Frequently Asked Questions

What is Metro's Fast Fare?

Metro's fare system is an easy way to get Metro's discount pricing on the go without buying fare items in advance.

Features include: 

• Online accounts with reloadable smartcards
• Pay as you go fare cap pricing
• Ticket vending machines at most BRT stations

How Do Fast Fares Work?

• Pick up a Fast Fare smartcard at Metro, through the mail by emailing mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com, or at Madison library locations.
• Load money on your card at Metro, a sales outlet or by creating an online account.
• Tap your card on the new fare readers located at the doors of all Metro buses.

Learn More About Boarding with Fast Fares

Do I Have to Use a Phone or Computer to Use the New System?

No. Using a phone or computer to access an online account is not required. 

Pick up a reloadable Fast Fare card and load money into an account at Metro Transit, a sales outlet, or at ticket vending machines at BRT stations. 

What is Fare Capping?

When an adult rider taps their Fast Fare card on the bus, the system charges a single ride fare of $2. The same adult continues to ride and taps every time they board. 

Once the system reads that this card hit the daily “cap” price of $5, it will no longer charge them for the rest of the day.

That same rider then continues to ride through the week and tap every time they board. When the system reads that the rider reaches the weekly cap of $16.25, rides will be free for the rest of the week.  

The most a regular adult fare will be on any day is $5, the most in any week is $16.25, and the most in a month is $65.00.

Metro’s new adult pricing is below.

What About Reduced Fares?

Metro has one reduced fare cap for youth, seniors, those with disabilities, and those with low income.  

Your accounts and fare capping will work the same as any other rider, just with a lower cost per tap.

Learn More About Half-Price Fares

How Do Transfers Work?

Tap your card every time you ride. Transfers will be automatically tracked. Your account will only be charged after your 2-hour transfer has expired. 

Can I Use Cash?

Yes. But, only when boarding at any regular Metro stop for a local route. 

If you're boarding at a BRT station, you’ll need to buy a ticket or 1-day pass with cash at the ticket vending machine ahead of time. 

Cash is not accepted directly on buses at BRT stations.

Can I Pay With a Credit Card on the Bus?

This feature is coming very soon! Riders will be able to pay with a contactless credit card, Google Wallet, and Apple Pay directly on every bus AND receive Fast Fare benefits. 

Is there a Mobile App?

Yes, you can download Metro's Fast Fare app and use a barcode version instead. 

How Do Passes from Universities, Schools and Employers Work?

Each program varies, but new campus and employer Fast Fare passes are distributed the same way as previous years. 

However, please note that passes will not be distributed yearly or every semester. After initial distribution, Fast Fare cards will only be given to new employees/students, or when cards are lost or stolen. 

Replacement fees may apply depending on your program.

When and Where Will I be Able to Pick Up a Fast Fare Card?

Pick up a Fast Fare card FREE at Metro Transit, various community events or through the mail by emailing mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.

Can I Board With my Old Passes and 10-Ride Cards?

Not for much longer. 

Trade in your old fare items and the exact dollar value added to your new Fast Fare cards.

Complete Trade-In Information

Can I use Fast Fares on all Metro Routes?

Yes. Metro's Fast Fares can be used on all Metro buses.

The only exception is the paper transfer. If you pay on the bus with cash on a local route, you may be issued a paper transfer card. 

These paper transfers are not accepted at buses boarding at BRT stations, as you must tap to board. 

Buses serving BRT stations will also not issue paper transfers. Paper transfers are expected to be phased out this summer (2025).

What Can I Purchase at the BRT Station Vending Machines?

You will be able to buy a single ride ticket or a 1-day pass. (Due to not being able to verify reduced fare eligibility, only standard adult-priced tickets or 1-ride passes are available to purchase at these machines.)

However, you can reload a Fast Fare card including all reduced fares at BRT station ticket machines. Machines will have instructions in English and Spanish, and accept cash, coins, and credit cards.

Can I Get Some Help?

Absolutely. Call (608) 266-4466 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.