Metro’s Next Generation of Fare

 

 

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.

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Q: When will the new validators at MetroLink stations become operational? 

A: New validators will be active at all MetroLink Stations once all 39 stations have been fully integrated with security gates and new ticket vending machines.     

Q: Will there be a testing phase where validators accept fares but do not open the gates? 

A: No. Validators will not be turned on for public use until they are capable of both accepting fares and opening gates automatically when valid fare is displayed. 

Q: Are the first eleven stations in the initial installation package going to be operational before the others? 

A: Although the first eleven MetroLink stations with SPP improvements will have new validators installed prior to other stations, they will not be operational until new ticket vending machines and validators are in place at all stations system wide.   

Q: What happens now that the old validators have been removed? 

A: All fare (Gateway Cards, tickets and passes) will be visually inspected by Metro Public Safety team members. This process will work the same way when checking for mobile fare.  

Q: How long will security personnel continue staffing station gates? 

A: Metro’s Public Safety team will continue to staff gates until the entire fare collection system is finished and ready to be activated.    

Q: Will every station have security personnel at some point during this process? 

A: Metro has an active security presence system-wide, but the first eleven stations will continue to have dedicated security personnel to operate the gates until the new fare system is completed.  Gates will remain open at all other stations until the new system is fully activated. 

Q: When will the entire fare system upgrade be complete? 

A: The full project, including the installation of new gates, validators, ticket vending machines, and the adoption of updated fare media (Gateway Cards, tickets and passes), is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.  

Q: When can riders start using the new RideOn! smart card? 

A: The reloadable RideOn! smart card will be available to the public on the day of the full fare system launch in spring 2026. 

Q: Can riders start using the RideOn! app now? 

A: Yes. The RideOn! app is currently available for riders who wish to be early adopters. It works with new MetroBus validators and can be shown to Public Safety officers at MetroLink stations. However, Metro will not actively promote the app until the full fare system launches because several key features—such as Tap & Ride, Fare Capping, and Family Fare Share—are not yet functional. 

Q: Will Metro continue to support the Transit app? 

A: Yes. Riders can continue to use the Transit app during and after the fare system transition. Both apps will remain available, and Metro will launch a “Choose Your App, Ride Your Way” campaign closer to the full fare system rollout to help riders understand the differences. 

Q: When will the new Ticket Vending Machines be installed?  

A: Installation of new Ticket Vending Machines will begin in January 2026 and will continue for several months until all MetroLink stations have been upgraded.