What does Proof of Payment on the Red Line mean?
What is the "Fare Paid Zone"?
When do I pay my fare?
What if I am paying cash?
When do I activate a 5-trip farecard on the Red Line?
What’s the difference between a 1-ride and 2-ride farecard and a 5-trip farecard?
Will the Ticket Vending Machine make change?
What if I have a 7-Day Flex Pass?
What if I have a current Monthly Pass or a U-Pass?
How does RTA monitor and enforce this fare collection system?
What happens if you don’t have your Proof of Payment?
What is a Validator?
What happens when I arrive downtown at Tower City?
Will I still be able to buy Monthly passes, 7-Day Flex Passes, or 5-Trip Farecards at Tower City?
Q. What does Proof of Payment on the Red Line mean?
Proof of Payment is a fare collection system on the Red Line that speeds up the boarding process, making your rail service faster. It eliminates waiting in line before getting to your seat. Purchase your pass or farecard and have it activated before you enter the Rapid station’s "Fare Paid Zone" and keep it with you throughout your trip. The HealthLine also uses a Proof of Payment system. Make sure you purchase your fare before boarding.
Q. What is the "Fare Paid Zone"?
Each Red Line Station has a well-marked designated area called the "Fare Paid Zone." A red-and-white-checkered tape marks the start of the “Fare Paid Zone” and signs clearly identify the zone at each station. Persons entering this part of the station must have their activated ticket, farecard or pass before entering.
Pay your fare on the Red Line before entering the "Fare Paid Zone" of the station. Each station is equipped with Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) to purchase farecards or All-Day Passes. Just follow the easy-to-read directions.
This is where the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) is your new best friend. You can purchase a 1-ride ticket, a or an All-Day Pass, and it comes out activated. TVMs don’t make change., but you can use either a debit or credit card.
Q. When do I activate a 5-trip farecard on the Red Line?
When paying your fare with a 5-trip farecard, each trip must be activated prior to entering the "Fare Paid Zone". A trip remains active for 2-1/2 hours.
Q. What’s the difference between a 1-ride and 2-ride farecard and a 5-trip farecard?
A 1-ride farecard is the same as paying a cash fare. The farecard you receive serves as a receipt to show a Fare Enforcement Officer that you’ve paid your fare. In addition to providing a fare for your initial ride, a 5-trip farecard, offers transfer privileges for up to 2-1/2 hours after each use.
Q. Will the Ticket Vending Machine make change?
No, exact fare only still applies. TVMs will accept $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills and coins.
Q. What if I have a 7-Day Flex Pass?
Activate your 7-Day Flex Pass the first time you use it. You keep it with you for that day and the next 6 consecutive days and you don’t have to activate it again. Remember to buy your new pass for the following week.
Q. What if I have a current Monthly Pass or a U-Pass?
If you have a current Monthly Pass or a U-Pass, you don’t have to activate them. Just make sure you have it with you throughout your trip.
Q. How does RTA monitor and enforce this fare collection system?
As you travel along the Red Line, uniformed Fare Enforcement Officers will patrol trains and stations. They ask customers to show their "Proof of Payment". They provide added security, and help ensure everyone has paid their fare.
Q. What happens if you don’t have your Proof of Payment?
You may have to pay a Violation Fare. This fare will cost you the price of a Monthly Pass or $85. If you get caught again, you are subject to criminal prosecution. (O.R.C. 2917.41) (Cleveland Ordinance 605.11)
Some HealthLine and Red Line stations have stand-alone "Validators". Although you can’t pay your fare with this machine, you can use it to activate your farecard or pass.
Q. What happens when I arrive downtown at Tower City?
At the Tower City Station in downtown Cleveland, all customers on the Red, Blue and Green Lines must swipe their pass or farecard through the faregate reader in order to get through the turnstiles.
Q Will I still be able to buy Monthly Passes, 7-Day Flex Passes, or 5-Trip Farecards at Tower City?
Yes. Kiosk machines labeled: "Farecards and Passes" are available at Tower City and other selected stations to allow customers to purchase various fare media. These machines accept cash and coin and credit and debit cards. The kiosk also provides customers with change.