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MetroLink Ticket Validator Machines Lighting Up
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Have you noticed a green light now comes on when you insert your Metro ticket into the ticket validating machines at some MetroLink stations?
When we roll out smart card technology next year, the lights on ticket validating machines will let you know if your Gateway Card has enough money stored on it to take Metro. In the future, if your smart card is not valid for travel, the light will flash red. The lights are being turned on for testing on the MetroLink system.
The Gateway Card will offer a more convenient, secure way for you to pay Metro transit fares. Instead of paper tickets or passes, the Gateway Card will contain a computer chip that stores Metro passes or cash value. The fare is automatically deducted when you tap your card on fare equipment each time you ride. The Gateway Card will benefit Metro transit riders by providing the following:
- More convenience: The Gateway Card can be loaded online, at ticket vending machines at all MetroLink stations and select transit centers, at select retail outlets, or at the MetroStore in downtown St. Louis. For maximum convenience, you will also be able to set up autoloads to replenish your balance when it gets low, or to renew a pass before it expires.
- More security: You can register your Gateway Card so the balance is protected if it is lost or stolen.
- Less hassle: The Gateway Card stores passes, cash value and discounts for qualified customers. You will not need exact change.
- Better service: The Gateway Card will make it possible for Metro to tailor routes and schedules to better meet customer needs.
- Extra savings: Through a “daily cap” function, you will never pay more than you should — no matter how many times you ride in a day.
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Skip to smart phone technology.
We plan to release a mobile app, which will include real time information, in late 2014.
Will there be a cost to the user for the card and will one’s photo be on the card? One system on the East Coast charge $5 for a replacement smart card.
We’re still determining card and replacement costs and we’ll post more information to our Website when we have finalized those policies.
Photos will be on the cards of reduced fare customers who are required to prove eligibility. Full-fare riders who purchase their Gateway Card from the Metro Store will have the option to put their photo on the back, but it won’t be necessary. Cards issued at Gateway Vending Machines or ordered online will not be personalized.
If a card is lost or stolen and if the Gateway Card is registered, value from the old card will be transferred to a new card.