Detroit Bus: Paying For Smooth City Rides

There are several ways to pay for a bus in Detroit. You can pay $2 for a 4-hour pass or $5 for a 24-hour pass in cash when you board. You can also use the Token Transit app to purchase these passes, as well as 7-day and 31-day passes. The app accepts credit cards and you simply show the screen to the driver when you board. Alternatively, you can buy passes in advance at the Rosa Parks Transit Station or at most CVSs around town.

Paying with cash

If you want to pay with cash, you can do so when boarding the bus. Simply put the money into the farebox. The cost is $2 for a 4-hour pass or $5 for a 24-hour pass. These passes allow you to ride DDOT and SMART buses. You can also purchase a $10 pass, which comes with a paper card that you swipe to see your remaining balance.

Please note that the bus driver does not give change, so make sure you have the exact amount ready before boarding. Additionally, the 4-hour and 24-hour passes are also available for purchase at the Rosa Parks Transit Station and most CVSs around Detroit.

If you are a senior citizen or on Medicare, you may be eligible for reduced fares. These discounted passes can be purchased at the Rosa Parks Transit Center cashiers' office. The reduced fare is $0.50 per ride, or you can opt for a 31-Day DDOT-only pass for $17 or a 31-Day Regional Pass (DDOT+SMART) for $29.

For further information and clarification on bus fares and payment methods, you can contact the DDOT customer support line at 313-933-1300 during business hours. They will be happy to assist you with any questions or help you find a nearby location to purchase passes.

Using the Token Transit app

The Token Transit app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app is a convenient way to pay for and ride the bus in Detroit, with the option to use your credit, debit, or commuter benefits card. Token Transit is accepted on DDOT and SMART buses in Detroit, as well as in over 200 cities across the United States and Canada.

To get started, download the app and create an account. You can then purchase your desired fare type, ranging from a single ride to a monthly pass. The 7-day and 31-day passes are exclusively available through Token Transit. Once you have your pass, you can activate it on your phone when you're ready to ride.

When boarding the bus, simply scan your ticket or show the driver your digital pass on your phone. Token Transit provides an easy and secure way to manage your transit passes, with all your passes conveniently stored on your phone. You can also purchase passes online and send them directly to your phone.

Token Transit offers a Rider Support team to assist with any queries or issues. They can be reached through various support channels, including an online help section, FAQ page, text, and phone. The app also ensures a smooth boarding process, allowing you to quickly show your pass and start your journey.

Using the DART app

The DART (Dart Detroit Transit) app is a convenient way to pay for and ride on DDOT and SMART fixed-route buses and the QLINE streetcar in Detroit. With the app, you can enjoy the simplicity of one app, one payment, and one pass. Here's a step-by-step guide to using the DART app for your bus trips:

Download the DART App

You can download the DART app on your mobile device by visiting thedartapp.com or searching for it in your Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure you are downloading the official app to ensure a secure and reliable experience.

Create Your Account

Once you have installed the DART app, open it and create your account. Set up your profile by providing the necessary details, such as your name, email address, and payment information. You may also have the option to link your account to other payment methods for added convenience.

Purchase Your Pass

The DART app offers a range of pass options to suit your needs. You can choose from full or reduced fare passes, including the 4-hour pass for $2 or the 24-hour pass for $5. The app may also offer the 31-day regional DART pass, which provides unlimited access to DDOT and SMART buses and the QLINE streetcar. Select the pass that best suits your travel plans and preferred duration.

Activate Your Pass

When you're ready to board the bus, activate your pass by opening the DART app. You may need to select the specific pass you wish to use if you have purchased multiple passes. The app will provide you with a digital pass that can be scanned or validated by the bus driver or transit staff.

Show Your Pass

As you board the bus, inform the driver that you have a DART pass. Hold your mobile device with the activated pass towards the TAP-to-PAY icon located on the farebox. The TAP-to-PAY technology will detect your pass and validate it for your ride. You may also need to show your pass to transit staff or fare inspectors upon request.

Enjoy Your Ride

With your DART pass activated and validated, you can now enjoy your bus ride. The DART app simplifies your transit experience by eliminating the need for paper passes, cash, or exact change. You can also take advantage of unlimited rides in any direction within the time limit of your pass. Remember to plan your trip in advance and be aware of the bus schedules to make the most of your pass.

Buying bus passes at certain locations

DDOT bus passes can be purchased in-person at several locations across Detroit. These include the Cadillac Tower lobby store, all neighborhood city halls, Comerica Bank branches in Detroit, and several city supermarkets. Additionally, DDOT bus passes are now available for purchase at all Detroit CVS stores, offering weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and regional bus passes.

For those who prefer to buy their passes in person but are unable to make it to the above-mentioned locations, there is another option. DDOT bus passes can also be purchased from the Detroit Department of Transportation office, located at 100 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. This option allows riders to buy passes directly from the source and potentially gain additional information or assistance regarding bus services.

It's worth noting that DDOT also offers online purchasing options for those who prefer the convenience of buying passes from home or on the go. Riders can purchase DDOT or SMART bus passes online through the official website. This option provides an alternative for those who may not live near the physical pass-purchasing locations or who prefer the ease of digital transactions.

Reduced fares for eligible passengers

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) offers reduced fares for eligible passengers, including seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, and students. To apply for a Reduced Fare ID Card, you can follow the below steps:

• Download the Reduced Fare Card Application form. You can download a copy of the two-page application from www.RideDetroitTransit.com, or download the Reduced Fare Card Application in English, Spanish, or Arabic from the official website.
• Complete the application form.
• Submit the completed form along with the required processing fee of $1 to the Rosa Parks Transit Center in Detroit, Michigan. Alternatively, you can mail your application to DDOT-Reduced Fares, 1301 E. Warren Ave., Room 106, Detroit, MI 48207.
• Provide a photo for your ID card. Photos are taken at the Rosa Parks Transit Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you are a high school student without a school-issued ID, you will need to purchase a DDOT Student ID Card to qualify for reduced fares. You can obtain this card by visiting the Rosa Parks Transit Center and presenting a current report card or a letter of enrollment on school letterhead.

The DDOT's Reduced Fare Card is valid for four years and allows eligible passengers to ride the fixed-route services for $0.50 per trip, which is a significant discount from the regular fare. This initiative by the Detroit Department of Transportation aims to improve transportation accessibility and affordability for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Frequently asked questions