 | |
| Location | Metro Phoenix |
|---|---|
| Launched | Summer 2024 |
| Technology |
|
| Manager | Vix Technology |
| Currency | US $ |
| Stored-value | Pay as you go |
| Auto recharge | Autoload replenishment |
| Validity | |
| Retailed |
|
The Copper Card, will be a contactless smartcard fare collection system used by Valley Metro in Metro Phoenix. [1]
Proposal
In 2021, Valley Metro announced they wanted to reduce waste and were going to update their fare system, and launched a new app. In 2022, Valley Metro updated new fare readers. In 2023, Valley Metro launched mobile payment on the app. In 2024, the Copper Card will be released. [2] [3] [4]
Operation
Copper cards will be available for $4 at service centers and will be available to purchase online and in-person. Full fare customers will never pay more than $4 a day, $20 in week or $64 a month with the Copper card. For reduced fare customers it will never be $2 a day, $10 in week or $32 a month with the Copper card. For Express and RAPID it will never be more than $6.50 a day or $104 a month with the Copper card. [5] [6]
The operator of the Copper Card will be Vix Technology. [7]
The designer of the card will be InComm Payments.
In March 2024, Valley Metro announced they would start accepting reduced fare applications for the Copper Card and launched the new reduced fares website. [8] [9] [10]
The Copper Card will have a one-time issuance charge of $4 and a maximum load amount of $150. The new Copper Cards will also be reloadable. [11]
Valley Metro will also add new bus fareboxes, card readers, app barcode readers, and ticket vending machines at bus and light rail stations during this time. [12] [13] [14] [15]
On 1 April 2024, ADA, Platinum, and A+ Copper Cards were actived to use on rail and buses.
Rates
The table at bottom shows the future rate structure for the Valley Metro system.
| Fare type | Local and Light rail | Express / RAPID1 | Reduced fare2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | $4 | $6.50 | $2 |
| Weekly | $20 | Not available | $10 |
| Monthly | $64 | $104 | $32 |
| |||
Card variants
| Variants | Design | Fare type | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult |
|
Adult fare | Most common fare card - reloadable and used by the general public. 1-day, 7-day, and 31-day limited use versions distributed by select organizations/businesses. |
| Reduced |
|
Reduced fare | Only available with a reduced fare account via Valley Metro. 1-day, 7-day, and 31-day limited use versions distributed by select organizations/businesses. |
| Platinum |
|
Unlimited travel | Card for organizations and businesses that cover the cost of fare for their employees, residents, etc. |
| ADA Platinum |
|
Unlimited travel | Provides free transit for ADA eligible and certified riders, as well as one personal care attendant. |
| A+ |
|
Youth | Card for students that is issued by participating schools. |
See also
References
- ^ "Valley Metro, Phoenix want riders' ideas on regional fare policy". Daily Independent. July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on August 3, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Transit fares are becoming more mobile". Valley Metro. June 7, 2023. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Valley Metro asks for public feedback on new Smart Fare technology". KTAR News. July 25, 2023. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Transit Briefs: Calif. HCD/DGS, LA Metro, Sound Transit, Valley Metro". Railway News. February 1, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ "Valley Metro updates fare policy, set to launch Copper Card in 2024". TAM America. June 26, 2023. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Public Transit Seeks Input on Fare System Upgrades". City of Phoenix. July 21, 2023. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Retail Fare Outlet". Valley Metro. March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ "How to Apply for Valley Metro Reduced Fare Online". Valley Metro. March 10, 2024. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ "Sign Up for Reduced Fare". Valley Metro. March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ "Reduced Fare Program". Valley Metro. March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Fare Collection System Modernization Update (PDF). Retrieved 2024-03-10.
- ^ "Valley Metro installing new fare machines". Valley Metro. March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ "Pardon our progress". Valley Metro. March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ "New Valley Metro light rail fare machines beginning to be installed Monday". KTAR News. March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ "The Valley Metro Fare System is Getting an Upgrade!". Valley Metro. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2024.