Phoenix, AZ (June 24, 2009) There are more than 150 places across the Valley, including Fry’s Food and Safeway grocery stores, where bus riders can purchase fares to help save money after prices increase on July 1.
“We want to make it easier for passengers to buy their fares at locations where it’s convenient for them,” said Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer. “We have added more than 70 new fare sales outlets in the past 30 days, and hope to add more locations this year.”
The cost for a one-ride trip on the Valley Metro local bus, METRO light rail and the LINK bus (limited-stop service between Superstition Springs Center and Sycamore Station in Mesa) will now cost $1.75, and an All-day pass is $3.50. Purchasing an All-day pass on-board the local/LINK bus will cost $5.25. An express bus or RAPID (commuter bus service) all-day pass will be $5.50 in advance, or $7.25 on board the bus.
So, riders are asked to plan ahead after July 1. Passengers who purchase an All-day pass at a light rail platform fare vending machine or at a sales location prior to boarding a local bus can save $1.75 off of the on-board bus full-fare price. Another significant change effective July 1 is the acceptance of $5 bills on-board the bus.
The local fare of $1.25 for a single ride on a bus has not increased since 1994, although the most recent fare change occurred in 2007 with new 31-day pass pricing and the elimination of transfer slips. Other day passes and reduced day passes will also increase except for the 7-day pass. A passenger purchasing a 7-day pass will get seven days of rides for the price of five.
For a complete listing of fare prices and fare sales locations effective July 1, go to valleymetro.org.
Remember that day passes can be purchased now and activated on the day of use. Stock up on passes now at the $2.50 rate. They’ll still be valid even if activated after July 1 when the fare increases to $3.50.
There is also the pre dated 4th of July pass. Lots of fun stuff happening on the 4th!