Lafayette City Bus: Paying Your Fares Easily

Fares on the CityBus of Greater Lafayette can be paid in several ways, depending on the rider's preference and eligibility. The CityBus website recommends that riders prepare their exact fare in advance, as drivers do not make change. Riders can pay with dollar bills, coins, or tokens upon boarding, and passes can be swiped or scanned. Riders can also purchase passes on their phones via the Token Transit app, where they can buy a Semester pass for $99, valid for an entire academic semester. Passes can also be purchased with stored-value tickets on the bus or with cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover at the CityBus Center or Administrative Office.

Fares for Purdue University students, faculty and staff

Fares for Purdue University Students, Faculty, and Staff

From 2 September 2024, Purdue University students, faculty, and staff will need to pay a fare for trips on all non-campus loop routes. However, they can continue to use campus loop routes (designated with a 'C' after the route number) at no additional cost.

Semester Pass

Purdue University-affiliated riders can claim a free semester pass coupon code by verifying their @purdue.edu email address at https://tokentransit.com/sl/purdue. A semester pass costs $99 and is valid for an entire academic semester. It can be purchased by any member of the public and is accepted on all CityBus routes. Semester passes are only available through the Token Transit app.

Express Routes

It's important to note that semester passes are not valid on express routes (designated with an "E" after the route number). Riders must have an authorized resident ID to ride for free or pay a cash fare, token, or one-way digital pass for each trip.

Purdue Photo ID

Additionally, Purdue University students, faculty, staff, and retirees with a valid Purdue photo ID can ride for free on all Campus Loop and regular route buses operated by CityBus throughout Lafayette and West Lafayette.

Semester passes

It is important to note that semester passes are not valid on express routes designated with an "E" after the route number. Riders on these routes must have an authorized resident ID to ride fare-free or pay a cash fare, token, or one-way digital pass for each trip. Additionally, Purdue University-affiliated riders can claim a free semester pass coupon code by verifying their @purdue.edu email address on the Token Transit website.

To use the semester pass, download the Token Transit app and purchase the pass. As the bus approaches, open the app and tap the pass to activate it. Once onboard, follow the instructions in the app to validate your ticket. The semester pass is a convenient and cost-effective option for those planning to use the CityBus service regularly during the academic semester.

Half-fare eligibility

To be eligible for half-fare on the CityBus of Lafayette, Indiana, you must be either: aged 65 or older, a Medicare recipient, or a person with a disability.

To prove eligibility, half-fare riders must show the driver a Medicare Card, CityBus E&D Photo ID, or proof of age every time a reduced fare is paid. The E&D Photo ID is available for $2 at the Canal Rd. office only and is valid for 3 years.

Day passes

The exact fare is required for day passes, and drivers do not provide change. Upon boarding, place dollar bills, coins, or tokens in the farebox, swipe passes in the farebox, and insert day passes into the ticket reader. Ask the driver for assistance if needed.

In addition to day passes, CityBus of Greater Lafayette also offers 31-day passes, semester passes, and half-fare options for eligible individuals.

Payment methods at the CityBus Center and Administrative Office

The CityBus Center is located at 316 N. 3rd St Lafayette, Indiana 47901, and is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 8:45 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm. The CityBus Administrative Office can be found at 1250 Canal Road Lafayette, Indiana 47902 and is open during the working week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

At both the CityBus Center and the Administrative Office, you can purchase passes with cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Cash payments are not accepted at the customer service window, but cash and credit/debit card purchases can be made at the ticket vending machine in the CityBus Center lobby. Change will be returned via a change card.

Day passes are available at the CityBus Center and Administrative Office, as well as on the bus itself. Fares on the bus can be paid with cash, transfer ticket, token, or CityBus pass. Passes can also be purchased with stored value tickets on the bus.

Frequently asked questions