NextStop Blog

Metro Transit is improving your fare payment experience through a comprehensive upgrade of fare equipment and payment methods. Under the leadership of Taulby Roach, Metro Transit embarked on this mission to modernize infrastructure and remove barriers that hinder the ability to purchase fares. This initiative also aims at replacing outdated fareboxes and ticket vending machines.

The first step was the introduction of a mobile ticket pilot program with Masabi, a frontrunner in fare payments for public transit. This mobile app was integrated with the Transit app to provide a seamless user experience, giving you an easy “flash pass” with your activated mobile pass. Customers show the pass to fare inspectors on MetroLink or MetroBus operators.

Last month, Masabi started installing validators on MetroBus vehicles. These validators, once tested and operational, will allow you to scan your mobile pass on equipment located near the front of the bus. The system will validate the fare and notify both the operator and customer. Meanwhile, you will still insert cash payments into existing fareboxes. Full-fare and reduced-fare options will still be available through the Transit app.

The MetroBus validators are expected to go live in 2025. At that time, an updated mobile fare app (created by Masabi) will launch, empowering you to manage your transit fares on your personal device. The app will enable profile management, fare loading, balance protection, and offer payment options between card or mobile phone.

What’s Next for Fare Collection?

Over the next two years, a new network of retail outlets will emerge across the St. Louis region, allowing purchases and cash reloads on Metro Transit passes. Additionally, new ticket vending machines and validators will be introduced at MetroLink stations and transit centers, aligning with the completion of the Secure Platform Plan project. New ticket types, mobile passes, or cards will be tapped on validators at security gates for access to MetroLink platforms.

These improvements, including the upgraded ticket system and security gates, are scheduled to be operational by early 2026. Metro Transit pledges to keep you informed of developments such as the construction of security gates and the rollout of the new ticketing system. While customers will experience new technology and options to pay, our fares are not expected to increase during this transition period. The last Metro fare increase was back in 2014.

Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative journey toward modernized fare payments on public transportation.