New technology is creating some changes for how customers purchase MetroRail tickets.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 9, ticket vending machines (TVMs) at MetroRail stations will no longer accept debit or credit cards. Riders can still use debit and credit cards to buy their fare on the free CapMetro App, on the Capital Metro online store, and at the Transit Store at 209 W. 9th Street.
Passes can also be purchased at retail outlets, including many H-E-B and Randall stores, with a debit card.
The TVMs at all nine MetroRail stations will accept cash and “tap” stored value cards for Commuter Day Pass and Commuter single-ride ticket purchases.
“The CapMetro App offers customers more freedom and flexibility than the old-style platform vending machines,” said Dan Dawson, vice president of marketing and communications. “Customers can use their debit or credit card anywhere, anytime to purchase tickets rather than wait in line at a machine.”
“The app makes purchases faster, as well,” said Dawson. “Instead of having to pull out a debit or credit card every time you want to buy a pass or ticket, you only have to enter your card number once when you set the app account up. After that, you can purchase whatever fare you want using the app.”
One of the first public transit apps in the country to offer a mobile ticketing solution, the app has already been downloaded by almost a quarter million people, with $4.5 million in tickets sold.
“Riders tell us they like the app because it makes taking transit easy and convenient—and now, customers no longer have to wait in line at machines on the platform, which can be very busy during commuter rush hours and special events,” said Dawson.
In addition to being able to purchase most types of fare on a smartphone or tablet, the award-winning app provides customers with additional services over the current TVM’s, such as the ability to plan trips, view maps and schedules, and get real-time bus and train information. A person’s smart device also becomes their pass, eliminating the need for paper tickets and making boarding that much easier.
Capital Metro is implementing this change because the agency would have to spend nearly $5 million over the next five years to upgrade the machines to stay current with national credit security regulations that govern credit and debit card transactions.
By making the TVMs cash-only, Capital Metro can invest more in its transit services instead of spending millions of dollars on outdated technology.
The changes will go into effect in a phased three-week time period in October, 2016:
- October 9: Downtown, Plaza Saltillo & MLK, Jr. Stations
- October 16: Highland, Crestview & Kramer Stations
- October 23: Howard, Lakeline & Leander Stations
