Metro Transit
City of Madison
Close up of hand sliding bus pass through a reader

Get Your Fast Fare!

driver holding fast fare card

Metro riders can now pick up a Fast Fare card at a number of community distribution events.

Event Schedules

The new cards are reloadable, reusable and so easy to use! 

  • Set up your new online account and pick up your card. (How to set up account)
  • Load value on your account. Connect a credit card, or convert cash on your card at a ticket vending machine at BRT stations, new sales outlet or Metro Transit Administration. 
  • Trade in your old fare items and get their value loaded into your account.

Tap your card every time you ride and get discounts along the way. No need to get a new pass or 10-ride card each month!

Fast Fares are required when boarding at BRT stations. Vending machines for single tickets and daily passes are available on station platforms, as well. Old fare items, like 10-ride cards, will still be accepted when boarding at standard local bus stops for a limited time.

Boarding with Fast Fares

Your Fast Fare Checklist:

  1. Set Up Your Online Account

    Create an online account. You'll need an email address to set up an account and receive reduced fare discounts. 

  2. Pick Up Your Card

    Cards will be available at Metro Transit, the City of Madison Transportation office, and community events. Receive a card through the mail by emailing mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.

  3. Sign Up For Half Price Fares

    Youth, seniors, those with disabilities, and those with low incomes are eligible to sign up for half-price fares. Staff will need to verify your eligibility to update your account. 

    More Information

  4. Add Your Fast Fare Card to Your Account

    When you've received your Fast Fare card, make sure to add it to your online account. This is necessary so that you're dollar value from trade-in fare items and half-price fare eligibility can be utilized with your card.

  5. Trade in Old Unused Fare Items

    Bring in your unused 31-day passes and multiple ride cards and have that dollar value added to your account.

  6. Ride!

    Tap your card every time you ride. Fare will automatically be deducted from your account. If you need to make a transfer, still tap your card! Your eligible for a free transfer for 2 hours after your first ride. You won't be charged a new fare within the 2-hour window, but we need to count your ride!

Do I Need an Online Account to Ride?

No. You can add value to your card without an online account. You can also purchase one-ride tickets and one-day passes at machines on BRT platforms.

But, you do need an online account to receive half-price discounts.

Add Value at Sales Outlets

City staff can help you set up your online account. If you're not comfortable using the online account after that, you can add value to your card at nearly 100 new area sales outlet locations or using the vending machines on BRT platforms.

Sales Outlet Locations

Quick Reminders

  • Tap your card every time you board.
  • Don't punch holes in your cards.
  • Cash is not accepted on the bus when boarding at BRT stations. (Use a vending machine to buy your ticket ahead of time.)

Questions?

We'd be glad to answer all your questions. Call (608) 266-4466 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.

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