How can I get discounted Valley Metro bus, light rail passes? Here's what to know
Getting a Valley Metro ticket, and knowing which one is right for you, can be a bit tricky.
Until just recently, light rail passengers could only purchase tickets at the stop. This has changed. With the new Valley Metro App, riders can purchase tickets ahead of time, paying the exact amount they need. This also works with bus passes.
There are also discounted options for people with disabilities, people older than 65, children ages 6 through 18 and Medicare holders. Free passes may also be available to people experiencing homelessness.
Here's everything you need to know about how to purchase public transit tickets in metro Phoenix and how to apply to discounted and free options.
A one-way ticket for either the light rail or the bus starts at $2. For a full-day pass, riders can spend $4 for unlimited rides. The full-day pass also includes transfers between light rail stations and bus stations.
Some employers located in metro Phoenix may offer discounted daily passes — contact your employer for more information.
Get Valley Metro bus route information here.
If you are not employed, or if your employer doesn't have passes available, Valley Metro has what is called a 'Reduced Fare Program.'
The Reduced Fare Program is available to youth, seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare cardholders. When asked for proof of eligibility for the program when riding the metro, program participants can provide the following:
Persons with disabilities: Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID Card.
Seniors (65 and older): Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID Card, driver's license or state ID.
Youth (6-18): Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID card, driver's license, state ID card or high school student ID with photo and current school year.
Medicare cardholders: Upon request, proof of ID is required.
What exactly is a Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID Card, and how do you get one? Phoenix residents wishing to obtain a Reduced Fare ID Card can find and complete the application online (valleymetro.org/fares/reduced-fare-program). When applying for a card, keep in mind that it will cost $5.
Before you fill out the application, let's run through some of the basics. First, the application does have to be taken in person or sent by mail. To do this, fill out the application and take or mail it to either the downtown Phoenix location (4600 E. Washington St., Suite 101) or to the Tempe location (Tempe Transportation Center, 200 E. Fifth St.).
Persons with disabilities are required to mail the application to the downtown Phoenix location.
Each application will require a copy of one of the required documents:
Persons with disabilities: Qualifying letter that proves Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income or a disability recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, plus a photo ID.
Youth (6-18): Driver's license or state ID card, current year's student ID with photo, birth certificate.
Seniors (65 and older): State or federal ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, birth certificate, etc.).
Medicare Cardholders: Medicare card and a photo ID.
If you submit your application in person, make sure to bring one of the mentioned documents with you.
If you mail the application, make sure to scan and print your documents. This can be done with a PDF app on your mobile phone or with a scanner. Apple and Samsung phones have PDF scanners built into the Notes applications. If you don't have access to one at home, visit your local library. Here, you can also print your documents and likely mail them from the same location.
If you aren't currently in a place where you can afford transit passes, the Homeless Service Provider Program from Valley Metro supplies transit passes to local shelters.
Reach out to your local shelter or organization and ask them about the possibility of obtaining a Metro Pass.
Republic reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda contributed to this article.
This reporting was produced in collaboration with The Arizona Republic/La Voz and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism's course on Community Engagement Reporting, an effort to build trust and reach underrepresented and underserved communities of metro Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How can I get discounted Valley Metro bus, light rail passes?
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