New METRO Pay Smart Cards Launching Monday, Sept. 21

Rock Region METRO’s new smart card fare payment system is launching Monday, Sept. 21. The smart card system will use pay-as-you-go technology that lets riders load funds and passes onto a physical METRO Pay card. The reloadable smart cards allow riders to pay fares on fixed route buses and microtransit vehicles with a quick tap.

METRO Pay smart cards will be available at the River Cities Travel Center and online. All smart cards will be free through Wednesday, Oct. 21, and riders who get their cards by this date will also be entered for a chance to win free passes that will be loaded onto their cards. After Wednesday, Oct. 21, all smart cards will cost $10.00.

“Show and tell” sessions for riders to learn about how the smart cards will work will be held at the River Cities Travel Center on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, Sept. 17 from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. each day.

Riders will be able to add funds to their METRO Pay smart cards online using a credit/debit card or at the River Cities Travel Center using cash or credit/debit card. A valid email address is needed to create an associated account.

A new METRO Pay webpage will go live on the launch date where riders can access the e-fare portal to order and manage their smart cards online.

METRO Pay smart cards offer 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 card for use on eligible rides.

Balance Protection: Registered riders can easily replace lost or stolen cards without losing funds.

Limited-use paper passes, virtual passes and cash will still be accepted for payment.