Fares & Passes
The Next Generation of Fare Launches July 6
Metro Transit will begin activating its next-generation fare system and automated security gates on Monday, July 6, at 13 MetroLink stations as part of phased rollout of the new system.
Learn More
Metro Fare Details
| Metro Fare Type | Mode | Current Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Base Fare | Bus | $1.00 |
| Cash Base Fare | Rail | $2.50 |
| Cash (Reduced Fare)* | Bus | $0.50 |
| Cash (Reduced Fare)* | Rail | $1.25 |
| One-Day Pass | Bus / Rail | $5.00 |
| 7-Day Pass | Bus / Rail | $27.00 |
| 30-Day Pass | Bus / Rail | $78.00 |
| 30-Day Pass (Reduced Fare)* | Bus / Rail | $39.00 |
| University Semester Pass | Bus / Rail | $175.00 |
| Metro Call-A-Ride/ADA** | Call‑A‑Ride | $2.00 |
- *
- Reduced fares require a Metro Reduced Fare Permit
- **
- For a complete overview of Call‑A‑Ride pricing, consult the Call‑A‑Ride page
Fare Options
Transit App
The easiest way to navigate the Metro Transit system is by downloading Transit app to your mobile device. You can purchase digital tickets or passes on the Transit app, which provides a QR code you can scan at a fare validator. You can also set up Tap & Ride on the app for a more convenient way to pay for your fare. To set up Tap & Ride, look for the “Pay with QR code” option on the app.
Ride On Card
For riders who want the value of passes or new features without using an app, our new Ride On card is the answer. When you purchase a 7‑Day and 30‑Day pass, it will be loaded onto a reloadable Ride On card, which you can reuse by adding additional passes in the future. Even easier, you can add a Tap & Ride balance on a Ride On card. The Ride On card can work independently or be linked to Transit app.
Tip: Ride On cards can be registered and linked to your account at MetroStLouis.org/MyTickets. By linking a Ride On card to your account, you are able to connect it to the Transit app. And if you ever lose a linked Ride On card with a balance, you can contact our sales team to transfer it to a new card. View our step-by-step guide for help linking a Ride On card to your account.
Ride On App
An alternative to the Transit app, streamlined for fare, making it a great option for riders who do not need a trip-planning tool or want a simple mobile fare solution. With the Ride On app, you can purchase digital tickets or passes, and more features are coming soon.
Tickets & Passes
Tickets and passes are available for purchase at Ticket Vending Machines located at all MetroLink stations and Metro Transit Centers. Single-ride tickets feature a QR Code and One-Day Passes have a chip that can be scanned at a validator. 7‑Day and 30‑Day passes are available at Ticket Vending Machines on reloadable Ride On cards.
New Fare Features
Tap & Ride
Tap & Ride is the easiest, fastest way to pay your fare. Instead of purchasing individual passes, you’ll be able to add funds to a Tap & Ride balance on your mobile app or Ride On card. Then, when boarding, you’ll simply present your phone to the validator, and it will automatically draw the appropriate fare from that balance. Click here to learn more.
Fare Capping
Fare capping is an automatic feature when you use Tap & Ride, making it easy to save. Don’t worry if it’s worth buying a pass for the next week or month. Instead, when you Tap & Ride, our system knows how much you’ve spent on fare and stops charging you once you’ve reached the total for a pass, so you are guaranteed the lowest fare. This is a major advantage for riders who could save money with a 7‑Day or 30‑Day Pass, but can’t afford the up‑front cost. Click here to learn more.
Reduced Fares
- Children ages 5 to 12 can get Metro fares at half-price. No special pass is required, however proof of age may be requested.
- Children 4 and younger ride FREE! No special pass is required, however proof of age may be requested.
- Seniors age 65+ can ride MetroBus and MetroLink for half-price with a Senior Reduced Fare Permit.
- Qualified paratransit customers can ride MetroBus and MetroLink for free through the On The Way With ADA program.
Reduced fares are available to seniors (age 65+), customers with disabilities and customers who possess a Medicare ID, who have a valid Reduced Fare ID or Permit from Metro Transit, St. Clair County Transit District or Madison County Transit. Visit the Reduced Fare Programs page for more details.
Getting a Replacement Reduced Fare Card
If you currently have an ADA Paratransit Card (Call‑A‑Ride Card), a Fixed Route Reduced Fare Card, or a Senior Reduced Fare Card, please fill out this form to get a replacement card that is compatible with the new fare validators. For questions or assistance, please contact ADA Services at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@MetroStLouis.org.
Madison County Transit Fares
Madison County Transit (MCT) Regional Passes – both print and mobile versions – are accepted as full fare without any additional charge on MetroLink and MetroBus. They are valid for two hours from the time they are issued and are good for a single trip on MetroBus.
Metro accepts valid MCT Senior Free Ride, MCT Senior Select Free Ride, and MCT Half Fare IDs for a reduced fare on MetroLink and MetroBus service.
The MCT ADA Paratransit Free Ride ID is accepted on MetroLink and MetroBus in Illinois without additional payment. In Missouri, the MCT ADA Paratransit Free Ride ID provides reduced fares on MetroLink and MetroBus, and requires additional payment.
Please note that all other MCT-issued passes and transfers, including MCT-issued monthly passes, summer youth passes and Benefit Access IDs are not accepted on any MetroBus or MetroLink service.
Please click here for more information on Madison County Transit Fares.
St. Clair County Transit Fares
Metro accepts valid St. Clair County Transit (SCCT) Senior Fixed Route Free Ride Passes for travel on MetroLink and MetroBus.
Metro also accepts SCCTD ADA Paratransit Passes for travel on MetroLink and MetroBus in both Illinois and Missouri.
Visit the SCCTD Website for more information on St. Clair County Transit Fares.
Refunds
If a ticket machine or validator malfunctions and you need a refund, please contact Customer Service at 314.982.1406, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
