For the first time in more than 11 years, CapMetro is proposing a fare increase. The word increase can spark a lot of emotion, and there’s never an ideal time to propose something like this. But after more than a decade of rising operating costs and investments in service, CapMetro is recommending the increase to keep our service affordable and accessible.
The proposed fare increase would help support the buses, trains, our public safety program and other services our customers rely on every day while maintaining investments in new vehicles, infrastructure and technology that have improved the rider experience over the last 11 years.
Even with these potential changes, CapMetro’s fares would remain among the lowest of any major transit agency in the country.
As part of the process, CapMetro is also proposing updates to its reduced fare programs to simplify discounts and help more riders get access to lower fares.
All customers currently enrolled in reduced fare programs will continue to receive benefits under the proposed changes. Before any changes are considered by the Board of Directors later this year, the agency is asking for community feedback.
Why is CapMetro proposing a fare increase?
The last time CapMetro increased its fares was in 2015. Since then, the population in Central Texas has grown, gas costs more, and many of the transit services CapMetro’s customers use today didn’t exist yet.
Over the past decade, CapMetro has invested in significant improvements designed to make public transit across the region more reliable, accessible and convenient. Since 2015, CapMetro has launched new Rapid service, increased frequency on key routes, expanded Pickup service across the region, modernized fare payment technology and established a Transit Police Department. During that same period, economic inflation and operating costs have risen, making it more expensive to provide the service so many of our customers rely on.
What’s being proposed?
CapMetro is considering a phased approach that would implement fare increases in two stages: one beginning in January 2027 and another in January 2029.
Under the proposal, fares would increase as follows:
Fare capping would remain in place, ensuring customers who use the Umo app or a Reloadable Fare Card never pay more than the daily or monthly cap for the services they use.
What About Reduced Fares?
Under the proposal, the Equifare and Reduced Fare programs would be combined into a single Reduced Fare program that provides a 50% discount on fares. Reduced Fare program eligibility will expand to include veterans and customers at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Current Equifare customers would automatically transition into the updated program and would not need to take any action to get the higher discount.
The goal is simple — keep discounted fares available for customers who need them most and improve the program by making it easier to understand and use.
We Want to Hear from You
A fare increase affects every rider differently, and we know that customers may have questions about how the proposal would impact them.
Over the coming weeks, CapMetro will host public meetings and provide opportunities for customers to learn more about the proposal, ask questions and share their feedback.
Upcoming Public Meetings
Location: Goodwill Career & Technical Academy/Henna Education Center
Thursday, July 30 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Served by Routes 10, 325, and 339.
RSVP HERE
Thursday, August 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: ACC Northridge
Served by Routes 325, 466 and Pickup Walnut Creek
RSVP HERE
Wednesday, August 19 from 5 p.m. to 7:30p.m.
Location: ACC South Austin
Served by Routes 10 and 311
RSVP HERE
Tuesday, August 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30p.m.
Location: ACC Riverside
Served by Routes 310, 311 and 350
RSVP HERE
Join us in person at our Public Hearing: September 16, 2026 at noon.
CapMetro Headquarters, 2910 E. 5th St. Served by Routes 2, 4, 300, 800 and Pickup East ATX.
Share Feedback Online
Customers can review the proposal and submit comments online at capmetro.org/fare-change through August 31, 2026.
Whether you ride every day, commute a few times a week or occasionally use transit to get around town, your feedback will greatly help the conversation as CapMetro plans for the future.
