NextStop Blog

Validators to Be Placed at All Stations Over the Next Several Months In Advance of Upgraded Fare System Launch in Spring 2026

Metro Transit riders will soon get an early look at our next exciting upgrade to the MetroLink system as we install the first fare validators that will integrate with our new security gates. 

Beginning October 21, the first new fare validators will be installed at Washington Park Station, with additional stations in Illinois to follow before upgrades are made at all 38 stations.

What you need to know now:

As we install new validators at each station, we will also be removing the existing machines used to validate Gateway Cards and one-ride MetroLink tickets. Riders using a Gateway Card or one-ride ticket at a station with new validators and closed security gates will only need to show their card or ticket to Metro Security personnel to access the platform.

What you should know for the future:

We are installing our new fare validators at MetroLink stations in advance of Metro’s new fare system. Once ready, the validators will be able to read every form of fare — digital, smart card, pass, and paper ticket — and automatically open security gates for quick and easy access to MetroLink.

While it will be exciting to get a look at the future of Metro, MetroLink validators will not be able to accept fare and open gates until the launch of the new fare system in Spring 2026. However, our new validators are already installed and working on all MetroBus vehicles for Transit app users.