Metro News

The Metro Board of Trustees has approved a new fare structure that will take effect on July 16, 2025. The update includes a modest fare increase—only the third in the past 20 years—alongside major improvements to child fare policies and the launch of Tap&Save, a modern payment system that makes riding cost-effective for all customers.

The fare increase averages approximately 10% across all service types. Under the new structure, local fares will be $2.20, and express route fares will be $3.00. This adjustment supports Metro’s continued investment in enhanced service, reliability, and customer experience, while maintaining one of the most affordable fare structures in the region.

New Child Fare Policy: Simpler, Fairer, Family-Friendly
Metro is also updating its child fare policy to better serve families and align with national standards:

• Children under 55 inches tall will ride free with a fare-paying adult (limit two children per adult).
• Children over 55 inches tall will pay full fare.
• To support this change, each bus will feature a height indicator at the 55-inch mark to help operators and customers easily determine eligibility.
• This update is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which report the average height of a 10-year-old child is 54.5 inches—regardless of gender.

Tap&Save: Guaranteed Lowest Fare
Metro’s new Tap&Save payment model simplifies how riders pay their fare and ensures they always get the best deal. Instead of buying a pass upfront, riders can load funds onto their smartphone or smart card and simply tap or scan each time they board. The system tracks daily and monthly spending and automatically caps costs at the equivalent of a 24-hour or 30-day pass. That means once a rider spends the daily or monthly cap, additional rides are free during that period—making transit more affordable and accessible for frequent riders. Physical passes will still be available for purchase online and at Metro’s sales office. Buses will alse continue to accept cash.

“These changes are about fairness, simplicity, and value,” said Brandy Jones, APR, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer for Metro. “With the modest fare adjustment, an updated child fare policy that better supports families, and the new Tap&Save benefit that guarantees riders the lowest fare, we’re making it easier for everyone to access reliable public transit, while ensuring long-term sustainability for the system. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to improving the rider experience.”

These updates build on the momentum of Metro’s new Rider Rewards program, launched in April 2025, which allows customers to earn points for riding and redeem them for free rides and gift cards. Together, these initiatives are part of Metro’s continued commitment to improving the rider experience and making public transit more accessible and affordable.

Riders can get the complete details about the fare restructuring, Tap&Save, and the Rider Rewards program by visiting go-metro.com/fare-update