MetGo

A new way to pay for Metro Bus and Rail


Buy. Ride. Reload.

MetGo

This is the biggest change to Metro’s fare system since operators wore coin changers. The new system will use smart cards and an app to make transit faster, easier, and much more flexible.

It’s all about you. The heart of MetGo is you and your needs. MetGo is an account-based fare system, and you get to choose how you use it.

MetGo Cards. Buy and reload cards with cash, credit, or debit cards. Purchase and reloading of cards can be done at rail stations ,MTC (Downtown Bus Station) and on the phone app. Buy reloadable MetGo cards at participating 7-Eleven, Walgreens and CVS stores.

Retail Locations

MetGo Account. Set your account up online and you can add money to your card quickly. The account also protects your funds if the card is lost or stolen. In fact, you don’t even need the MetGo card if you have the app on your phone.

MetGo Child fare. Children nine and under ride free with a paid fare (up to 3 children). All individuals ten and over must pay full fare.

MetGo App. If it’s on your phone, you can load funds to it and go anytime you like. It’s the ultimate in convenience. You can use your phone in place of a MetGo card and still get all the benefits.

Benefits

With MetGo, you will never need exact change again. You will not need to insert cash into fare boxes or ticket vending machines. On buses or at fare gates you just tap and go. But the big benefit is savings with fare capping.

Fare Capping. Your MetGo account caps fares at $5 a day. Weekly caps at $25 and Monthly at $75. You will never spend more than you should, even by accident.

For example, if you use a third bus (or Metro Rail) in the same day, Metro will only deduct $1 from your account. If you take a fourth ride that day, you will not be charged any fare at all.

Using your card

You can begin using your MetGo card to pay your fare immediately after you load money into your account. On Metro buses, tap your card on the farebox, and then show the card to the operator. When using Metro Rail, tap your card at the fare gates. You will need to tap out as well.


How to use a faregate

How to use a farebox

How to use a ticket vending machine

Farecapping


The lowest fare promise

Whether you ride every day or a few times a year, MetGo promises the lowest possible fare.

What is MetGo PAL

The MetGo PAL card is both a reloadable Metro pass and your Paratransit Access Line ID card. If you are already a PAL customer prior to January, 2023, Metro will mail you a PAL MetGo card that features your photo. It will function as your Paratransit ID and fare card. You can choose to set up your personal MetGo account and fund your card. Or you can use the card to verify PAL eligibility and pay your fare in cash.


How to Use with Paratransit (PAL)

MetGo App

If you plan to use the MetGo App to pay your fare, you must first register your PAL ID card at metgo.nfta.com. After registering your card, wait 24 hours, then log in to the MetGo app using the email and password you set up when you registered your PAL ID card. You’re now ready to use the MetGo app along with your MetGo PAL card to pay your PAL fare.

If you did not receive a new MetGo PAL card in the mail, they can also be obtained at Metro Customer Care, at 181 Ellicott St., between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. PAL eligibility requirements apply and can be found at metro.nfta.com.

When you use stored value in your MetGo PAL account, it will automatically charge the discounted rate every time.

Set up your MetGo PAL account

Once you have your PAL card, you must go online and register your MetGo account. Then you can add money using a credit or debit card and keep the card funded for when you need it. Money can also be added in person at participating retailers.

There are many advantages to a MetGo account. It protects your funds if your card is lost or stolen. Your account lets you see your transaction and travel history. You can sign up for autopay and make sure your account always has the funds you need to keep you moving.

Using your MetGo PAL card

You can begin using your MetGo PAL card to pay your fare immediately after you load money into your account. On PAL vans, just tap your card on the reader every time you board. On Metro buses, tap your card on the farebox, and then show the card to the operator. When using Metro Rail, tap your card at the fare gates. You will need to tap out as well.