Introducing the New RideMETRO Fare System: A Faster, Easier Way to Ride

METRO is starting the new year with a major upgrade to how riders pay their fare with the new RideMETRO Fare System, making it even easier and more convenient to choose transit. This system is part of METRO’s METRONow plan to improve the customer experience and make paying your fare faster and easier. 

The RideMETRO Fare System is an account-based, cloud-powered system that includes a reusable RideMETRO Fare Card and a redesigned RideMETRO app. Because it’s cloud-based, funds are available instantly, so riders can tap and go without waiting, helping speed up boarding and reduce delays. 

There is no fare increase with the new system. Riders get more convenience and flexibility without paying more. 

During the transition period, riders can use a wide range of payment options.

Accepted Now: 

• METRO Q Fare Cards
• METRO Day Passes
  
• METRO Money
• METRO Q Ticketing
• Physical RideMETRO Fare Cards
• Virtual RideMETRO fare cards
• Debit and Credit Cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover)
• Apple pay and Google Pay via mobile phones (Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover)
• METRO TVM paper ticket 3-hour pass and Day Pass with QR code
• Cash

“Every improvement we make is about respecting our riders’ time. The RideMETRO Fare System makes boarding faster and easier, without raising fares. Transit should work for people, and this system does exactly that,” METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said.

• Physical RideMETRO fare cards
• Virtual RideMETRO fare cards
• Debit and Credit Cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover)
• Apple pay and Google Pay via mobile phones (Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover)
• METRO TVM paper ticket 3-hour pass and Day Pass with QR Code
• Cash

RideMETRO cards are available at METRO RideStores, Mini-RideStores, Ticket Vending Machines, online, and at select retail locations. 

The system also rewards frequent riders. For every 10 paid taps, riders earn one free ride. The RideMETRO app lets customers add money, track trips, monitor rewards, and manage family accounts, making it easy to stay organized and get the most value from every ride.

Riders will have plenty of time to switch. Current METRO Q® Fare Cards will remain active through the transition period, expected to run through April 2026. 

Cash will still be accepted on METRO buses (exact change required), at RideStores, participating retailers, and Ticket Vending Machines. However, cash riders will not receive free three-hour transfers or the free ride after 10 paid taps. Digital payment options offer the most benefits and convenience. 

Students, seniors ages 65 and older, people with disabilities and qualified veterans can apply online for a RideMETRO Fare Card to ride free or half price. RideMETRO Discount Fare Card holders can convert their card to a virtual one in the RideMETRO app, making access to reduced fares even easier.

Get your RideMETRO Fare Card or download the RideMETRO app today and experience a simpler, faster way to ride.