Valley Metro’s Tempe streetcar will start charging fares next week, like the agency’s other services, the light rail and buses.
The street car, which offers 14 stops on a 3-mile route, has had no fare since its 2022 debut. But the Aug. 4 change was planned.
Renata Cló with the agency says Valley Metro was modernizing its fare system to have electronic or digital passes to keep track of price caps for riders.
“In the past when you bought paper passes, you had to invest right away $64 for a 31-day pass. Now you can pay as you go. You only have to have enough in your account for your next ride," Cló said.
And now it's ready to include the street car. The $1 per ride fare will be capped at $4 a day, $20 a week and $64 a month, with the ability to mix and match services.
For example:
"They board light rail, they pay $2. Then they board streetcar, they pay $1. And then you’ve spent $3 that day. So next time you board, for instance, light rail, you’re only paying another $1 because you’ve reached your maximum daily of $4," Cló said.
Free and reduced fares will be available for eligible riders. Arizona State University students and employees will be able to use U-pass cards as well.
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