Proposed Fare Structure Changes
CityBus is proposing an updated fare structure for the first time in over 20 years. These changes are part of a larger system-wide study — our Keep CityBus Moving 2030 initiative — and are aimed at keeping our mobility services affordable, modern, and sustainable.
We invite you to review the proposed fare structure below and provide your feedback by taking our survey at the bottom of the page.
Why Are We Proposing Fare Changes?
The cost to provide transit service has increased by more than 50% since 2018, but fares have remained unchanged for more than two decades. We’ve worked hard to control costs and preserve service, but the financial gap continues to grow. Without fare adjustments, we face shortfalls that could threaten the quality and reliability of service.
At the same time, we are making strategic changes to our network to better reflect how, when, and where people ride. The proposed fare changes support this shift by simplifying how riders pay, expanding equity, and ensuring we can maintain access across the community.
This is about more than revenue. It’s about protecting core service, responding to rider needs, and building a more sustainable system for the future!
What Would Change?
- Two-Hour Fare Window
One fare, unlimited rides for two hours — no more paper transfers or extra charges for short round trips or connections. This rider-friendly window replaces transfers entirely and gives you the freedom to come and go without worrying about additional fares. - New Half-Fare Eligibility
Half-fare remains available for seniors, Medicare recipients, and people with differing abilities— and now expands to include youth ages 9–19 who are enrolled in school. While this change replaces the current free youth fare, it continues to offer an affordable option for students and families. - EZFare Mobile App & Smartcard
Launching in August 2025, the EZFare system includes both a mobile app and a reloadable smartcard. These tools will let you pay as you go with built-in fare capping — so you never overpay, even if you ride often. - Pass Options Streamlined
We’re making passes easier to choose and use: 6-Month Passes will replace Semester Passes, and a new 1-Day Half-Fare Pass will be available for eligible riders. You'll still have 1-Day and 31-Day Pass options — just more flexibility to fit your life. - Tokens and Transfers Retired
Tokens and paper transfers will be phased out as we move to simpler, smarter fare options like mobile payments and smartcards. This will help streamline the rider experience and reduce confusion. - New Express Route Fare
Express routes will have a $5.00 fare for the general public. Riders with valid credentials (e.g., resident ID) will continue to ride express routes fare-free. The Express Fare will follow the two-hour fare window outlined above, but will only be valid fare on express routes designated with an “E” after the route number. - CityBus ACCESS Paratransit Pilot
Paratransit fares will remain at $2.00 during a six-month pilot (beginning January 2026) while we study whether aligning fares between fixed-route and paratransit services promotes greater equity across our system.
Modern, Rider-Friendly Fare Technology
In partnership with NEORide and Masabi, we’re bringing you a smarter way to ride through innovative fare technology solutions.
What Is Account-Based Ticketing?
With account-based ticketing, riders use a mobile app or reloadable smartcard to tap and ride. Your account tracks your rides automatically, so you no longer need to carry cash or choose the right pass in advance.
You’ll be able to:
- Pay directly from your phone or smartcard
- Reload online or at participating retail outlets
- Travel confidently with no lost passes
What Is Fare Capping?
Fare capping ensures you never overpay. Once your total rides reach the cost of a day or monthly pass, you stop being charged — even if you keep riding.
- Ride multiple times in one day? You’ll never pay more than a 1-Day Pass.
- Ride often across a month? You’ll be capped at the 31-Day Pass rate.
This helps frequent riders save without needing to budget for a pass upfront.
More Details Coming Soon
We’ll be sharing step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and more from Masabi ahead of the August 2025 launch.
Compare the Fares
| Fare Type | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Fare | $1.00 (per-trip) | $2.00 (Valid for 2 hours from activation) |
| Half-Fare * | $0.50 (per-trip) | $1.00 (Valid for 2 hours from activation) |
| 1-Day Pass | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| 1-Day Half-Fare Pass * | — | $2.00 |
| 31-Day Pass | $28.00 | $50.00 |
| 31-Day Half-Fare Pass * | $14.00 | $25.00 |
| Semester Pass (Fall or Spring) | $99.00 | — |
| 6-Month Pass (Jan-June or July -Dec) | — | $178.00 |
| CityBus ACCESS Certified Rider ** | Fare-free on regular fixed routes | Fare-free on regular fixed routes |
| CityBus ACCESS Paratransit ** | $2.00 (per-trip) | $2.00 (per-trip, no change during pilot) |
| Express Fare *** | — | $5.00 (Valid for 2 hours from activation on Express Routes only) |
* Half-fare is restricted to riders aged 65 or older, Medicare recipients, people with differing abilities, and children aged 9 through 19 enrolled in school. Half-fare riders must show the driver a Medicare Card, CityBus E&D photo ID, proof of age 65 and over, or a school issued photo ID every time reduced fare is paid. The CityBus E&D photo ID is available for $2 at the CityBus Administrative Office and is valid for 3 years with a completed E&D Application.
** CityBus certifies riders for CityBus ACCESS according to Americans with Disabilities Act eligibility guidelines. Fare is $2 per one way trip and certified riders are free on fixed route.
*** Unlimited ride passes (1-day, 31-day, 6-Month, and Ivy Tech IDs) are NOT accepted as valid fare on express routes designated with an “E” after the route number. Riders must have an authorized resident ID to ride express routes fare-free; or pay the Express Fare.
Timeline & Next Steps
We’re committed to keeping riders informed and involved every step of the way. Here’s what’s ahead:
- May 5–9, 2025
Community Forums & Public Hearings
Join us at locations across our service area to learn more and share your feedback on the proposed fare changes. Details below. Your voice matters! - July 2025
Board Review & Decision
After reviewing public input, the CityBus Board of Directors will vote on whether to adopt the new fare structure. - August 2025 – Phase 1 Launch
EZFare Launch, Two-Hour Fare Window, and Fare Capping
Riders will start using the new mobile app and smartcard system. The two-hour fare window goes into effect, and fare capping ensures you always get the best deal based on how often you ride. Current fare prices remain in place during this first phase. - January 2026 – Phase 2 Launch
New Fare Prices Take Effect
The updated fare costs will go into effect, marking full implementation of the modernized fare system.
Join a Community Forum
We want to hear your thoughts! Want to learn more or ask questions in person? We’re hosting community forums during the week of May 5–9 at locations throughout Greater Lafayette. Everyone is welcome!
We Want to Hear from You!
Your voice matters. Complete the following survey to provide feedback before changes are finalized. We appreciate your engagement and participation! Take our survey by clicking the link below:
