27-01-2025
CapMetro drives ahead with new fare payment system, app
AUSTIN (KXAN) — CapMetro is officially moving ahead with a new fare payment system, following approval by its board of directors Monday.
The transit authority's current app will retire this spring, with the new fare payment system set to launch on March 1. Officials said the goal of the new system will be to streamline operations and upgrade payment source options, including tap-to-pay technology.
With the new technology rollout comes the need for new fare scanners, or validators. Those are being installed within CapMetro's current fleet, with all new validators expected to be onboard come mid-February.
CapMetro riders will need to download the Umo app to pay for fares and the Transit app to help coordinate their trip plans and track bus arrivals. There will also be a new reloadable fare card available 'that reduces single-use waste while retaining fare capping cost savings benefits for frequent riders.'
PAST COVERAGE: CapMetro drives ahead with new fare payment system, app
With the new reloadable cards coming online, CapMetro will retire its digital 31-day and seven-day passes; instead, digital payments down the road will employ daily and monthly fare caps so riders don't overpay for CapMetro transit services.
'Anything we can do to improve the customer experience makes it easier for people to try transit and improves the overall satisfaction for everyone—our customers, operators, visitors and occasional riders as well, 'said Samantha Baez, CapMetro's chief experience and engagement officer. 'These upgrades simplify the payment and boarding processes and lay the foundation for a smoother transit experience in Central Texas.'
CapMetro told KXAN last month the transit authority is working to integrate both payment and trip-planning services into a singular, streamlined app in the future. The goal is to have those fare payment resources added into the Transit app, Baez told KXAN, adding there could be a possible mid-2025 progress update on those efforts.
More details on those changes are outlined online.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
