Copper Card
- MIFARE DESFire smart card
- Valley Metro Rail
- Valley Metro Bus
- Tempe Streetcar
- Online
- Vending machines
- Service centers
- Convenience stores
- Retail stores
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][5]
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.[6][7]
The operator of the Copper Card will be Vix Technology.[8]
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.[9][10][11]
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.[12]
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.[13][14][15][16]
On 1 April 2024, ADA, Platinum, and A+ Copper Cards were activated to use on rail and buses.[17][18][19][20]
On 29 July 2024, the Valley Metro app was updated with Smart Fare.[21][22]
On 2 August 2024, Valley Metro added the option to buy Copper Cards online, the option to register and reload the card. Also, Valley Metro added the option to create or log in to an account.
Rates
The table at bottom shows the future rate structure for the Valley Metro system.[23]
Fare type1 | Local and Light rail | Express / RAPID2 | Reduced fare3 |
---|---|---|---|
1-ride | $2 | $3.25 | $1 |
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.
- ^ Gray, Brandon (July 25, 2023). "Valley Metro asks for public feedback on new Smart Fare technology". KTAR News. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Worrell, Carolina (February 1, 2023). "Transit Briefs: Calif. HCD/DGS, LA Metro, Sound Transit, Valley Metro". Railway Age. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ "Here's what upgrades are in store for Phoenix-area Valley Metro systems in 2024". Arizona Republic. July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 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.
- ^ Veenstra, David (March 30, 2024). "New Valley Metro light rail fare machines beginning to be installed Monday". KTAR News. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ "The Valley Metro Fare System is Getting an Upgrade!". Valley Metro. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Steve (April 30, 2024). "Phoenix Embraces Digital Transitions, Valley Metro Introduces App and Card Fare System for Easier Commutes". Hoodline. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Valley Metro hosting town halls to inform riders about new Smart Fare system". KTAR. May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "Transit Briefs: SacRT, TTC, Phoenix Valley Metro, Colorado General Assembly". Railway Age. March 20, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ "Transit Briefs: NYMTA, TriMet, Valley Metro". Railway Age. June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
- ^ "Introducing Smart Fare on the Valley Metro app". Valley Metro. July 29, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ "Fare collection updates: Monterey-Salinas Transit, PRT, Valley Metro". Mass Transit. July 30, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ "Fares | Valley Metro". Valley Metro. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ "Fare Technology Modernization | Valley Metro". Valley Metro. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
External links
- v
- t
- e
- Valley Metro Rail
- Stations
- Operator
- Stations
- Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Line (2008)
- Central Mesa Extension (2015)
- Northwest Extension Phase I (2016)
- Gilbert Road Extension (2019)
- Tempe Streetcar (2022)
- Northwest Extension Phase II (2024)
or proposed projects
- South Central Extension (2025)
- Capitol Extension (2027)
- I-10 West Extension (2030)
- West Phoenix
- Northeast Extension
- Copper Card (2024)
- Phoenix Street Railway
- Salt River Valley Electric Railway