Fare collection updates: Metro Transit, PANYNJ, Metrolink, TARTA

Metro Transit in Minneapolis, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), Metrolink and the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) are implementing strategies to reduce the cost of public transit across their respective regions. 

Metro Transit 

The Metropolitan Council has approved several changes aimed at simplifying and lowering fares starting Jan. 1, 2025, on the Metro Transit public transit system. 

Those changes include: 

• Making full-priced fares on all Metro Transit’s non-express buses and light rail $2 all day, every day. Youth, seniors and Medicare recipients will be able to ride Metro Transit’s non-express buses and light rail for $1 all day, every day.   
• Reducing the cost of Metro Transit’s All-Day and 7-Day passes to benefit riders planning to take multiple trips. All-Day Passes will cost $2 to $4 and 7-Day Passes will cost $20.   
• Allowing Metro Mobility-certified riders to ride Metro Transit and other regional transit providers for $0.01 fares through June 30, 2025. The pilot program will inform future fare policy discussions.    

Later in 2025, people who qualify for the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) will pay $1 fares for up to two years before needing to re-apply. Metro Transit notes TAP eligibility is based on income.   

“Making transit easier to use is key to growing ridership and we believe simplifying fares will help do just that,” said Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras. “These changes also support our belief that cost should not be a barrier for those who want or need access to our services.”  

According to Metro Transit, more than 926,000 more rides are expected to come as the result of the fare changes next year, offsetting some of the cost associated with lowering fares.   

Through the end of September 2024, Metro Transit has provided more than 35.8 million rides, an eight percent increase compared to the same time in 2023. 

The fare changes come as Metro Transit prepares for its first systemwide upgrade of fare collection equipment in 20 years. That upgrade will occur over the coming years and eventually allow riders to purchase fares by tapping their mobile phones or credit cards. 

PANYNJ 

On Nov. 14, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the PANYNJ proposed a new reduced fare program for customers with disabilities using the PATH system. The 50 percent fare reduction would match the reduced fare program currently available for senior riders. If approved, riders could begin applying for the program in spring 2025, with the reduced fare implemented in the summer as PATH continues rolling out its TAPP tap-and-go system. 

“Easy access to convenient, reliable and affordable public transportation is a basic right that everyone should be able to enjoy,” Gov. Hochul said. “With this new fare reduction for people with disabilities proposed by New Jersey Gov. Murphy, the Port Authority and myself, I’m confident we are making that right to transportation even easier to enjoy.”  

Gov. Phil Murphy added, “In New Jersey, we have pursued a whole-of-government approach to empowering residents with disabilities and we have witnessed how targeted services and supports can help an individual to thrive in their community. Public transportation is crucial to our disability community, enabling countless individuals who may not be able to operate a vehicle to get to work, school, health care appointments, social services and social gatherings. Today’s proposed PATH fare reduction would build on our work to ensure our public transportation infrastructure is inclusive and reliable for all commuters.”  

The proposed reduced fare program is another step in the PANYNJ agenda to continue improving the PATH system. The efforts have included the PATH Improvement Plan, which aimed to increase the system’s capacity and reduce delays through new railcars, signal upgrades and track work. 

PANYNJ says PATH riders have also taken to the new TAPP fare payment system, providing a seamless payment option with the tap of a contactless debit/credit card, smartphone or wearable device. Comprehensive work is also ongoing around the $430 million PATH Forward program, which focuses on improving the speed, reliability and passenger experience on the system. 

The proposal marks the first time PANYNJ will offer a reduced PATH fare for people with disabilities. Reduced fares are currently available for senior riders, 65 years of age and older, through the senior SmartLink card.  

“This proposal is a step forward in ensuring the PATH system is convenient and equitable for everyone,” said PANYNJ Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We applaud the tireless work of advocates and stakeholders who have worked with us and rallied the community to make this possible.” 

“The PATH system is a vital link in this region, and we are proud to build inclusivity into the system but we can always do more,” said PANYNJ Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Pending approval from our board commissioners, we look forward to implementing this new PATH fare reduction next summer and working with the disability community to ensure the certification process is as seamless as possible.”   

