According to Houston METRO's new fare system, today marks the end of free transfers for cash paying customers. METRO introduced the fare structure and the Q Card to the community on January 2nd.
METRO touts the benefits of the Q Card system, as creating a simpler fare system by moving from 65 methods of payment to two - the Q and cold, hard cash.
METRO is restructuring its fare system to simplify what has been a complex web of fare items. Other goals are to make it more equitable for all patrons and to keep fare revenues on track with rising costs, including fuel costs that have nearly tripled since FY 2003.The down side of the Q Card system is the elimination of free transfers for cash fares and discount passes. Students, senior citizens and the disabled will still enjoy a 50% savings. But, cash customers now have to pay another fare when switching buses or for each trip on the Light Rail. Fortunately, the base rate remains at $1.
Looking on the bright side of things, the process is fairly straight forward: get a free Q Card, load it with money and swipe it on buses and platforms. In addition, Q users will earn five free rides for every 50 they buy. So, you've got that going for you, which is nice.
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Photo: Flickr user eschipul
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