METRO Pay Smart Cards

The METRO Pay smart card is an extended use, reloadable tap card for paying fare on fixed route buses and microtransit vehicles. Cards can be loaded with funds, as well as single-use and multi-use passes.

The METRO Pay smart card is available at the River Cities Travel Center and can also be ordered online through the e-fare website. A valid email address is needed to create an associated account. All smart cards cost $10.00.

Funds can be added online through the e-fare website using a credit/debit card or at the River Cities Travel Center with a credit/debit card or cash. Passes may be loaded onto smart cards at the River Cities Travel Center.

METRO Pay smart cards can be used on fixed route buses and microtransit vehicles. METRO Connect Conway and Sherwood riders may only load funds onto their smart cards and are not eligible for fare capping.

There is a short delay between funds added to your account and the farebox being able to process the funds. You need to allow 5 minutes for funds to process before using your smart card on the farebox. Funds may take up to two days to be reflected in your account balance.

A free transfer pass will automatically be applied for eligible rides when you pay your fare as you go using your account balance. The farebox will display the full one-way charge, but transfers will be reflected in the customer account (see photo below for reference). Transfer passes expire after two hours. Multi-transfers cannot be purchased using a smart card and must be paid for using cash through the farebox.

There is a minimum of $5.00 and a maximum of $200.00 for adding funds.

Registering your smart card is not required, however, only registered METRO Pay smart card accounts are eligible to receive balance protection. Balance protection means if your card is lost or stolen, you can report your card as lost/stolen, and any funds that are on your account from the time you report your card will be protected, and you will be able to transfer those funds to a new card. Besides balance protection, registered accounts also have online access to manage payment sources and view your smart card balance and history. You can register your account through the e-fare website or by visiting the River Cities Travel Center.

There is no limit to how many full-fare adult smart cards can be linked to one account. Only one reduced-fare smart card is allowed per account.

No. Each rider must have their own smart card, including children.

If you registered your METRO Pay smart card, your balance is protected. Visit the River Cities Travel Center or call 501-375-6717 for assistance replacing your lost card and transferring your funds to a new card.

Yes. The correct fare discount will be added to your account when your account is created. All discounted fare customers will need to visit the River Cities Travel Center to obtain a smart card.

Yes. Cash, limited-use paper passes and virtual passes are still accepted for fare payment on board fixed route buses and microtransit vehicles.

Full-fare adult smart cards do not expire. Reduced fare smart cards do expire, and after expiration, card holders will need to renew their account and get a new card.

METRO Pay smart cards provide a flexible and convenient option for fare payment. There are also a range of benefits for riders:

• Account Management: Users can manage payment sources and view smart card balances and history through an online account.
• Fare Capping: Smart cards will automatically cap the price Little Rock/North Little Rock riders pay in a day or over a 31-day period, meaning riders will never pay more than the cost of a Day Pass or 31-Day Pass, ensuring they always get the best fare pricing.
• Free Transfers: Riders who pay per trip using their account balance will automatically be credited a free transfer to their account.
• Balance Protection: Registered riders can easily replace lost or stolen cards without losing funds.