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Release Date: Jan. 28, 2025
Media Hot Line: 713-739-4040
New platform offers flexible payments, faster rewards, and consolidated app experience
 The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has launched the new RideMETRO fare system, making it easier than ever for customers to pay, ride, and manage their trips. The upgraded system, which went live Jan. 5, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
“We want riding METRO to feel easy and intuitive for everyone, whether you ride with us every day or you’re stepping on board for the first time,” said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “By expanding payment options and simplifying fares, we’re removing unnecessary barriers and making it faster and more convenient for people to move confidently across our region.”
With the new system in place, customers can now tap or scan to pay using several options:
- RideMETRO Fare Card (physical or virtual)
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Mobile wallet (Apple Pay or Google Pay)
- Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) paper ticket
- Cash (accepted in buses and TVMs)
The new account-based system allows customers to:
- Add funds easily
- Lock and replace lost or stolen cards
- Track reward progress
- Manage multiple cards under one account
- Access fare tools via the RideMETRO App or online portal
METRO’s frequent rider rewards have also been updated. Customers using the RideMETRO Card will now receive one free ride after every 10 paid trips—offering faster rewards and more value.
The RideMETRO App consolidates several key tools in one place: trip planning, live bus tracking, service alerts, route information, and account management.
The new system will replace the METRO Q® Fare Card and Q Mobile Ticketing App on April 5, 2026. Customers may continue to use existing cards and tickets until that date.
RideMETRO Fare Cards are available for $2 at all METRO RideStore locations, new ticket vending machines, participating retailers, and through the Online RideStore.
For more information or help with setup, visit RideMETRO.org/FareSystem, stop by a RideStore, or contact METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000 (weekdays 5 a.m.–10 p.m., weekends 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
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