Madison Metro to modernize fare system

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Madison’s Metro Transit is looking to modernize how they collect bus fare, launching a new “Fast Fare Card” later this fall. Transit officials say that the new system will not only speed up the boarding process and allow people to board at all doors of every bus, but will save riders money by automatically applying discounts when applicable. 

The new fare system will launch alongside the new Bus Rapid Transit routes later this fall. Bus fares will not increase with the new system. A single ride pass costs $2, a day pass costs $5, and a 31-day pass costs $65. The new fare system will also include all current discounts for youth, disabled, senior, and low-income riders.

The new system will have riders tap a “Fast Fare Card,” as they enter the bus, and the money will automatically be taken out of their account. If they ride multiple times in a day, week, or month, the system will automatically find the best deal for the rider, capping the amount a rider will actually pay to make sure they don’t overpay. 

The cards will be free to riders through 2024, and riders can get a card through the mail, at the main Metro office, or at one of nearly 100 sales locations throughout Madison, including Kwik Trips, Walgreens, and Dollar Stores. Cards will cost $2 starting in 2025.

Riders will be able to purchase single-ride and one-day passes at kiosks, which will be installed at all future Bus Rapid Transit bus stops. Riders will also be able to reload their card at the kiosks using cash or coins, though they will not be able to give change. 

Transit officials say that the new fare system is important to the success of Bus Rapid Transit, which looks to deliver faster and more effective bus service. By having riders tap a card, instead of trying to fumble with cast, people can board the bus faster, allowing the bus to continue with its route faster. 

Transit officials say that the new fare system will make the buses more equitable and accessible to everyone by automatically applying savings to a riders card, and removing the need to pay for the bus up front. 

The new fare system will launch in the fall, and may change over time. Metro officials say they hope to add automatic account reloading by the end of the year, and eventually add Google Pay and Apple Pay support in the future. 

Metro Transit officials will give a presentation about the new system to the city’s Transportation Commission Wednesday evening at 5:00.