Simplified Fare Payment

Riding RTA is even easier with Proof of Payment Fare Collection. With an activated Farecard/Pass, you simply get on and go.

This speeds up the boarding process and eliminates backups. Ticket Vending Machines (TVM's) have been installed at stations along both the HealthLine and Red Line routes, allowing you to purchase a One- or Two-Ride Farecard or an All-Day Pass. These machines also activate Farecards/Passes, and some stations are equipped with stand alone validators as well.

You will find a detailed breakout of when activation is required below.

Retain your Farecard/Pass while on the transit system. Your fare media must be swiped through faregate readers at the Tower City Center Station. RTA Fare Enforcement Officers will patrol the entire route to check that you have a valid Farecard/Pass. If you don't, you will be assessed a Violation Fare or face possible criminal prosecution (O.R.C. 2917.41) (Cleveland Ordinance 605.11).

Ticket Vending Machine

You can purchase a One- or Two-Ride Farecard or an All-Day Pass using the TVM at the station. Farecards/Passes can be purchased with exact change by inserting bills and/or coins into the machine. The TVM also accepts credit and debit cards.

The Farecard/Pass purchased using the TVM will already be activated. Hold onto the fare media, because RTA Fare Enforcement Officers will check to see that you have an active Farecard/Pass (Proof of Payment).

1. Coin Payment Insert
2. Card Payment Insert
3. Selection Screen
4. Smartcard Insert
5. Activation Insert, Farecard/Pass Dispenser
6. Bill Payment Insert

Purchase Farecard/Pass
Select R6 - Purchase Farecard/Pass
Select Type of Farecard/Pass
R5 - 1 Ride Farecard
R6 - 2 Ride Farecard
R7 - All-Day Pass
Select User Type of Farecard/Pass
R4 - Bus/Rapid
R5 - Senior/Disabled
Select R5 - Each Time to Increase Quantity
Select R7 - To Confirm Quantity & Continue
Select Payment Method
R5 - Cash
R6 - Another Payment Method
R6 - Credit
R7 - Debit
Insert Coins, Cash, or Debit/Credit Card for Payment
Remove Farecard/Pass

Activate Farecard/Pass
Select R5 - Activate or Check Balance
Select R6 - Activate Farecard/Pass
Insert Farecard/Pass into "Insert Ticket Here" Slot
Remove Farecard/Pass

Note: 1-Ride, 2-Ride, and and All-Day Passes purchased from the TVM are already activated.

Check Farecard/Pass Balance
Select R5 - Activate or Check Balance
Select R7 - Check Balance
Insert Farecard/Pass into "Insert Ticket Here" Slot
Screen to Display Rides Remaining
Remove Farecard/Pass

Ticket Activation

Certain Farecards/Passes must be activated prior to boarding the vehicle or entering a Red Line "fare paid zone" for your current trip. To accomplish this, you can use the TVM at the station to activate.

Some stations are also equipped with stand alone validators. If you purchase a One- or Two-Ride Farecard or an All-Day Pass from the TVM, it will already be activated. Below is a breakout of when and when not to activate the various types of RTA Farecards/Passes:

One-Trip, Two-Trip, Five-Trip Farecards
Activate with Each Trip
All-Day Pass
Activate for Initial Use
7-Day Flex Pass
Activate for Initial Use
Monthly Pass (Current Month)
Already Activated
U-Pass
Already Activated

For More Information

If you have additional questions about Proof of Payment Fare Collection, call the RTAnswerline at (216)621-9500 or (216)781-4271 for TDD hearing impaired service. RTA's Customer Service Center is located downtown in the Tower City Center Station. Weekday hours are from 7:00am until 6:00pm.