{"id":357866,"date":"2025-09-15T16:16:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T21:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/?page_id=357866"},"modified":"2025-11-17T09:44:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:44:09","slug":"nextgenfare","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/nextgenfare\/","title":{"rendered":"Metro&#8217;s Next Generation of Fare"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p data-block-id=\"f596174\">\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9tb2n6KBhmc?si=1Xcpb_xgqfmkj98o\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f596174\" data-block-id=\"f596174\">We are making significant investments to modernize Metro Transit, enhancing safety and convenience for riders. The next generation of Metro will introduce an entirely new fare system that includes upgraded digital tools and features, new ticket vending machines, and state-of-the-art fare validators. These improvements will make riding Metro quick and simple.<\/p>\r\n<nav class=\"wp-block-stackable-table-of-contents stk-block-table-of-contents stk-block stk-4487741\" data-block-id=\"4487741\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-6c06394\" data-block-id=\"6c06394\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\" \/><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-357877 aligncenter\" style=\"color: #333333; font-size: 16px; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC03170.jpg\" alt=\"A fare validator outside of a security gate.\" width=\"751\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC03170.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC03170-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC03170-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC03170-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC03170-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 751px) 100vw, 751px\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Upgraded Fare Validators Create Quick, Easy Experience<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-b72beea\" data-block-id=\"b72beea\">\r\n<p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\"><strong><em>Installed on MetroBus, Coming to MetroLink Starting Q4 2025<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c2f1480\" data-block-id=\"c2f1480\">\r\n<p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Our new fare validators are already installed on all MetroBus vehicles and will soon be introduced at all MetroLink stations. These validators accept fares through the RideOn! app, the Transit app, or printed tickets. Equipped with a small screen, validators will share an alert when you&#8217;ve shown valid fare or if there is any issue.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>By Spring 2026, you will find the validators near the new security gates at each MetroLink station. When you show your fare to a validator, the gate will automatically open, allowing you to access the platform for a seamless experience.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-20f3e0a\" data-block-id=\"20f3e0a\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-1778be0\" data-block-id=\"1778be0\">\r\n<figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-357878 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Two people stand near an opened ticket vending machine.\" width=\"751\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-1536x896.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/New-TVM-2048x1194.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 751px) 100vw, 751px\" \/><\/span><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"strong-new-and-improved-ticket-vending-machines-strong\" class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-11afbab\" data-block-id=\"11afbab\">\r\n<h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">New and Improved Ticket Vending Machines<\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-f92bff3\" data-block-id=\"f92bff3\">\r\n<p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\"><strong><em>Installation Begins Q1 2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-4a08f4f\" data-block-id=\"4a08f4f\">\r\n<p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">We are in the process of replacing all of our old Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), which have been in use since the launch of MetroLink in 1993. The new, state-of-the-art TVMs will offer enhanced functionality and reliability, making it easier for you to purchase tickets and will continue to accept physical cash for people who want to buy printed tickets without a phone or card.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/nav><hr \/>\r\n<div data-block-id=\"11afbab\">\r\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-358064  aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RideOnAppStock1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A hand holds a phone with Metro's RideOn app while a MetroLink train pulls into a station in the background.\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RideOnAppStock1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RideOnAppStock1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RideOnAppStock1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RideOnAppStock1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RideOnAppStock1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Choose Your App, Ride Your Way<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-b72beea\" data-block-id=\"b72beea\">\r\n<p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\"><strong><em>All features coming Q2 2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>Currently in development, our RideOn! app will provide you with more ways to manage fare, featuring Tap &amp; Ride functionality, fare capping, smart card options, family fare sharing, and automatic reduced fare. The RideOn! app will complement the existing Transit app, which will remain the best option for planning your trips and still offer digital tickets.<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Tap &amp; Ride<\/strong> will allow you to upload money to your RideOn! account and then tap your phone or smart card when boarding to automatically pull the price of fare from your account. No more worrying about individual tickets.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>When you Tap &amp; Ride,<strong> fare capping<\/strong> will help you save automatically by ensuring you never pay more than you need. Our system tracks your taps and stops charging you once you reach the equivalent of a daily or monthly pass over the course of a day or month.<\/li>\r\n<li>If you prefer a physical pass over your phone, <strong>smart cards<\/strong> will be available to connect to your RideOn! account. This will allow you to manage your funds digitally while still enjoying the convenience of a physical card.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Family fare sharing<\/strong> allows you to link multiple smart cards to your RideOn account and share funds with your friends or family. When anyone in the group uses their smart card to ride, the fare will be deducted from your RideOn! account. Each smart card will have its own fare capping total.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Riders who qualify for <strong>reduced fare<\/strong> will be able to set up their discount in their RideOn! account, meaning when you Tap &amp; Ride, you will automatically be charged a reduced fare.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-6c06394\" data-block-id=\"6c06394\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\" \/><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span style=\"font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;\">Fare Project FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-f92bff3\" data-block-id=\"f92bff3\">\r\n<p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\"><strong><em>Last updated on November 6, 2025.