METRO's FARE POLICY CHANGES
These new fare policies were approved by the METRO Board of Directors on May 23, 2019.
Implementation of new systems will take several months to complete and likely not launch until 2020.
Please check back for information on timeline.
- Introduction of Automated Fare Technology
- Smart card and mobile app. fare payment options will replace paper-based paper and tickets.
- Cash (exact change) will still be accepted on board buses.
- Introduction of Reduced Fare Options for Seniors (65+); Persons with Disabilities; and Youth riders (ages 6-18)
- Introduction of Fare Capping pricing
Riders with smart cards/mobile ticketing will never pay more that $6/day and $60/month for local service. - Smart Cards will be available at at retail outlets where cash can be loaded onto a card or linked to a bank annut.
- Introduction of new pass, allowing unlimited trips for 90 minutes (paper transfers will be eliminated)
- Fare increase
One-way fare regular fare from $1.50 to $2.00 and reduced fare from .75 to $1.00.
METRO BREEZ one-way regular fare from $3 to $4 and reduced fare from $1.50 to $2.00
TIMELINE
March / April 2019 -- METRO staff hosted public meetings in all member communities to discuss proposed fare changes and provide an opportunity for feedback.
May 23, 2019 -- The METRO board unanimously approved to move forward with these fare changes.
Next Steps -- METRO staff is working with South Portland Bus Service, ZOOM-Shuttle-Bus, and Lakes Region Bus to coordinate fare policy changes where possible.
It's likely the launch date will be early 2020; but -
Please check back soon for timeline and update.
BACKGROUND
Greater Portland METRO has not increased fares since 2010.
Fare Policy and Technology Goals:
- Grow Ridership
- Improve simplicity and convenience of fare payment
- Reduce use of cash; speed up passenger boarding process
- Improve equity in passenger's cost of using transit
- Balance the cost of service between taxpayers and riders.
Link to Press Release (March 8, 2019)
Link to Background Information (March 8, 2019)
Link to Public Meeting Presentations (March 8, 2019)
Link to Fare Capping Video (updated March 14, 2019)