Pending the PANYNJ commissioners’ approval of the proposal, riders would be able to apply for the reduced fare program beginning in spring 2025, with the program going into effect during the coming summer. The reduced fare would be available through one of two fare payment options:  

1. A unique physical TAPP card issued by PATH   
2. A contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet that the rider has linked to a TAPP transit account.  

PANYNJ says more information on the application process will be made available in the coming months, with significant outreach planned to stakeholders in the disability community with information regarding eligibility and certification requirements. 

“It is central to our mission to increase the accessibility of the PATH system,” said PATH Director and General Manager Clarelle DeGraffe. “With this new special fare for disabled riders, we recommit ourselves to achieving that critical objective.” 

“I applaud both Gov. Hochul and Gov. Murphy for taking the initiative to offer a reduced PATH fare for people with disabilities,” said New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill. “This lower cost will enable New York's disability community more access to reliable and convenient transportation." 

 Metrolink 

Metrolink is partnering with AAA Auto Club of Southern California to create more transportation options for members. As of Nov. 12, anyone with a current Auto Club of Southern California membership is eligible for a 20 percent discount on round-trip Metrolink tickets.  

“We’re proud to partner with AAA Auto Club of Southern California and offer their members a discount on Metrolink trains,” said Metrolink Board Chair and city of Highland, Calif., Mayor Pro Tem Larry McCallon. “Riding Metrolink is one of the most sustainable ways to get around and takes traffic out of the equation. We’re excited for many southern Californian car owners to discover the ease and convenience of leaving their vehicles at home and climbing aboard one of our trains.” 

"Given that 85 percent of Metrolink's weekday riders are automobile owners, the Auto Club is thrilled to support a service that not only enhances convenience, but also strengthens our community's connectivity,” said Auto Club of Southern California’s Head of Digital Product and Partnership Programs Jon Carlew. 

Metrolink notes that for each trip, AAA members must log into their account to request a promotional discount code, which can be redeemed at any Metrolink ticket machine or at a Metrolink Union Station ticket window. The offer is not currently available on Metrolink’s mobile app. 

TARTA 

TARTA has launched account-based ticketing (ABT) with EZFare powered by Masabi’s Justride platform. ABT will bring fare capping to the agency, which allows fixed-route bus riders to get the value of an extended pass without paying the full upfront fee when paying with TARTA Cards or the EZfare app. According to TARTA, a rider will not pay more than $3 per day, $15 per week or $45 per 31-day period for their rides no matter how often they travel. 

“This latest update from Masabi makes regular travel on TARTA both quicker and cheaper for our riders,” said TARTA Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer Sam Melden. “Gone are the days of having to purchase a ticket ahead of time for your ride, from today it’s simply a matter of tapping your phone or smartcard and then automatically getting charged the best possible fare. At the same time, the introduction of fare capping ensures that regular riders are rewarded with maximum daily, weekly or monthly charges, regardless of how many trips they make.” 

TARTA notes riders will no longer need to select their fare or purchase a pass before boarding. Instead, they can tap their TARTA smartcards or scan the barcode in the EZFare app to ride. The cards are linked to online accounts, allowing users to easily manage and reload their accounts wherever they are, eliminating the need to wait in line or use cash and delivering a contactless, convenient way to pay for transit.  

The agency notes riders’ accounts can also be topped up with cash at select retail locations. Additionally, a simplified reduced fare cap will be available for youth, seniors, individuals with disabilities and low-income passengers. 

According to Masasbi, EZfare is now used by 15 transit agencies across Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and West Virginia.  

“EZFare continues to expand and innovate, bringing new features online across our partner agencies, which make using transit services intuitive and efficient for everyone,” said NEORide Executive Director Katherine Conrad. “This launch of ABT by TARTA powered by our partners at Masabi is just the latest example of these developments, which we’re delighted to be sharing with riders in the Toledo area.” 

“Account-based ticketing brings a whole host of benefits to our TARTA and their riders – making the transit experience quick, simple and cost effective,” said Masabi CEO Brian Zanghi. “Our goal at Masabi is to enable transit agencies to quickly and cost-effectively offer their riders the option to pay using whatever is in their pocket and we’re delighted to be launching with yet another EZFare agency.”