Last month, CMT shared a blog post about the technology upgrades coming to Metro Transit’s fare collection system. These improvements will include modern tap-to-go fare validators, new ticket vending machines, reloadable smart cards and a new mobile app. The upgrades will be integrated into Metro’s Secure Platform Plan, which focuses on enhancing safety and security across the system. New fare validators have already been installed and activated on all MetroBus vehicles. Installation at MetroLink platforms has begun, with activation expected by Spring 2026.
Below, you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) compiled from inquiries CMT received from transit riders and shared with Metro Transit.
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Updated November 6, 2025
Q: When will the new validators at MetroLink stations become operational?
A: New validators will not be activated for public use at any MetroLink station until they are fully integrated with the security gates and new ticket vending machines are in place to provide updated fare media.
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 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: Why did the Next Stop blog say validators won’t work until the full launch in spring 2026?
A: The NextStop blog posting regarding validators not being activated for public use until spring 2026 is correct.
Q: What happens now that the old validators have been removed?
A: While the new system is being installed, all fare media (Gateway Cards, tickets and passes) will be visually inspected by Metro Public Safety officers. This process will work the same way as checking mobile fares. Riders with Gateway Cards only need to show their card for inspection.
Q: How long will security personnel continue staffing station gates?
A: Metro’s Public Safety team will continue to staff gates at the eleven stations with SPP improvements completed 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: Are you concerned about people not paying fares at the stations where gates are left open?
A: Metro understands that fare compliance is an important concern. Public Safety officers will continue regular fare checks as they do now, and riders are still required to have valid fare at all times. This approach allows Metro to keep system upgrades on schedule while maintaining enforcement through visual inspections and random fare checks. Once the new fare system is fully implemented, all gated stations will require valid fare to enter, making fare payment automatic and seamless for riders.
Q: When will the entire fare system upgrade be complete?
A: The full project, including the installation of new gates, validators, and ticket vending machines to supply new fare media, is expected to be complete in spring 2026. We are not specifying a date at this time.
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 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.
Q: Will paper tickets still be available after the new fare system launches?
A: Yes. Paper tickets will be available for single rides on the MetroLink system. Two-hour and all-day passes will be available on ultralight RFID tickets, and seven-day and monthly passes will be available on the new Ride On smart cards.
