Fare Collection

METRORail rider tapping fare card on rail platform
Enhanced safety measures on buses, trains and METROLift vehicles have allowed METRO to resume fare collection starting Sunday, July 12.

These safety measures include:

  • Protective shields between riders and bus operators
  • Access to hand sanitizer while on board


All riders are also required to wear a protective mask to help fight COVID-19.

These are in addition to prior safety measures already in place.

Starting Sunday, July 12, front door boarding and exiting will also resume, and boarding from the rear door will no longer be allowed.

METRO encourages you to use public transit for only essential trips.


Questions & Answers

What’s the regular cost to ride?

$1.25 per ride (Local bus, METRORail, METROLift)

Park & Ride buses range from 2-8 dollars per ride, depending on your location.

Does METRO offer discounted fares, and if so, who’s eligible and what’s the cost?

Yes. Discounted fares are offered for:

  • Students
  • Seniors
  • Medicare cardholders
  • Disabled passengers


Discounted rate:

Local bus, METRORail — 60 cents per ride
METROLift — bulk discounts and passes available

What payment methods does METRO accept?

On local bus, METRORail and Park & Ride, you can pay with any of the following:

  • Cash
  • Fare card
  • Mobile ticket


On METROLift, you can pay with any of the following:

  • Paper ticket
  • Monthly or annual pass
  • Advance online payment through METROLift’s automated fare payment system (E-Z Wallet)


For more information on how to acquire any of those METROLift fare payments, please call METROLift Customer Service at 713-225-0119.

Where do I buy a fare card?

METRO fare cards are available for purchase at:

  • Vending machines located at rail platforms, Park & Ride lots and transit centers
  • METRO RideStore: 1900 Main St., Houston, Texas 77002 (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning Monday, July 6th)*
  • Participating retail locations, as shown below


See all retailer locations (sorted alphabetically)
See all retailer locations (sorted by zip code)


* Prior to entering the METRO RideStore location at 1900 Main, you’ll be required to:

  • Use a designated entrance
  • Wear a mask
  • Have your temperature checked


You can also purchase fare cards through the METRO Online RideStore, at any time. However, it may take several days for you to receive your card(s), as all ticket purchases made through the online store are physically mailed.

Where do I buy a mobile ticket?

Mobile tickets are available in the Get Your Fare section of our RideMETRO app, which provides you everything you need to ride:


Google Play Store Apple App Store

Once I’m ready to board, how do I pay?

It depends on the service you’re riding and payment method you’re using.


Local/Park & Ride bus

Cash – Place your dollar bill(s) and/or coin(s) into the machine (exact amount only)

Fare card – Tap your card on the fare reader

Mobile ticket – Show it to the bus operator as you board


METRORail

Fare card – Tap it at one of the fare boxes located on your rail platform

Mobile ticket – Show it to a METRO fare inspector, upon request


METROLift

Paper ticket – Hand it to the driver

Monthly or annual pass – Show it to the driver

If you’ve paid online using E-Z Wallet, your driver will be notified in advance and you can just board the vehicle.

 

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For more information, please contact METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000. Their hours of operation are:

Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.