NextStop Blog
Important Validation Changes Take Effect on January 7th
Return to Blog
Starting January 7, all MetroLink tickets and 2-hour passes must be validated by riders prior to use. The ticket vending machines will no longer automatically print the expiration time on these tickets or passes. This will allow you to purchase tickets in advance of your trip, validating the ticket just before you need to use it. Validation also significantly reduces misuse of tickets, helping to ensure that each transit customer pays for his or her ride.
The following fares must be validated by the customer:
- 1-Ride Ticket
- 2-Hour Pass
- Round-Trip Tickets (each ticket just prior to travel)
- Tickets from 10-Ride Ticket Booklet
Validating your transit ticket is required in the Metro Transit system. The validated ticket needs to remain in your possession as proof of your payment. An unvalidated ticket is considered a fare violation and may result in a citation and a fine.
Please note: Even if you receive a ticket or pass from your school or another organization, you are responsible for validation and you, not the organization, will receive a fine for an unvalidated ticket or pass.
To validate your ticket, insert it in one of the red validation machines located at all MetroLink platforms. You will know your ticket is correctly validated if after inserting it into a validator, there is a day and time printed along the side.
For more information click here.
There is no need for customers to validate dated monthly or weekly passes. Day passes are valid when the date of travel is scratched off.
To help assure that customers are aware of the change, Metro volunteer Ambassadors will distribute information at several MetroLink stations during the peak morning and afternoon commutes next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (December 17, 18, and 19). The Ambassadors will be at North Hanley, Civic Center, Central West End, St. Charles Rock Road, Shrewsbury, Belleville, Delmar Loop, 5th & Missouri, and Emerson Park from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Ambassadors will also assist customers at those stations on January 7.
Categories:
The validation in the example photo is nearly invisible. FYI.
Thanks for pointing that out to us. We updated the photo.
Just bought one way ticket at the Forsyth station to go to the airport and the tray where the ticket is dispensed was filled with rain water. This gave a completely wet ticket which then could not be inserted into the validation thing. Also there were absolutely no instructions to tell one how to validate it, or if one was doing it correctly. Not a great system compared to other cities.
W, thank you for providing your feedback. We’ll make sure Customer Service is notified.
I received a fee because my ticket was unvalidated. Where I can pay the amount? There is any website to pay for it?
Metro doesn’t process these payments – the information you need should be on the citation or paperwork you received. Our Public Safety team may be able to help if you have questions – they can be reached by text at 314.300.0188 or phone at 314.289.6873.