How do I pay fares and where can I buy passes?

Fares and pass purchase options are listed on Metro's official fares and passes page; options include stored-value and period passes available online, at vending machines, or through authorized vendors.

What happens if I ride without paying?

Enforcement may issue a citation or require payment; exact penalties and appeal steps are given on the citation or Metro's enforcement resources and may vary by incident.

How can I comment on a proposed fare change?

Attend the public board meeting listed on the agency's board meetings page and follow the published public comment procedures to submit remarks or written comments.

St. Louis Transit Fare Rules & Meetings

Transportation Missouri 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

St. Louis, Missouri relies on the regional Metro system (Bi-State Development) for most public transit. This guide explains how fare rules are set, where to find official meeting records and agendas, how enforcement and appeals work, and how riders can participate in public meetings that affect fares and service.

Attend board meetings to comment on fare proposals and enforcement policies.

Overview of Fare Rules and Authority

Fare levels, transfer rules, reduced fares, and pass products are published by Metro (Bi-State Development). Official fare pages list available fares, passes, eligibility for reduced fares, and where to buy or load fare media Metro Fares & Passes^[1]. Policy changes and fare adoption are typically decided by the Metro/Board of Commissioners at public meetings; meeting schedules and agendas are published by the agency Bi-State Development Board Meetings^[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of fare payment and related conduct on Metro vehicles and facilities is handled under Metro's fare enforcement policies and by transit security or contracted enforcement officers. The official fare and enforcement information is available from Metro's site; specific fine amounts and penalty schedules are not consistently itemized on the cited fare pages and may be provided in separate enforcement documents or notices Metro Fare Enforcement^[2]. Where amounts or schedules are not posted, the cited page will state that information is "not specified on the cited page."

If you receive a citation, note deadlines for payment or appeal immediately.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcement page or the citation for the exact figure.
Escalation: information on first versus repeat offences is not specified on the cited page; enforcement documents or municipal code citations may detail escalation.
Non-monetary sanctions: possible orders to pay, trespass or exclusion from property, or referral to court—specifics are not specified on the cited page.
Enforcer and complaints: Metro Transit or Bi-State Development security/enforcement units; contact and complaint pages are on Metro's official site Contact Metro.
Appeals and time limits: appeal procedures and time limits should be listed on the citation or enforcement notice; if absent, they are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Forms for reduced fare eligibility, pass purchase, or citation appeals are published by Metro when available. If a specific form number or online application is required it will appear on Metro's fare pages or the enforcement notice; if no form is published, the official pages state that none is officially published.

Public Meetings and Participation

Fare changes, service adjustments, and policy updates are discussed at public board meetings. Agendas, minutes, and public comment procedures are posted by Bi-State Development and Metro ahead of meetings. To participate, review the published agenda and follow the public comment instructions on the meeting notice Bi-State Development Board Meetings^[3].

FAQ

How do I pay fares and where can I buy passes?: Fares and pass purchase options are listed on Metro's official fares and passes page; options include stored-value and period passes available online, at vending machines, or through authorized vendors Metro Fares & Passes^[1].
What happens if I ride without paying?: Enforcement may issue a citation or require payment; exact penalties and appeal steps are given on the citation or Metro's enforcement resources and may vary by incident.
How can I comment on a proposed fare change?: Attend the public board meeting listed on the agency's board meetings page and follow the published public comment procedures to submit remarks or written comments.

How-To

Find the proposed fare change notice on the board meeting agenda.
Note the meeting date and public comment deadline.
Submit written comments per the agenda instructions or register to speak at the meeting.
If affected by a citation, follow the appeal instructions on the citation promptly to preserve appeal rights.

Key Takeaways

Metro sets fares and posts products and eligibility on its official fares page.
Policy and fare changes are decided in public board meetings; agendas should be reviewed before meetings.