Tell us what you think about proposed fare changes
Express bus fares would become $3 all the time and $1 youth fares would be extended to riders up to 18 years old under proposed updates now out for public comment.
Comments on the proposed fare updates can be submitted through links below through Tuesday, May 26. Public meetings were held earlier in May. After comments are evaluated and addressed, the Metropolitan Council will be asked to consider the proposed updates in late August.
If approved by the Council, updates to fares for fixed route service would apply to all regional transit providers, including Metro Transit, Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), SouthWest Transit, and Plymouth Metrolink.
Proposed fare changes under consideration:
One fare for express buses – all the time
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This proposed change would reflect a shift to all-day express bus service that meets a variety of trip purposes beyond work trips.
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Under the proposed changes, you would pay $3 to ride an express bus at any time. Currently, express fare is $3.25 during rush hours (6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 6:30 p.m. weekdays) and $2.50 at all other times.
- $1 reduced express fare at any time. This would apply to youth, seniors (65+), limited mobility, TAP customers, and Medicare card holders. Currently, youth, seniors (65+), and Medicare card holders pay $3.25 during rush hours (6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 6:30 p.m. weekdays) and $1 at all other times.
- The price of an express 31-Day Pass would drop from $120 to $96 per month.
Youth pricing extended to age 18
Currently, youth ages 6-12 are eligible for reduced fares. If these proposed changes are adopted, those ages 6-18 would pay $1 on all local/METRO lines and express buses. This change would lower costs for youth who do not have access to a transit pass through their school.
Metro micro
Under the proposed changes:
- $4 fare for each trip at all times.
- Only TAP cards, stored value Go-To Cards, Metro Transit app tickets, and cash would be accepted.
- 7-Day and 31-Day Passes, Metropass, Student Pass, College Pass, and other non-cash passes would NOT be accepted.
- Only TAP customers would qualify for reduced fares on Metro micro. Customers with limited mobility, youth, seniors (65+) and Medicare card holders would NOT be eligible for reduced fares on Metro micro.
- Transfers: Customers can transfer from Metro micro to fixed-route service. No free transfers between micro minibuses will be permitted. Note: An upcharge may apply for transfers from fixed-route service to Metro micro.
- Metro micro trips would NOT count towards the daily/monthly fare maximum – see below.
New fare collection equipment coming
Metro Transit is also moving forward with plans to modernize fare collection equipment on buses and at stations.
More ways to pay
The new equipment would allow customers to purchase fares using cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile wallet payment methods like Apple Pay.
Later in 2027, the technology would also be used to automatically limit the total amount a rider pays daily or monthly. If the fare changes under consideration are adopted, customers eligible for reduced fares would pay no more than $2 per day or $32 a month in fares. Customers who pay full fares would pay no more than $4 per day/$64 a month in local fares or $6 per day/$96 a month in express bus fares.
How to comment
The Metropolitan Council will consider these fare changes and improvements to Metro Transit’s fare collection system later this year. Members of the public can comment on these specific changes through Tuesday, May 26.
Here is how you can submit comments:
1. Submit comments online using any of the following links:
2. Comment over the phone by calling 612-373-3333
Stay informed
Sharon Ceron Espinosa, Associate Community Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
Laura Baenen, Sr. Communications Specialist
[email protected]