Q What does Proof of Payment on the Red Line mean?

Proof of Payment. It’s a type of fare collection system that is being implemented along the Red Line to speed up the boarding process making your rail service faster. It eliminates waiting in line before getting to your seat. You 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.

Q What is the "Fare Paid Zone"?

Each Red Line Station will have a well-marked designated area called the "Fare Paid Zone." A red and white-checkered tape will mark the start of the “Fare Paid Zone” and signs will clearly identify the zone at each station. Persons entering this part of the station must have their activated ticket, farecard or pass before entering.

Q When do I pay my fare?

You 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.

Q What if I am paying cash?

This is where the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) is your new best friend. You can purchase a one-ride ticket, a two-ride ticket or an All Day Pass, and it comes out activated. Bad news: TVMs don’t make change. Great news: You can use either a debit or credit card.

Q When do I activate a Five-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 and 2-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?

Again . . . no change. No matter how many times you ask. 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?

You 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! However, you do have to remember to buy your new one 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 will RTA monitor and enforce this new fare collection system?

As you are traveling along the Red Line, uniformed officers, called Fare Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the trains and stations. They will be asking customers to show their "Proof of Payment". Not only will they provide added security but they will help to insure 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 $76.00. If you get caught again, you are subject to criminal prosecution. (O.R.C. 2917.41) (Cleveland Ordinance 605.11)

Q What is a Validator?

Some 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" will be available at Tower City and other selected stations to allow customers to purchase various fare media. These machines will accept cash and coin and credit and debit cards. The Kiosk will also provide customers with change.