How much does it cost to ride light rail? That is a question we get asked, a lot… For the new light rail system that opens in December, paying for a pass looks pretty simple. In fact, you have several options and all of them look simple. Purchasing a "single ride" or an "all day" pass will probably be the most common but people do have the option of 3 day, 7 day and 31 day passes as well as reduced fares for persons with disabilities, seniors and youths. An "all day" pass means exactly what it says. You can ride all day and stop at as many stops as you like.
Current fare information from METRO's site is as follows:
Light rail & local bus 1 ride $1.25
â— All day pass $2.50
â— 3 day pass $7.50
â— 7 day pass $17.50
â— 31 day pass $45
Separate fees apply for riding the Express / Rapid bus. ie: For the Express bus / RAPID bus one ride is $1.75 and an all day pass is $3.50. A 31 day pass is currently $68.
*Reduced fares are available to: Youth (ages 6-18) Seniors (age 65 and over) and Persons with a disability. One ride is $0.60, a day pass is $1.25 a 3 day pass is $3.75 and a 7 day pass is $8.75 – I believe these to be correct as of this time. Current bus and light rail fare information can be found on Metro's "Fare Options" page.
According to METRO's site "Each station has fare vending machines which accept cash or credit card. Vending machines are fully accessible and include options for verbal, Braille and Spanish-language instructions. You can activate a pass for first-time use by inserting it into the vending machine’s activator slot. Vending machines also have tap-targets to tap your Platinum Pass."
Take a look at this video on "How to Purchase a Light Rail Pass" to get a feel for how to operate the fare vending machines. Or, try Metro's web site to buy a fare online.
*Please note, Rail Life is not affiliated with METRO or with Valley Metro.*
Nick,
$45 for a month of riding? Where do I sign up? Parking downtown is much more expensive, so this is a relative bargain. I can only hope that there isn’t a fee to park at any of the outlying light rail station lots.
Vance, you make an excellent point! There is real value here. Parking at sporting events, parking for ASU students and faculty and the hassle for many employees downtown can benefit greatly. And yes, the park and ride lots are free. Thanks for (once again) giving me more ideas of stuff to write about. 🙂