Fares can be paid with the Metro Bus Smart Ride Card, Metro Bus Smart Ride App, Metro Bus Smart Ride Tickets or cash (exact fare recommended, no change available).

Everything except half-dollar coins are accepted by the farebox.

No, tokens are no longer be accepted.

No, fareboxes are unable to issue change. Exact fare is encouraged.

No, each passenger must have their own Smart Ride Card or other fare when boarding.

Stored Value is money added to a Smart Ride Card to pay fares for any Metro Bus service. Each use will deduct from the total value.

Yes, the Metro Bus Smart Ride Card automatically codes one, and only one, transfer per trip. We encourage passengers to get a separate Smart Ride Card for each family/group member. Transfers are not available for other methods of payment such as cash or the Metro Bus Smart Ride App. Customers with 31-Day, 7-Day or 1-Day Passes never need to pay for transfers.

The Smart Ride Cards allow up to four fare products on them.
The Metro Bus Smart Ride App and the Smart Ride Card are not synced. Purchased products are not transferrable between them.

A Metro Bus Smart Ride Card costs $3 and can be purchased at the Transit Center, online or at ticket outlets. You can load funds to any Smart Ride Card at the Transit Center, online or through the Metro Bus Smart Ride App on your mobile device. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

The Metro Bus Smart Ride Card is the most versatile option, but you can pay your fare directly at the farebox with cash, with mobile ticketing with the Metro Bus Smart Ride App as well as with a Smart Ride Card. Learn more: ridemetrobus.com/fares/#/purchase-fares

You can pay Reduced Fares with Stored Value on the Smart Ride Card as well as cash. Please inform the Operator, before tapping your card or inserting cash, that you will be using a Reduced Fare rate. Learn more about Reduced Fares: ridemetrobus.com/fares/#/reduced-fare

Metro Bus Smart Ride Cards will be available at the Metro Bus Transit Center, online at smartridecard.com, or at select partner outlets and radio stations. You can also pay your fare using the Metro Bus Smart Ride App, cash or a Metro Bus Smart Ride Ticket.

You do not need to create an account to use the Metro Bus Smart Ride Card but it is recommended that you create a free account for security reasons. Using mobile ticketing on the Metro Bus Smart Ride App does require creating an account. The Metro Bus Smart Ride App and the Smart Ride Card are not synced. Purchased products are not transferrable between them.

Metro Bus is not responsible for lost or stolen cards. You will have to pay $3 for a new card. If your Metro Bus Smart Ride Card was registered, passes and value can be transferred to a new card.

Smart Ride Cards can be registered online at smartridecard.com. First create an online account, select “Register and Existing Card” from the My Cards menu and enter the 10-digit card number and CVV number as they appear on the back of your card. Learn more about registering your card: ridemetrobus.com/fares/#/register

Standard, contactless payments will be accepted at the farebox. If you have a Metro Bus Smart Ride Card with Stored Value or Stored Rides, simply tap your card on the target reader at the top of the farebox. If you have a mobile ticket activated and open, scan it face down on the target scanner. Your ride or funds will be automatically deducted from the value on your card or mobile ticket when used.

Yes! The Metro Bus Smart Ride Card and Metro Bus Smart Ride App are usable on all services. The Metro Bus Smart Ride App and the Smart Ride Card are not synced. Purchased products are not transferrable between them.

No, it is a free app. The Metro Bus Smart Ride App is available on the App Store for iPhone users and Google Play for Android users by searching for “Smart Ride.”

Each fare purchase is linked to a specific device. This ensures that the pass can only be used on one device at a time. On your former device, open the Metro Bus Smart Ride App, go to the main menu and select “My Passes.” Then select “Account Management” to go to the Account Information screen. From the Account Information screen select “Transfer Card” and follow the prompts. When you log into your account on the new device, you will be prompted to retrieve your released mobile wallet. If you do not have access to your former device contact us for assistance. The Metro Bus Smart Ride App and the Smart Ride Card are not synced. Purchased products are not transferrable between them.

The Metro Bus Smart Ride App and the Smart Ride Card are not synced. Purchased products are only available on the option they were purchased through and are not transferrable between the Metro Bus Smart Ride Card and the Smart Ride App.

To read the bus schedule, first, identify where your stop is in relation to the published timepoints on your route. If your stop is between timepoints, use the given time for the timepoint before your stop for your bus stop’s time.

