Exploring Austin's Bus Payment Options: A Guide

There are several ways to pay your fare when riding a bus in Austin. The CapMetro App is one of the most convenient methods, allowing you to purchase tickets, plan your trip, and track your bus in real time. The app supports Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as credit cards. You can also add cash to your mobile wallet or purchase passes on the app. If you prefer a physical pass, you can buy a Tap card or physical AMP card from participating retailers or the Transit Store. These contactless cards can speed up your entry onto the bus. For those without a smartphone, cash is still accepted, with exact change required.

CapMetro App

The CapMetro App is a smart way to navigate the Austin area. It offers a seamless and efficient way to pay for your bus commute, providing various payment options for your convenience.

The app allows you to purchase tickets and passes on the go, ensuring a smooth and fast boarding process. You can choose from different pass options, including single rides, day passes, 7-day passes, and 31-day passes, depending on your travel needs. The app also introduces the new AMP Card feature, which offers a unique pay-per-ride option. With the AMP Card, you can pay for individual rides instead of buying a daily or monthly pass upfront. Once you've spent the equivalent of a daily or monthly pass, you automatically get unlimited rides for the rest of the day or month at no extra cost.

The CapMetro App also supports digital wallets, allowing you to add cash to your mobile wallet and purchase passes directly from the app. This cash-to-mobile feature is available at over 250 participating locations, ensuring you always have the exact change for your fare without the hassle of carrying cash. Additionally, the app accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay, providing secure and fast transactions with special encryptions that are even safer than credit cards.

Another advantage of the CapMetro App is its real-time tracking feature. You can easily locate your next bus and get approximate departure times, eliminating the uncertainty of waiting and ensuring better time management. The app also includes a trip planner, allowing you to map out your entire itinerary, select routes, and choose destinations for a seamless travel experience.

The app is available for download on your smartphone, providing all the information you need for a well-planned and hassle-free bus commute in the Austin area.

Stored Value Cards

If you don't like carrying cash, you can pay your fare with a Stored Value Card. These cards are pre-loaded with a cash value that you use at the farebox like any other pass. You can buy them online, at the Transit Store, and at select retail outlets. There are two types of Stored Value Cards:

Paper Stored Value Cards

These are valid only on the bus and must be inserted into the farebox. The fare price will be deducted, and the current balance will be printed on the back of the card. Paper cards are not valid at rail station vending machines.

Plastic Stored Value Cards

These cards feature "tap" technology and can be used on the bus and at rail stations. To use, simply touch the card at the top of the farebox or "tap" on ticket vending machines at rail stations.

Day Passes

A Single Ride Local Pass costs $1.25, so a return journey will cost you $2.50. For the same price, you can purchase a Day Pass, which gives you unlimited rides for the next 24 hours. Day Passes can be purchased on the bus from the operator. Be sure to let the operator know that you want to buy a Day Pass before inserting your change or using your Stored Value Card, as otherwise, you may lose your money. The pass will print out from the top of the farebox with the date, time of purchase, and expiration time. You will need to provide exact change for the purchase.

If you don't want to buy your pass on the bus, there are several other options. You can use the CapMetro App to buy virtual passes, and you can also load a digital wallet with cash. Passes can also be purchased at retail outlets, the Transit Store, or online. If you buy your pass at one of these locations, you will need to swipe it on the farebox to validate it when you first get on the bus.

It's important to note that Day Passes are only valid for 24 hours from the time of the first ride. So, if you buy a pass at 9 am on Monday, it will be valid until 9 am on Tuesday. Be sure to keep track of the time so you don't accidentally use an expired pass. If your pass has expired, the farebox will alert you and the bus operator, and you can purchase a new Day Pass or pay with cash.

Cash

Paying by Cash

If you want to pay with cash, you will need to have the exact change ready. The fare for a single ride is usually $1.25, so you can insert a $1 bill and $0.25 in coins into the fare box. You can also buy a day pass with exact change in cash from the bus operator. A day pass costs $2.50, so you can insert a $5 bill and get two day passes. Make sure you have the exact amount as you will not receive any change.

Buying Passes

You can buy passes in person at the Transit Store, located in downtown Austin at 209 W. 9th Street. They are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also buy passes at participating retail stores, including H-E-B and Randall's, as well as other local grocery stores. Additionally, MetroRail passes are available for purchase from vending machines on rail platforms.

Using the CapMetro App

Another option is to use the CapMetro App, which allows you to buy and manage passes for all CapMetro services. You can add cash to the app at over 250 participating locations, making it convenient to have the exact change for your fare. The app also provides trip planning features, allowing you to set your departure address, destination, and arrival or departure time to receive customised directions.

Reduced Fare Day Passes

The following groups are eligible for this card:

• Seniors (65 and older)
• Medicare card holders
• Active and reserve duty military ID holders not in uniform (military personnel in uniform ride for free)
• Riders with disabilities (see eligibility guidelines)

Eligible riders must have the RFID Card with them to receive the reduced fare. To use your RFID Card, tap it on the target area of the farebox and be prepared to show your ID to the bus operator if requested. If purchasing a day pass, inform the driver before inserting exact cash fare or paying with a Stored Value Card. If you already have a pass, swipe your pass through the card reader.

Reduced Fare riders can also buy a Day Pass on the bus. Day Passes allow riders to take unlimited rides over a 24-hour period.

Frequently asked questions