Frequently Asked Questions — Fares

The new RideMETRO Fare System offers many benefits. You can:

1. Pay with a physical RideMETRO Fare Card; virtual RideMETRO Fare Card (in the RideMETRO app); credit, debit or prepaid 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. Get rewarded faster with one free trip for every 10 paid trips (1-for-10).

And there are multiple ways you can manage your physical or virtual RideMETRO Fare Card:

• Through your online account
• Using the RideMETRO app
• 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'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:

• Physical RideMETRO Fare Card
• Credit, debit, or prepaid card
• Mobile wallet with Apple Pay or Google Pay

The following payment methods will require you to scan the QR code six inches under the fare validator:

• Virtual RideMETRO Fare Card (in the RideMETRO app)
• 3-Hour Pass ticket (not valid on Park & Ride)
• Day Pass ticket (not valid on Park & Ride)

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.