replaced with an incentive program for all riders – 5 free trips for every 50 paid trips (Possible with the Q Card, only)
- Seniors, students and the disabled continue getting a large discount (50 percent all day)
- No change for METROLift service
- No change for cash customers - must have Q Card for free transfers
- No change for transfers with the Q Card
Under METRO’s new fare system, about 1 in 5 riders would, for the first time, save more money through regular use. And METRO will still be paying 81 percent of the total cost of your ride.
The Q is here - come and get your new way to ride
Fare Q & A
Q: When does the new fare structure go
into effect?
A: METRO is beginning to switch to its new fare system Jan. 2,
2008.Customers are encouraged to get a Q Card. Key dates are:
- Jan. 2 - Q Card is officially launched.
- Jan. 31 - Last day to buy period passes.
- Feb. 1 - Discounts only with Q Card; 60-day grace period begins for period passes.
- Feb. 29 - Free transfers only with Q Card.
- March 31 - Just two ways to pay: the Q Card and cash.
Q: What is replacing the period passes that METRO previously offered?
A:
METRO will offer an incentive program that rewards riders using METRO's new Q
Card system with five free trips for every 50 paid trips.
Q: What are the proposed changes for transfers?
A: Transfers will remain free if a passenger uses METRO's new Q Card. Customers paying with cash will be required to pay for another fare. Transfer time will be reduced from three hours to two hours. METRO's analysis shows the vast majority of transfers occur within an hour and a half.
Q: How much more will the average rider have to pay?
A: Local riders, who make up 84 percent of METRO's riders, will pay 11 cents more on average. Commuters, who make up 14 percent of riders, will pay 50 cents more on average.
Q: Will METROLift riders also pay more?
A: No. METROLift fares remain the same.
Q: Will you have to pay a fee to get a Q Card, beyond the amount stored to pay fares? Will it be easy to obtain?
A: No, the card will be free. METRO plans to make the cards available at many locations so there will be little reason to pay your fare with cash.
Q: What happens to the balance remaining on Stored Value Cards and period passes? Will those balances be converted to the Q Cards?
A: All value from current passes can be transferred to a Q Card. Customers will have until March 31, 2008, to use up the remaining value on your passes or transfer the balance to the Q Card.
Q: How do I pay my fare on METRORail?
A: You may pay in cash and get a paper, one-way ticket. You can also tap your Q Card on a card reader on the platform, and the fare will be deducted automatically from your account. METRO Police, using portable card readers, will conduct spot checks, just as they do by inspecting tickets now to make sure riders have paid.
Q: Fares on six of METRO’s seven Express Bus routes will be reduced from $1.50 to $1, the same as a local route. What will happen to the seventh Express route, the 170 Missouri City, and why is it treated differently?
A: It will become a Park & Ride route with the $1.50 Zone-1 fare remaining unchanged. This route was different from the others because it goes straight to Missouri City. On other routes, with multiple stops, it was difficult for bus drivers to keep track of multiple fare rates on the same trip.
