Evolution of the Valley Metro fare system: new fare options for riders saves time, money

Riders will find that paying fare at Valley Metro has gotten a lot easier. New technology, including new fare machines, fareboxes, reloadable Copper cards and the mobile app are part of the transition to a more efficient and equitable fare system.

Starting Oct. 28, paper passes will no longer be accepted as Valley Metro transitions to Smart Fare, a pay-as-you-go system. The new machines will play a key role in this transition, offering more convenience for riders.

Later that day, the public is encouraged to attend a fare pop-up event at Thelda Williams Transit Center at 2-6 p.m. To learn more about the new fare system, visit valleymetrofares.org.

About Smart Fare: Smart Fare is a pay-as-you-go system that ensures riders only pay for the trips they take and eliminates the need to pay upfront for fares. With Smart Fare, riders add funds to the Valley Metro app or a reloadable Copper card and once they reach the daily, weekly or monthly fares, they don’t pay extra to keep riding within that time period. Cash payments will remain an option at transit center windows, fare machines and hundreds of retail locations.

About Valley Metro: Located in the fastest-growing county in the U.S., Valley Metro connects people to their most important destinations each day. Riders travel across the metro-Phoenix area on eco-friendly public transit including bus, light rail, paratransit and streetcar. Progress continues on additional high-capacity transit extensions that are either in planning or under construction to create a 50-mile rail system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors from 19 local cities and towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system in Maricopa County. In addition to federal and local funds, Valley Metro receives critical capital and bus operations funds from Prop. 400, the 20-year, regional half-cent transportation sales tax that is set to expire in 2025. Stay up-to-date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X or by visiting valleymetro.org and downloading the Valley Metro app.