Madison WI Public Transportation: Your Guide to Fares, Passes, and Easy Riding

Navigating Madison, Wisconsin, just got simpler and more affordable with Madison Metro’s public transportation system. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student, or a visitor exploring the city, understanding the fare options and payment methods is key to a smooth journey. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about riding Madison’s buses, including the convenient Fast Fare system and available discounts.

Madison Metro bus driver Lori demonstrating the Fast Fare card, a convenient payment method for Madison WI public transportation

Discover the Benefits of Fast Fare for Madison Public Transportation

Madison Metro has introduced Fast Fare, a new way to pay that offers multiple-ride discounts without the need for upfront pass purchases. This system automatically applies fare capping, ensuring you always get the best possible price. Simply tap your Fast Fare card each time you board, and the system will track your rides, guaranteeing you won’t pay more than the daily, weekly, or monthly fare cap.

Fast Fare Pricing for Adults and Reduced Fare Riders

Here’s a breakdown of the fare cap prices for adults and reduced fare riders using the Fast Fare system:

Reduced fares are available for youth, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with lower incomes, making Madison Wi Public Transportation accessible for everyone.

Youth Pass Options for Students in Madison

For students, Madison Metro offers dedicated Youth Passes, providing cost-effective transportation throughout the semester or school year:

Payment Methods and Important Riding Tips for Madison Metro

As Madison Metro transitions to its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, there are some important changes to payment methods to keep in mind:

• BRT Station Boarding: Cash is not accepted on buses at BRT stations. Instead, use automatic ticket machines available on most platforms to purchase single tickets and day passes, or utilize your Fast Fare card.
• Tap Your Fast Fare Card: Remember to tap your Fast Fare card every time you board any Madison Metro bus. This ensures accurate fare calculation and automatic transfers within a 2-hour window.
• No Paper Transfers at BRT Stations: Paper transfers are not accepted when boarding at BRT stations. The Fast Fare system manages transfers digitally.
• Standard Bus Boarding: On standard buses (non-BRT), have your pass or exact cash fare ready when boarding.
• Free Rides on UW Campus: Routes 80 – 84 within the University of Wisconsin campus are free for students, employees, affiliates, and visitors.

Paratransit Fares for Accessible Transportation in Madison

Paratransit services maintain their current pricing structure, ensuring accessible transportation options remain consistent. New fare technology for paratransit riders is expected in 2025, promising future enhancements to the service.

Purchasing Tickets and Passes for Madison Metro

You can conveniently purchase tickets and passes through the mail. Allow 8 to 10 business days for processing your order.

Order Online or Print Order Form to mail in your request.

Current Fixed-Route Fare Options (Transitioning System)

While Madison Metro transitions to the full BRT system, certain fare options remain accepted on standard buses:

• Cash Fares: Cash is accepted on standard buses, but encouraged to be replaced by Fast Fare for ease and BRT compatibility.
• Old Fare Items: Unused old fare items can be traded in for value to be added to your new Fast Fare cards.
• Cash and old fare items will be accepted on standard buses (boarding at blue signs with metal poles) into 2025.

Need Help? Contact Madison Metro for Assistance

If you have any questions regarding fares, routes, or Madison WI public transportation in general, please contact Madison Metro at (608) 266-4466 or email [email protected].

Embrace the ease and affordability of Madison WI public transportation and explore the city with Metro!