AUSTIN, TX -- Good news, users of the city's mass transit service: The Capital Metro board of directors on Monday voted to eliminate the higher-priced fares it has been charging for use of MetroRapid and Flyer routes.

Starting this January, all local MetroRapid and Flyer service will cost the same as Local service bus routes. All service will cost $1.25 for a single ride, $2.50 for a day pass, $11.25 for a week pass and $41.25 for a monthly pass. The pricing change is designed to make it easier for travelers to move around the system, without having to worry about different fares depending on the bus routes selected. The MetroRapid and Flyer routes feature fewer stops compared to Local service, hence the increased fare.

Bus customers currently pay $1.25 for local bus service and $1.75 for two MetroRapid routes and Flyer service. Come Jan. 8, that price structure will come to an end. CapMetro board votes to eliminate the Premium fare, effective Jan. 8, 2017. MetroRapid and Flyer rts would become Local service. #MetroBoard

— Capital Metro (@CapMetroATX) October 24, 2016 "A two-tiered fare system is simpler to use, and will let riders move seamlessly from Local bus service to MetroRapid and Flyer service," Dan Dawson, vice president of marketing and communications for CapMetro, said in a prepared statement. "Our community consistently tells us they want a more flexible and easy to use transit network that gives them more options, so we're answering the call by making our bus system even more accessible and convenient."



The agency conducts an in-depth study of its bus system every five years, officials said. In 2010, the study resulted in the launch of MetroRapid bus rapid transit (BRT) service, the creation of transit-priority lanes in downtown Austin that help move buses quickly through the city's core, and the first phase of the High-Frequency Route Network, which increased weekday frequency on four high-demand Local bus routes, they explained.

For more information about the fare reduction, visit capmetro.org/farechange. Additional details about Connections 2025, including an online interactive map and video, can be found at connections2025.org.