QUESTIONS…ANSWERED
New Fare Policy | New
Fare Structure Table
Questions Answered |Fare
Exchange Locations
Q: Why are fares increasing?
A: Valley Metro hasn’t had a fare increase in
over 10 years, despite rising operating costs, such as fuel and equipment.
After consideration of all options, we determined that to keep up with these
costs we must increase our fares.
Q: Why isn't there a "5-Day pass"?
A: For your convenience, All-day passes are available
in 5-packs so they may be used as needed, not just in consecutive days as
is the case with the 3- and 7-day passes.
Q: Where can I purchase new bus passes?
A: You can purchase bus passes at transit centers,
retail locations, online at ValleyMetro.org,
and through the mail by calling (602) 495-5795. All day passes may be purchased
on the bus starting on December 1, 2007.
Q: When can I buy these new fares?
- November 1, 2007, online at ValleyMetro.org
- After November 15, 2007, at participating Transit Centers
- December 1, 2007, at participating retail locations
Q: When is the last date to use current fares?
A: November 30, 2007.
Q: I still have tickets and tokens. What should I do?
A: Tickets and tokens are valid on the bus until
February 15.
Q: How do I activate my new bus pass?
A: All day, 3, 7, and 31 day passes become activated
only after being inserted into the farebox. When purchased on the bus,
all day passes will already be activated.
Q: How do I know when my pass expires?
A: The expiration date will be printed on the pass
after it is activated in the farebox.
Q: How long is the All Day pass good for?
A: The All Day pass is good for the entire transit day which
starts at 3:15 a.m. on the day of activation to 2:30 a.m. the next day.
Q: When is the last date to purchase fares online?
A: The last date for online purchases of November monthly
passes is Oct. 30. The last date to purchase ticket books is November 15.
Q: With the new fare policy, if I buy an All Day local pass on a local
bus for $2.50, and then I board an Express or RAPID the same day, how much
extra do I pay?
A: 50 cents for full fares and $1.15 for reduced
Q: Do I need exact change?
A: Yes. The farebox accepts exact change in $1, $2
bills and all forms of U.S. coins in good condition (except 50 cent pieces).
Q: Will 3,7 or 31 day passes have to be used in consecutive days?
A: Rolling passes must be used over the course of consecutive
transit days.
Q: How will my Automatic Mail Plan purchases be affected?
A: Automatic Mail Plan customers will continue to receive
monthly service, and will be receiving information in the mail soon to opt
into purchasing 3,7, 31 and All-Day passes.
Q: How will the Bus Card Plus Program be affected? Will the current
Bus Card Plus cards be accepted by the new fare boxes?
A: Bus Card Plus cards will continue to work on the
new fareboxes. However, the Bus Card Plus program will change from
a free transfer system to a charge per use system. That will mean that
each time someone with a Bus Card Plus card boards a bus, their card
will be charged for that individual ride. Once usage hits the cap,
additional rides are free.
Q: How will these changes affect my payments as a Bus Card Plus employer?
A: All policy and pricing changes are effective as of December
1, 2007. However, the Bus Card Plus December billing cycle runs from November
24 through December 23. Bus Card Plus participants will be charged at the
current rate for the December billing. The price increase for
Bus Card Plus will become effective for the January billing cycle.
Q: Will current fare outlets sell monthly, 3 and 7 day passes?
A: In order to easily transition fare outlets, the outlets
will continue to sell all day passes and monthly passes. As a follow up strategy,
the current outlets will be introduced to the new fare media and be provided
with the option to carry it.
Q: I am a business owner that sells bus passes. How do I get the new
passes and exchange the old?
A: With the elimination of the dated monthly passes, there
will be no need to return the new rolling passes. They never expire. You
will have until December 31, 2007 to return all older unused fare media
for exchange or credit.
Q: How will the All-Day Field Trip Pass be handled? This is
a pass that is good for up to 35 people – how will that work?
A: The All-Day Field Trip punch pass will continue
to be accepted in the same manner that it is today.
Q: How will Juror All Day passes work?
A: Juror Passes will be treated the same as other All Day
passes. The Juror Pass will look like the All Day Pass in all respects except
for the printed designation of “Juror” in the upper right
hand corner of the pass.
Q: Will the ASU U-passes be accepted by the new fare boxes?
A: This fare type will continue to be accepted. This fare
type has a mag stripe that will continue to be readable by the fareboxes.
Q: Will the Semester pass be accepted by the new fare boxes?
A: This fare type will continue to be accepted. This fare
type has a mag stripe that will continue to be readable by the fareboxes.
Q: How will persons with mobility aids boarding through the back door
pay with a pass or purchase fare media?
A: Bus operators will continue to aid persons with
mobility aids to pay their fares.
Q: What constitutes a Reduced Fare?
A: A single “Reduced” fare category
will replace current categories for Youth, Senior and persons with a disability..
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Overview