Paying For Madison's Metro Bus: A Guide To Fares And Passes

As of September 2024, Madison Metro Transit has introduced a new way to pay for fares. The new Fast Fare system allows riders to set up an online account with reloadable smartcards, which they can tap on new fare readers on both BRT and local route buses. This pay-as-you-go system offers fare capping, ensuring that riders never pay more than a certain amount per day, week, or month. While the Fast Fare phone app is not yet available, riders can pick up a Fast Fare card at Metro, community events, or through the mail. In addition to the new system, riders can still pay with exact cash on regular Metro stops or buy tickets or passes from automatic ticket machines on most platforms.

Exact cash fares

If you are boarding a Metro bus in Madison, you can pay with exact cash at any regular Metro stop for a local route. However, if you are boarding at a BRT (bus rapid transit) station, you will need to buy a ticket or 1-day pass with cash at the ticket vending machine before boarding, as cash is not accepted directly on these buses.

When paying with cash, you must use the exact fare, as drivers do not carry change. The cash fare for adults is $2.00. Discounted fares are available for youth (aged 5-17 or still in high school), seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders.

You can also pay with cash to buy bus passes from the driver when boarding. These include the MCT Local Fare ($1.00 for trips within Madison County) and the MCT Regional Fare ($3.00 for trips to or from St. Clair County or St. Louis). You can also buy an MCT 2-Hour Regional Pass, an MCT Day Pass, or tokens, which are sold in rolls of 25 for $1 each.

Please note that the information provided is based on the current fares and policies as of September 2024. Fares and payment methods may change over time, so it is always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Discount passes

Metro Transit in Madison, Wisconsin, offers discount passes and fares for frequent riders, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders.

Metro Transit offers a new way to pay for fares with its Fast Fare card. This includes multiple-ride discounts, and you can get discounts without paying for a pass or card in advance. You can set up an online account to access these discounts at mymetrobus.com.

Youth (aged 5-17 or still in high school) can get a half-price fare. A 31-day youth pass is also available.

Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities can get a reduced fare, but proof of eligibility may be required. A reduced fare permit can serve as proof of eligibility. To apply for a permit, visit or request an application at 608-266-4904 or at the Metro Transit Administrative Office at 1245 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703, from 7:30 am-5:30 pm.

Low-income riders can get a 31-day pass for $28 on a first-come, first-served basis. These passes are available on the 1st and 15th days of each month, but supplies are limited. Riders can purchase these passes at the Dane County Job Center (1819 Aberg Ave Madison, WI 53704) on weekdays from 7:45-11:15 am and 12-4:30 pm.

Other Discounted Fares

Routes 80-84 on the University of Wisconsin campus are free for students, employees, affiliates, and visitors.

Medicare cardholders are eligible for reduced fares.

Fast Fare cards

Metro Transit in Madison, Wisconsin, has introduced a new way to pay for fares with its Fast Fare cards. This new system starts in September and offers a more convenient and discounted way to pay for your bus journeys.

The Fast Fare system also offers discounted fares for certain groups. Youth, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income riders are all eligible for half-price fares with the Fast Fare card. This makes it a more affordable option for those who rely on bus transportation.

In addition to the convenience and discounts, the Fast Fare card also provides an easy way to manage your bus fares. You can set up an online account to track your fares and even order tickets and passes online. This makes it a more flexible and accessible option for riders. For those who still need to use 31-day passes or single-ride tickets, these can be ordered by email or through the mail.

The introduction of the Fast Fare card system by Metro Transit in Madison offers a modern and efficient way to pay for bus fares. With its tap-to-pay technology, discounted fares, and easy-to-use online account management, it provides a more streamlined and cost-effective transportation experience for riders.

Single-ride tickets

If you are boarding at a BRT station, you can purchase a single-ride ticket using an automatic ticket machine, which can be found on most platforms. You can also buy single-ride tickets online by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the Metro Transit office at 1245 E. Washington Ave., Suite 201, Madison, WI 53703.

Additionally, you can set up an online account and purchase multiple-ride passes, which will give you discounts on future rides. This can be done by visiting mymetrobus.com.

10-ride passes

Metro Transit in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a variety of fare options for its bus services. While the exact details of 10-ride passes are not available, there are multiple mentions of multiple-ride discounts and 31-day passes. Here is some detailed information about the 10-ride passes and other payment methods.

10-Ride Cards are available for purchase and offer a convenient way to pay for multiple bus trips. When using a 10-Ride Card, remember to ask the driver for a transfer pass when boarding. This transfer pass allows you to use it across multiple trips. Keep in mind that the 10-Ride Card is different from the new Fast Fare Card, which is a reloadable card with different benefits.

Other Payment Options

Metro Transit in Madison offers a range of payment options for bus fares:

• Cash: Cash is accepted on standard buses, but not on buses boarding at BRT stations. When boarding standard buses, have your exact cash fare ready.
• Single-ride tickets: These can be purchased from automatic ticket machines located on most BRT platforms.
• Fast Fare Card: This is Metro's new way of paying for fares. It is a reloadable card that you tap each time you ride. Transfers occur automatically within a 2-hour window, and there is no additional charge during this period.
• 31-Day Passes: These passes are valid for 31 days after the first activation. You can slide the pass through the pass reader when boarding.
• Discounted fares: Half-price fares are available for youth (ages 5-17 or high school students), seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income riders. Proof of eligibility may be required for reduced fares, and a Medicare card is accepted as identification.

For more information on fares and payment methods, visit the Metro Transit website or contact their customer service team. The website also offers resources like the 'Bus Tracker' and trip planning tools to enhance your bus riding experience in Madison.

Frequently asked questions