New Way to Pay: Tap & Save Starts July 16 with Metro among other updates
Say goodbye to traditional digital passes starting July 16, 2025. Metro’s new Tap&Save system only requires your Transit App or EZfare smart card (available at Metro’s sales office for $5). Load funds, tap or scan when you board, and ride.
With Tap&Save, you earn passes as you ride—no pre-planning needed. It’s the easiest way to ride smarter, save more, and get where you need to go.
Mobile tickets will no longer be sold in the app. Riders must load funds to their account, scan their code on the validator, and the correct fare amount will be automatically deducted.
Two Easy Ways to Tap&Save
1. Transit App (with EZfare)
- Download the Transit app
- Create an EZfare account in the app settings
- Load funds into your wallet
- Tap your QR code on the validator when you board
2. EZFare Smart Card
- Purchase a smart card for $5 at Metro’s sales office.
- Load funds with cash or a credit card
- Tap your card when boarding
- Smart Cards are available for $5 from the Metro sales office. The Smart Card is reloadable online and at select retailers. Smart cards go on sale July 16, 2025.
Daily and Monthly Fare Capping
Local routes cap at $4.40/day or $88/month
Express routes cap at $6.00/day or $120/month
Metro/TANK routes cap at $5.00/day or $105/month
Once you reach the cap, additional rides are free for the rest of that period.
Still Prefer Passes or Cash?
Starting July 16, traditional digital passes will not be available through the Transit App; however, paper passes will still be available online and at the Metro’s sales office. Cash will also still be accepted on board.
Related Article: A Guide to Cincinnati’s Metro Veterans Program
Updates to Fares
Starting Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Metro’s fares will be adjusted to the following:
Local Routes
Single Ride: $2.20
1/2 Off, Single Ride: $1.10*
Day Pass: $4.40
1/2 Off, Day Pass: $2.20*
Five Ride Ticket: $11.00
30-Day Pass: $88.00
*New: Routes previously designated as commuter services will now be called Local Routes.
Express Routes
Single Ride: $3.00
1/2 Off, Single Ride: $1.50*
30-Day Pass: $120.00
*New: All routes with an “X” in their title are Express Routes.
MetroNow! & Access
MetroNoW! One-Way: $2.50
Access One-Way: $4.40
Metro/TANK
Day Pass: $5.00
30-Day Pass: $105.00
Reduced Fare
Fare Deal & MVP Stickers: $44.00*
UC/Cincy State Students: $1.10 (this program will continue to be offered at no cost until further notice)
*Metro’s Fare Deal program allows eligible riders to obtain a Fare Deal identification card valid for half-price fares on any Metro trip. Learn more about the Fare Deal Program.
*Metro’s MVP Program is a half-fare discount program for military veterans and active-duty service members. Learn more about the MVP program.
Child Fare
Starting July 16, Children under 55 inches in height will ride free with a paying adult, with a limit of two children per fare-paying adult. Children over 55 inches tall will pay full fare. To support this change, each bus will feature a height indicator at the 55-inch mark to help operators and customers easily determine eligibility.
This update is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which report that the average height of a 10-year-old child is 54.5 inches, regardless of gender.
Earn Rewards Just for Riding
Metro is showing appreciation to its loyal riders with its new Rider Rewards program, now available in the Transit app. Earn points just by riding Metro and participating in other opportunities! Then, redeem your points for EZFare wallet value or gift cards from retailers in the app.
Service Alerts Are Now in the Transit App
Since June 30, Metro has been delivering service alerts through the Transit app. The current EZAlerts system will be retired on July 14. Download the Transit App and pin your lines to continue receiving notifications!
Related Article: MetroNow! aims to bring on-demand transportation to underserved neighborhoods
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Tap&Save images provided by AdobeStock
