Metro Rolls Out New Fare Deal "Smart Cards"

Fare Deal customers must use new electronic “tap & show” smart cards starting Jan. 1, 2014. After that date, the current Fare Deal card with the magnetic stripe will no longer be accepted by Metro’s fareboxes regardless of the expiration date printed on the swipe card.New “tap & show” cards mailed in December; old cards expire Jan. 1 CINCINNATI– Changes are coming for older adults and people with disabilities who are eligible for Metro’s Fare Deal program for discounted fares. Fare Deal customers must use new electronic “tap & show” smart cards starting Jan. 1, 2014. After that date, the current Fare Deal card with the magnetic stripe will no longer be accepted by Metro’s fareboxes regardless of the expiration date printed on the swipe card. In December, Metro will mail out new smart cards to customers who are eligible for the program. Customers must have a valid Fare Deal “tap and show” smart card to ride for a reduced fare after Jan. 1. To use the new Fare Deal smart card, customers simply tap the new cards on the target on the farebox and show it to the bus operator before paying the reduced fare. Fare Deal customers with new smart cards may still purchase monthly stickers good for unlimited rides for $38.50, but effective Dec. 15, customers must have a valid smart card to purchase a Fare Deal sticker. Mail and phone order sales of Fare Deal stickers will be discontinued on Dec. 10, 2013. Metro has been re-certifying Fare Deal customers for more than a year to determine continued eligibility for the program. Customers who have not gone through the recertification process can complete the application on Metro’s website or call the Fare Deal office at 513-632-7540. Fare Deal officeMetro’s new Fare Deal office is located at 7000 Montgomery Rd. in Silverton (the Metro/Access Eligibility and Training Center), served by Rt. 4 Silverton-Blue Ash, Rt. 4 Kenwood-Blue Ash, and Metro*Plus. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. The Fare Deal office will be closed Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 23 – Jan. 5, reopening Jan. 6. Fare Deal smart card open housesFare Deal customers can attend a special open house session to learn more about the new smart cards and how they work: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mercantile Center lobby, 120 East 4th Street downtown Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2 – 4 p.m. Fare Deal office, 7000 Montgomery Rd. in Silverton Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Fare Deal office, 7000 Montgomery Rd. in Silverton Thursday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mercantile Center lobby, 120 East 4th Street downtown Thursday, Dec. 12, 3 – 5 p.m. Fare Deal office, 7000 Montgomery Rd. in Silverton About the Fare Deal ProgramThe Fare Deal program, which offers reduced fare for older adults and people with disabilities who qualify and are certified for the program, has about 8,000 registered customers.Fare Deal is not an income-based program. Eligibility decisions are made based on federal guidelines. Fare Deal program FAQs and other information about the program can be found at http://www.go-metro.com/fare-deal-program. Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year. Metro provides fixed-route and paratransit services in Greater Cincinnati. # # #

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