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: When will the new validators at MetroLink stations become operational?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><em>A: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">New validators will be activ<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">e<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">at a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">ll <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">MetroLink <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">S<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">tation<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">s<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">onc<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">e<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\"> all <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">39 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">stations have been<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">fully integrated with security <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW136457702 BCX0\">gates<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136457702 BCX0\">and new ticket vending machines.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW136457702 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW46986455 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW46986455 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW46986455 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: Will there be a testing phase where validators accept fares but do not open the gates?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><em>A: <span class=\"TextRun SCXW200988919 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW200988919 BCX0\">No. Validators will not be turned on for public use until they are capable of both accepting fares and opening gates automatically when valid fare is displayed.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW200988919 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: Are the first eleven stations in the initial installation package going to be operational before the others?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: Although the first eleven MetroLink stations with SPP improvements will have new validators installed prior to other stations, they will not be operational until new ticket vending machines and validators are in place at all stations system wide.\u00a0 <\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: What happens now that the old validators have been removed?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: All fare (Gateway Cards, tickets and passes) will be visually inspected by Metro Public Safety team members. This process will work the same way when checking for mobile fare. <\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: I use an ADA Paratransit Gateway Card, or Senior\/Fixed Route Reduced Fare Gateway Card. What do I need to do?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: For now, please continue to present your current Gateway Card to Metro Public Safety team members as proof of your free or reduced fare eligibility. The process for obtaining a replacement card with identification for Metro\u2019s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/ontheway\/\">On The Way With ADA program<\/a><\/strong> or other reduced fare will be announced soon. You can sign up to be among the first to know how to receive a replacement card by filling out <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/kkf5Fe6rC8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>this form<\/strong><\/a>. <\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: How long will security personnel continue staffing station gates?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: Metro\u2019s Public Safety team will continue to staff gates until the entire fare collection system is finished and ready to be activated. <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: Will every station have security personnel at some point during this process?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><em>A: Metro has an active security presence system-wide, but the first eleven stations will continue to have dedicated security personnel to operate the gates until the new fare system is completed.\u00a0 Gates will remain open at all other stations until the new system is fully activated.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: When will the entire fare system upgrade be complete?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: The full project, including the installation of new gates, validators, ticket vending machines, and the adoption of updated fare media (Gateway Cards, tickets and passes)<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. <\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: When can riders start using the new RideOn! smart card?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: The reloadable RideOn! smart card will be available to the public on the day of the full fare system launch in spring 2026.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: Can riders start using the RideOn! app now?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: Yes. The RideOn! app is currently available for riders who wish to be early adopters. It works with new MetroBus validators and can be shown to Public Safety officers at MetroLink stations. However, Metro will not actively promote the app until the full fare system launches because several key features\u2014such as Tap &amp; Ride, Fare Capping, and Family Fare Share\u2014are not yet functional.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: Will Metro continue to support the Transit app?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: Yes. Riders can continue to use the Transit app during and after the fare system transition. Both apps will remain available, and Metro will launch a \u201cChoose Your App, Ride Your Way\u201d campaign closer to the full fare system rollout to help riders understand the differences.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><b>Q: When will the new Ticket Vending Machines be installed?<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">A: Installation of new Ticket Vending Machines will begin in January 2026 and will continue for several months until all MetroLink stations have been upgraded.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<p>View more FAQ&#8217;s about the new fare system <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/nextstop\/a-new-fare-collection-system-is-coming-to-metro-transit\/\">here<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 We are making significant investments to modernize Metro Transit, enhancing safety and convenience for riders. The next generation of Metro will introduce an entirely new fare system that includes upgraded digital tools and features, new ticket vending machines, and state-of-the-art fare validators. These improvements will make riding Metro quick and simple. Upgraded Fare [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"tmp_page-no-callouts.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-357866","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"featured_media_urls":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/46"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=357866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357866\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrostlouis.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=357866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}