The schedule is in a table format with timepoints listed in the column headers. To determine the time the bus will be at your stop, read the times listed under your time point. Read the schedule left to right to follow the route.

Additional help in reading the schedule is available from your friendly driver or the customer service staff at the Metro Bus Transit Center. If you need even more help, call the Metro Bus Mobility Training Center to make an appointment for free Travel Training, 320.529.4497.

Printed Metro Bus System Maps are on display at Metro Bus locations as well as locations in the community. The maps show an overall view of the entire route system in one convenient area route map. Click here to view our online interactive system map.

Metro Bus individual route schedules are available free of charge on our website, on all Metro Buses, at Metro Bus locations, major grocery stores and other outlets. Use the online Trip Planner to view schedule information or download a PDF of a specific route.

Wait for the bus at a designated bus stop. Most routes have signed bus stops every 2 to 3 blocks in urban neighborhoods and 4 to 6 blocks along less dense corridors. When waiting at a bus shelter, stand outside as the bus approaches so the driver can see you. Stand back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop. Click here for information about shelters and bus stops.

Please arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes early to avoid missing the bus.

As the bus approaches, check the route destination signs located on the front of the bus near the top and along the side of the bus near the front door. Always confirm your route before boarding.

Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and have your pass or money ready before you board the bus. Then, carefully step on board and pay fare.

Most Metro Buses are low floor design with no steps to climb to board the bus. If the first step into the bus is difficult, please ask the driver to “kneel the bus.” This will lower the front entrance of the bus.

Take a seat if one is available and remain seated while the bus is moving. While choosing your seat, please leave the seats in front for senior citizens or individuals with disabilities.

To transfer at the Transit Center: Match the “Arrive Destination” time point on your route schedule with the “Leave Downtown” time point for the transferring route.

To transfer mid-route: You can make transfers at any location where two bus routes meet. Step out of the bus and wait for the second bus. Please check schedules to ensure that you will be able to make a transfer connection to complete your trip.

You will note that it may be necessary to wait up to 1 hour for a connecting route. Transfers from Metro Bus Fixed Route are not valid on the Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride buses.

To transfer between ConneX and Fixed Routes: You may transfer between ConneX and Fixed Routes at bus stops on Routes 21, 22 and 31 in the ConneX service area.

Smart Ride Cards automatically code one, and only one, transfer per use. Transfers are not available for other payment methods such as cash or the Metro Bus Smart Ride App. Customers with 31-7-Day or 1-Day Passes never need to pay for transfers.

About one block before the bus gets to your stop, pull the yellow cord above or between the windows once to signal the Operator that you want to get off. Please remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop. Exit the nearest door and wait until the bus is gone before crossing the street. For your safety NEVER cross in front of the bus.

• Up to three children five and under ride free with a paid fare on any Metro Bus.
• Lost and Found items can be recovered at the Metro Bus Transit Center. Call 320.251.5411 first to make sure your item has been found.
• Metro Bus Fixed Route and Dial-a-Ride buses do not operate on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Metro Bus service is suspended early in the evening on Christmas Eve.
• Metro Bus Dial-a-Ride service is available seven days a week to people whose disabilities prevent them from using the Fixed Route – call 320.252.1010 for more information.

The employment application is an online form you can complete electronically on your phone/desktop or in person on a kiosk at our Operations Center located at 665 Franklin Av NE, St. Cloud, MN 56304. Applications can only be submitted through the online portal.

Operator applicants will be contacted within 3-5 business days upon receipt of application if selected for an interview. Timeframe varies for other positions.

Operators must have a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement and no airbrake restrictions to drive buses. You can be hired and receive training for a Commercial Learner’s Permit through our CDL Permit Prep Class if you meet all other minimum qualifications and are successful in the selection process.

On the front of your license it says what license class you have. On the back of your driver’s license where it says “Endorsements” or “END” it will list “Passenger.” Where is says “Restrictions” of “RESTR” it will list “None.” Both Class C and Class D license holders will need to take and pass the required written permit tests and obtain a Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

You are required to pass the General Knowledge, Passenger and Air Brake written tests at an exam location of your choice.

Yes, you must be able to obtain within 90 days from first date of employment. If no permit is obtained Metro Bus has a CDL Permit Prep Training class available.

Yes! If you are interested in obtaining your permit on your own please review the General Knowledge, Transporting Passengers Safely and Air Brakes sections in the Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) manual at the following link: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/Commercial%20Drivers%20License%20Manual.pdf