Santa Cruz METRO Temporarily Reduces Fares

Santa Cruz METRO’s Temporary Fare Reduction Begins Today, March 22, 2021

The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) announces a temporary fare reduction county-wide on local, Highway-17 Express, and ParaCruz rides beginning today, Monday, March 22, 2021 through September 15, 2021.

METRO’s temporary fare reduction program was established to aid our community in recovery and provide financial relief to those who rely on METRO’s services. Beginning Monday, March 22^nd Local Regular Fares will be discounted fifty percent (50%) and Discount Fares will now be free on all local and Highway-17 Express routes. Additionally, ParaCruz Base Fares and Extended Fares will be discounted fifty percent (50%) for registered ParaCruz customers.

Temporary fares will now be $1.00 for Local Regular trips, $3.50 for the Highway-17 Express, $2.00 for ParaCruz Base Fares, $3.00 for ParaCruz Extended Fares, and Free for Discount Fares with discount photo ID through September 15, 2021.

Additionally, riders who are interested in using METRO to transport them to and from their COVID-19 vaccination appointments can do so for free with proof of the vaccination appointment. To make getting to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment even easier METRO has created a map highlighting routes that stop near vaccine clinics. Please see METRO Vaccine Routes to determine which route best applies to your vaccination location.

“Throughout the pandemic METRO’s focus has been on the health and safety of our riders and operators and we will continue to have this same focus moving forward. Yet, as we are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel, related to reduce positivity rates, the easing county restrictions, and increased vaccinations, METRO wants to do our part in our community’s recovery. By offering a temporary fare reduction we are thanking our riders who have been with us throughout the pandemic, encouraging those who can ride to return to METRO, and encouraging new riders to try METRO as our local businesses are beginning to re-open their doors.” Alex Clifford, METRO CEO/General Manager.

METRO continues to follow public health guidelines from official sources such as CDC, State, and local guidance whenever possible to support safe travel. Including cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently, requiring face coverings, and installing additional safety measures. In addition, METRO puts health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill.

METRO’s temporary fare reduction program is just another way METRO is showing our commitment to our community’s recovery from the pandemic. METRO will continue to enforce physical distancing guidance onboard vehicles, and limit the number of passengers onboard at any given time.

For information on METRO, visit the Santa Cruz METRO Website. For future fare purchases, check out our touchless and contactless mobile ticketing app, METRO’s Splash Pass.

For information on METRO routes and schedules visit the Schedule Webpage or to stay connected to bus arrival information visit the Stay Connected Webpage.