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.
The RideOn! App: Your Best Way to Ride and Save
All features coming Q2 2026
Currently in development, our RideOn! app will provide you with more ways to manage fare, featuring Tap & 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.
Tap & Ride 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. When you Tap & Ride, fare capping 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.
If you prefer a physical pass over your phone, smart cards 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.
Family fare sharing 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. Riders who qualify for reduced fare will be able to set up their discount in their RideOn! account, meaning when you Tap & Ride, you will automatically be charged a reduced fare.
Upgraded Fare Validators Create Quick, Easy Experience
Installed on MetroBus, Coming to MetroLink Starting Q4 2025
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’ve shown valid fare or if there is any issue.
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.
New and Improved Ticket Vending Machines
Installation Begins Q1 2026
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.
