Our new fare payment system is here! A new RideMETRO Fare Card is replacing the METRO Q® Fare Card, and an updated RideMETRO app is replacing the Q Ticketing app for mobile fare payments.
On this page, you can:
The RideMETRO fare system will operate much like the current system. You'll continue to tap when paying your fare. But you'll be rewarded faster, with the 1-for-10 loyalty program – one free ride after every 10 paid rides. And there are other enhancements:
New fare validators and ticket vending machines will give you more options to pay your fare.
You can purchase a RideMETRO Fare Card and add funds using your preferred payment method.
Cards are managed through the Online RideStore or the updated RideMETRO app.
We're currently transitioning to the new system.
During this phase, both the METRO Q Fare Card and RideMETRO Fare Card will be honored as payment.
You can still use your METRO Q Fare Card until April 4, but you can't add money to it after Feb. 28.
All dates are tentative and subject to change.
You can still use your METRO mobile tickets in the Q Ticketing app, but you will not be able to buy tickets after Jan. 12.
METRO mobile tickets stored in your Q Ticketing account may be used until Monday, Feb. 2.
All dates are tentative and subject to change.
You can now use the updated RideMETRO app to pay your fare. More details can be found on the RideMETRO App page.
The new RideMETRO Fare System offers many benefits. You can:
And there are multiple ways you can manage your physical or virtual RideMETRO Fare Card:
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'll need to tap or scan the fare validator as you enter a METRO local bus, Park & Ride bus, curb2curb vehicle or METRORail platform.
The following payment methods will need to be tapped on the fare validator:
The following payment methods will require you to scan a QR code approximately six inches under the fare validator:
On buses, you can also pay with cash by depositing it into a fare box at the front of the vehicle as you board. No change is given and free transfers are not included.
Each rider must tap or scan their own form of payment. You cannot pay fares for multiple people using the same payment method.
Fare inspectors and METRO Police conduct regular fare checks on the system.
More details can be found on the All About Fares page.
You can obtain a RideMETRO Fare Card for $2 and load money on it at any of the following:
3-Hour and Day Pass tickets can only be purchased from TVMs located on METRORail platforms.
No. Back-of-the-bus reloaders will no longer be available on METRO buses.
You can add money to a physical RideMETRO Fare Card:
You can add money to a virtual RideMETRO Fare Card:
Yes. Cash will still be accepted to pay for fares:
You can also use cash to buy or reload a physical RideMETRO Fare Card:
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 RideMETRO Discount Fare Card.
People with a disability who are not eligible for METROLift must apply for a RideMETRO Discount Fare Card in-person at a METRO RideStore.
Once you've obtained your RideMETRO Discount Fare Card, you can convert the physical card to a virtual card in the RideMETRO app.
Create your account and then purchase a physical RideMETRO Fare Card or set up a free virtual card to start using the new system and earning rewards.
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