The CapMetro Board of Directors has approved a new fare payment system set to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. The upgraded system, incorporating technologies like Tap to Pay, will be launched on March 1, 2025. This date will also see the retirement of the current CapMetro app in favor of the Umo and Transit apps.
Customers are expected to use the Umo app for fare payments while using Transit for trip planning. The changes aim to reduce the number of customer apps, providing a better boarding and riding experience. Samantha Baez, CapMetro’s Chief Experience and Engagement Officer, emphasized that improving customer experience is crucial for transit satisfaction. "These upgrades simplify the payment and boarding processes and lay the foundation for a smoother transit experience in Central Texas," she stated.
Key features of the new system include contactless payments through credit or debit cards as well as digital wallet platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay. New fare scanners with improved scanning capabilities are being installed across the fleet, expected to be completed by mid-February 2025.
In addition to these changes, CapMetro will introduce reloadable fare cards designed to minimize single-use waste while maintaining cost-saving benefits for frequent riders. Current digital passes will be retired in favor of automatic daily and monthly fare caps.
There will be no changes to fare rates; only the method of collection is changing. CapMetro is actively engaging with customers about transferring their fare balances during this transition period. Some buses may feature dual validators during testing phases.
For further information regarding these updates, customers can visit CapMetro.org/Fare-Updates.