Fares

Passenger tapping a credit card on the bus fare reader.

Board with just your credit card!

Pay your regular $2.00 adult fare using your contactless Mastercard or Visa or Apple, Samsung or Google virtual wallet! 

Tap every time you ride and get the same 2-hour transfer and fare capping discounts you get with your Fast Fare card.

Make sure to use the same credit card or virtual wallet each time you board the bus.


Get Your Fast Fare Card

  • Pick up a Fast Fare card at the Metro Transit Administration office (1245 E. Washington Ave.), all Madison libraries, or through the mail by emailing mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.
  • Set up an online account.
  • Get all of Metro's multiple-ride discounts without paying for a pass or card in advance through fare cap pricing.
  • Sign up for half-price fare available to all youth, seniors, those with disabilities and those with low incomes.
Metro driver holding a Fast Fare card

Fare Cap Pricing

Adult Fare Cap Prices
Single ride$2.00
Day$5.00
Week$16.25
Month$65.00
Reduced Fare Prices
Single ride$1.00
Day$2.50
Week$7.00
Month$28.00

Cash Fares

Cash is only accepted when boarding at standard bus stops with blue metal signs. When boarding at BRT stations, use cash to buy tickets at vending machines before you ride.

Cash Pricing
Adult$2.00
Youth (5–17 or still in high school)$1.00
Senior / Disabled Fare*$1.00
Child (under 5, with chaperone)Free

Using Cash or Old Fare Items

  • Cash is not accepted on buses boarding at BRT stations. Purchase single tickets and 1-day passes using the automatic ticket machines located on most platforms.
  • Trade in your old fare items! Paper transfers and old fare items ARE NOT accepted when boarding at BRT stations. These items will be discontinued in 2025.
  • Have your pass or exact cash fare ready when boarding standard buses.

2-Hour Transfers

Tap your Fast Fare or credit card every time you ride. You'll receive an automatic 2-hour transfer for your connecting ride. You won't be charged within the 2-hour transfer window.


Routes 80 - 84

Routes 80–84 on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus are free to students, employees, affiliates, and university visitors.


Paratransit

Cash$3.25
Convenience Tickets (Green or Gold)1 per ride
Unlimited Ride Pass*Show upon boarding
Agency Fare Tickets (Blue)1 per ride

Review All Paratransit Fare Information


Buy Tickets Through The Mail

Please allow 8-10 business days for processing.

Order Online | Print Order Form


Need Help or Assistance?

Contact Metro's Customer Service at (608) 266-4466 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.

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