Metro Transit is making strides to improve the rider fare payment experience. New MetroBus fare validators are currently being installed on buses with plans to go live in 2025. Metro Transit has worked with Masabi, a British technology company focused on developing fare collection services for public transit providers and systems, to modernize the current system of fare purchasing.
Starting in October 2024, Masabi began installing validators on MetroBus vehicles. Once tested and operational, these validators will allow a transit rider to scan their mobile pass after boarding, notifying both the operator and rider upon validation. Fareboxes will remain on MetroBus vehicles for those who prefer to pay with cash.
Metro Transit expects the new validators to go live in 2025. Simultaneously, a Masabi-created mobile fare app will launch, allowing riders greater control over their fare purchases. The app will allow profile management, fare loading, balance protection, and offer payment options between card or mobile phone.
Metro Transit also has plans to make additional fare-related changes over the next two years. New ticket vending machines and validators will be installed at MetroLink stations and transit centers. As the Secure Platform Plan continues to roll out at different stations, new ticket types, mobile passes, and card will be tapped on validators at security gates to gain access to MetroLink platforms.
Metro Transit expects the upgraded ticket system and security gates to be operational by 2026. While riders will have new technology and payment options, Metro Transit does not expect fares to increase.