Evansville METS Modernizes Bus Fare Payment System
Evansville bus riders will soon have more ways to pay for their ride.
The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System, commonly known as METS, has announced a modernization of its fare collection system that will allow riders to pay using cash, credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.
Evansville City officials say the upgrade is part of a new five-year agreement with Matawan, a global mobility technology company that specializes in modern transit payment systems.
METS Introducing New Fare Payment System
According to city officials, the new system will be installed across Evansville’s fleet of 29 buses serving 21 routes and more than one million annual riders.
Evansville Transportation and Services Director Todd Robertson said a key goal of the project was to ensure modernization did not exclude riders who rely on cash.
Existing fareboxes will remain in place, allowing riders to continue paying with cash while also providing options for digital payments such as credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets.
The system will also allow riders to load cash balances through participating retail partners, helping riders without bank accounts still access digital fare options.
New Technology Adds Flexible Fare Options
Officials say the upgraded system will include features designed to make public transportation easier and more flexible for riders.
One feature called fare capping automatically ensures riders never pay more than the cost of a daily or weekly pass, even if they ride multiple times.
The system will also allow METS to easily introduce programs such as free ride days without requiring major system changes.
City officials say the modernization effort places Evansville among mid-sized transit systems nationwide that are adopting new technology to improve rider experience while maintaining accessibility for all passengers.
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