METRORail Fare Facts
Proof of Purchase for METRORail
METRO police will perform random fare inspections aboard trains to verify that passengers have paid the proper fare.
Passengers can be fined up to $500 if unable to show proof of purchase. The following items can be used to prove
purchase:
- Single Ride Rail Ticket purchased at the TVM
- METRO Q Fare Card, tapped on the Q Box before boarding
- TMC METRO Q® Fare Card tapped on the Q Box before boarding (valid ONLY at Memorial Hermann/Houston Zoo, Dryden/TMC, TMC Transit Center, and Smith Lands stations)
Whether a passenger chooses to ride the bus, rail or both, they will be able to get on board using METRO Q® Fare Card or cash.
METRORail Ticket
Rail tickets can be purchased using cash, a credit or debit card at any METRO Ticket Vending Machine (TVM). Cost is just $1.25. METRO Q® Fare Card users can also buy tickets for other riders using the value on their card.
Cash
Currency can be used to purchase both bus and rail fare. It is deposited into the farebox on board the bus. To pay METRORail fare, insert cash into the TVM to receive a ticket. Tickets for rail must be purchased prior to boarding.
Transfers
Free transfers for three hours in the same direction are only available with the METRO Q® Fare Card.
On the road with METRO's bus service.
Local Service runs mostly on city streets, stopping along its route.
Park & Ride Service is for long-distance commuting. METRO's Park & Ride lots provide bus service to key destinations in the service area. One-way fares fall into four zones based on the distance a bus travels.
Learn more about the fare >>
