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Metro outlines new mobile fare app, validator rollout and pilot hardware schedule
Summary
Bi-State and Metro Transit described a staged rollout of a new 'ride on' app with tap-and-ride account features, validator installations tied to the Secure Platform Plan, and TBM pilot installations beginning January 2026; staff said cash payment options will remain and an outreach campaign is planned.
Metro and Bi-State staff provided a progress update on the agency’s fare collection modernization and related equipment installations.
Tom Curran, executive vice president of administration at Bi-State, said the Metro 'ride on' mobile app is available now for iPhone and Android and that a new tap-and-ride, account-based payment feature has been added. Curran said Metrolink station validators have been installed at 11 stations that already have SPP upgrades; remaining validators will be installed after the Secure Platform Plan construction is finished.
Curran outlined an installation timeline: new validators will be installed when the SPP project is complete, and production and installation of the pilot TBM (ticketing/back-office modules) equipment produced by Indra are scheduled to begin in January 2026 at specific stations (Cortech Civic Center, Union Station in Missouri; Emerson Park and Washington Park in Illinois).
Staff emphasized that multiple payment options will remain. Curran said customers who prefer to pay cash may continue to do so; the validators will accept mobile tickets, paper limited-use passes and smart cards. Bi-State will run a communications campaign, keep detailed web resources for customers and deploy system ambassadors when the new system goes live to assist riders.
Commissioners asked for printed or in-person help for customers unfamiliar with app-based payments; Curran and other Bi-State leaders said there will be pamphlets, web pages and ambassadors to help riders transition and that the agency is planning broad outreach well before full operational launch.
Next steps: Staff will continue hardware installation through January 2026 and run outreach programs ahead of system activation. Commissioners requested visibility into the rollout schedule and customer-help plans.
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