GRTC Go Cards Retire for Advanced Fare Technology

As Greater Richmond Transit Company prepares for major technology upgrades with improved fare payment choices for customers, old Go Cards must retire. Soon, riders will be able to simply tap their pass at a GRTC farebox or Pulse ticket vending machine and ride. GRTC is also preparing to launch a new mobile payment app, enabling customers to scan at the farebox or Pulse ticket vending machine and pay securely. Finally, GRTC will upgrade our fare web portal capabilities with a reloadable smart card system. GRTC looks forward to providing these important updates for customers soon.

GRTC Chief Executive Officer David Green said, “The Go Cards have been a mainstay for many GRTC riders for years, but with improved technology coming soon, it is time to retire the old stored-value magnetic stripe fare media. GRTC is committed to advancing customer improvements, and these technology upgrades continue advancements from 2015 with new fareboxes and unlimited ride passes. We look forward to providing new, more convenient ways for riders to pay soon, and will assist Go Card customers through this transition.”

Effective October 29, 2017:

• Old Go Cards that were discontinued in 2015 (but still valid at fareboxes) are no longer accepted at GRTC fareboxes or future Pulse ticket vending machines. Customers are asked to please use old $1.50, $3.00, $5.00 and $25.00 Go Cards prior to their permanent expiration on October 29, 2017. These old Go Cards are not accepted for trade-in value or refund.
• Vendors stop selling the $10 Go Card. Any remaining $10 Go Cards will still be valid at GRTC fareboxes through December 30, 2017. If a customer is not able to use up their $10 Go Card by December 30th, they can trade it in for a pass(es) of equivalent value at the Temporary Transfer Plaza or RideFinders.
• Fareboxes stop issuing Change Cards. Customers may still request a refund slip from their Operator, which will be processed for a refund to the customer by mail. Alternatively, customers may exchange the Change Card for a pass(es) of equivalent value at the Temporary Transfer Plaza or RideFinders.

Effective December 31, 2017:

• The $10 Go Card is no longer accepted at GRTC fareboxes or future Pulse ticket vending machines. Customers are advised to please use their $10 Go Card prior to its permanent expiration on December 31, 2017. If a customer is not able to use up their $10 Go Card by December 30th, they can trade it in for a pass(es) of equivalent value at the Temporary Transfer Plaza or RideFinders.

• Fareboxes stop accepting previously-issued Change Cards. Change Cards with remaining value may be exchanged for a refund slip from the Operator, which will be processed for a refund to the customer by mail. Alternatively, customers may exchange their Change Card for a pass(es) of equivalent value at RideFinders through January 12, 2018.

As always, exact fare is required; GRTC fareboxes do not issue change. Customers paying with cash at the farebox will still receive a magnetic stripe pass from the farebox, which will be accepted on other fareboxes or serve as proof of payment on the new Pulse to Fare Enforcers.