Account Based Ticketing
Account Based Ticketing
The value of public transit in northwest Ohio takes another step in late 2024, with the arrival of the TARTA Card, featuring fare capping.
Fare capping will allow fixed-route riders to get the value of an extended pass without paying the full upfront fee. As long as they are paying with the TARTA Card, a customer would not pay more than $3 per day, $15 per week or $45 per 31-day period for their rides.
There are now 3 easy ways to get the best fares every time you ride:
FARE-CAPPING TIP:
Whether you choose to use the TARTA Card or one of our apps to pay, remember to only use one method to reach your fare cap.
TARTA offers several different fare types and purchase options to best meet your needs when using the fixed-route and paratransit system. All pass and regular ticket purchases can be made on the bus, through EZfare/Transit App, or at the TARTA Transit Hub but do not qualify or count toward fare-capping. Riders can only access fare-capping through the TARTA Card, or Tap & Ride through EZfare or Transit App.
| Pass Type | TARTA Fare Structure |
| Young Youth (ages 5 and under) | Free |
| Youth (ages 6-18) | $0.75 (No reduced fare ID needed) |
| Regular (ages 19-64) | $1.50 (Free transfer tickets to use within 2 hours of paid fare) |
| Seniors* (ages 65+) | $0.75 (with TARTA Reduced Fare ID*) |
| .Veterans* | $0.75 (with TARTA Reduced Fare ID*) |
| Active-duty Military* | $0.75 (with TARTA Reduced Fare ID*) |
| PASSES | |
| 1-Day Pass | $3 (Purchase on the bus, EZfare or at the Transit Hub) |
| .7-Day Pass | $15 ($7.50 reduced fare) |
| 31-Day Pass | $45 ($22.50 reduced fare) |
| TARTA Paratransit (formerly TARPS) | |
| TARTA Move 1-Trip | $3 (Free on fixed route with TARTA Move/TARPS ID) |
| TARTA Move 10-Trip Pass | $30 |
| TARTA On-Demand Microtransit | |
| .TARTA Flex | $3 (EZFare or cash) |
Can I use the EZfare or Transit App and still get the benefits of fare capping?
You can use either app however they do not share fare capping progress. It’s best to pick one app and stick with it to get the full benefits.
I already bought a ticket the way I’m used to, does that apply to my fare-capping balance?
It does not; pre-purchasing any ticket on the app or in person will not count towards your fare capping.
How do I put money on the TARTA Card?
If you utilize Ezfare or Transit App you are able to add a credit or debit card to your account. If that is not possible your able to add funds to your account by using cash at the hub or any Vanilla Direct Retail Location
Can I use a single TARTA Card for my whole family?
No, TARTA recommends that everyone have their own designated card. You can have multiple family members TARTA Card on a single EZfare account. The accounts can then be managed through one Ezfare account. So, money can be added to each card through the Ezfare app making it easy for parents to add money to their child(s) TARTA Card.
Can I use the TARTA Card and the Ezfare App?
To receive the benefits of fare capping, all rides must be purchased through the same device. Riders can ride using a physical TARTA Card, EZfare or Transit App. Pick your preferred method of tap & ride and stick with it.
What’s the difference between using the TARTA Card and buying a daily, weekly or monthly pass?
When purchasing a daily, weekly, or Monthly pass you must pay for the entire ticket up front. Once activated you get exactly 24 hours, 7 days or 31 days regardless of how many times you ride.
With the TARTA Card you are always guaranteed the best deal for the lowest up-front payment.
Can fare capping be applied to TARTA Flex or TARTA Move (TARTA’s Paratransit division)?
In early 2025, TARTA Move and TARTA Flex customers will be able to use the tap & ride feature on the TARTA Card, EZfare or Transit App but any rides with TARTA Flex and TARTA Move do not count toward your fare-capping goal. Please check back here on when this service will be available to Move and Flex customers.
Why doesn’t fare capping apply to paratransit riders?
Due to funding and the service that is offered, fare-capping does not apply to paratransit rides. A reminder, all fixed-route rides are free to paratransit customers. Having the TARTA Card, EZfare or Transit App would save time when riding any of our fixed routes.
I’m a TARTA Move customer, is there anything I need to do before using the TARTA Card, EZfare or Transit App to qualify for paratransit rides?
Yes, only accounts that qualify for paratransit services will be accepted using the TARTA Card, EZFare, Transit app, etc. For those who are using the card or an app we recommend you call before you ride.
Though paratransit riders don’t qualify for fare-capping, you can still eliminate the steps of buying a ticket/pass. You’ll simply tap & go when utilizing this payment method. First, paratransit customers need to get an access code applied to their accounts to utilize the tap & ride feature. Call our customer care line to get started with tap & ride.
As a paratransit customer, will this change how I book a ride?
No, you still book your ride the same way that you’re accustomed to. We are just expanding the options for payment
Why can’t I use fare-capping on TARTA Flex?
Our Microtransit services is a premium service and therefore does not qualify for fare-capping.
I’m a reduced fare customer, is there anything I need to do before using the TARTA Card to maintain my reduced fare rate?
Yes! All reduced fare customers go through an application through our Customer Care department. Reduced fare customers can avoid paying regular rates with the TARTA Card by calling the Customer Care line to have an access code applied to your accounts to utilize the tap & ride feature.
If I lose my TARTA Card, can I get those funds back?
TARTA always recommends you create an account and add the TARTA card to it before use. This will allow all funds to be associated with a specific email and enable TARTA staff to help with issues like this.
If your card is lost and you do not have an EZfare account, you will not be able to recover those funds.
I’m having issues with my TARTA Card and/or EZfare accounts, who can I talk to?
All of TARTA’s customer service will be trained to handle questions and concerns. You can reach TARTA by calling 419.243.7433
Can I use my TARTA Card or Apps for a friend or family member?
Yes! A TARTA card can be attached to your account and shared with someone else. Please note the TARTA card and your account shares available funds in a pool. The email attached to the ezfare account will be the main account.
Can I activate or cancel a card from my account?
Yes, you can block, cancel, or re-add a card to the account
How many times can a transfer be used on my TARTA Card?
A transfer can be used as many times as you need withing a 2-hour window.
