RideMETRO
Fare System

The current METRO Q® Fare Card system is outdated and will be phased out of service in April 2026. Switching to the new system will make planning your trip and purchasing/paying fares quicker and easier.

The RideMETRO Fare System is currently in soft launch, with a full public launch in January 2026.

During the transition phase, both the METRO Q® Fare Card and RideMETRO Card will be honored as payment. METRO will provide updates once the fare system switchover is complete.

No. There will be NO FARE INCREASE with the new RideMETRO Fare System. 

The RideMETRO Card offers many of the same benefits as the METRO Q® Fare Card and MORE:

1. Pay with the RideMETRO Card or RideMETRO app, credit/debit card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, or cash.
2. Manage multiple cards under one account.
3. Add money instantly to any card in your managed account.
4. Receive one FREE ride for every 10 paid taps of the card.

You can manage your RideMETRO Card online, through the RideMETRO app and by calling or texting the Customer Contact Center at 713-635-4000.

No. You're not required to register your card; however, any money on the card will not be protected if it's lost or stolen. If a card is not registered, it cannot be managed online or set up for autoload.

You can pay by tapping your RideMETRO Card, credit/debit card, or mobile phone with Apple Pay / Google Pay. You can also scan a QR code in the RideMETRO app or scan a paper ticket each time you board a bus or enter a METRORail platform.

Multiple people cannot share the same payment method. Each rider must pay individually using their own RideMETRO Card, credit/debit card, mobile app, Apple Pay/Google Pay, cash or paper ticket. 

Fare Inspectors and METRO Police will still conduct regular fare checks on the system.

Starting January 5, 2026, RideMETRO Cards will be available online, as well as at METRO RideStores, our new Mini-RideStores, Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), and participating retailers (ex: grocery/convenience stores) throughout the region for a $2.00 fee.

3-hour and day pass tickets can be purchased from Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) located on METRORail platforms.

No. Back-of-the-bus reloaders will no longer be available on METRO buses. The good news is that you can add money to your RideMETRO Card online, as well as at METRO RideStores, Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), through the RideMETRO app, or at participating retailers (ex: grocery/convenience stores).

Yes. Cash will be accepted at all Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), participating retailers, METRO RideStores, and for one-way travel on METRO bus service (exact fare only). However, riders using cash will not receive the FREE three-hour transfer or the one FREE ride for every 10 paid taps benefit. 

During the transition phase, you should use all remaining funds on your current METRO Q® Fare Card and discard it.

No. You have the option of choosing either a physical or virtual card, not both. If a physical card is converted to virtual, it can no longer be used.

Yes. Students, seniors (65 years of age or older), and qualified veterans can apply online for a discounted or free RideMETRO Card. People with a disability who are not eligible for METROLift must apply in-person at a METRO RideStore.

Once you have obtained your discounted RideMETRO Card, you can convert the physical card to a virtual card in the RideMETRO app.