NOTICE: As of February 2025, Reduced Fare riders are no longer required to present a Reduced Fare Card to your driver. Instead, Reduced Fare Card users will retrieve a TARTA Card from Information Operators at TARTA’s Transit Hub (612 N. Huron Street).
The discounted fare can be paid with funds loaded on the TARTA Card, but doesn’t need to be. If paying a reduced fare with cash, users will need to run the TARTA Card over the scanner in the front of the bus, and then pay their fare as usual.
You will no longer need to reapply for your Reduced Fare Card. Once you have picked up your TARTA Card, you qualify for a Reduced Fare ride as long as you need one.
Beginning February 21, 2025, cards will no longer be mailed out to Reduced Fare users. If you lose a Card, a replacement can be picked up at TARTA’s Transit Hub for $5. If your current Reduced Fare Card is about to expire, please replace it by picking up a TARTA Card at the Transit Hub.
Any questions can be directed to Information Operators at the Hub or by calling 419-243-RIDE (7433).
Those eligible to apply for a Reduced Fare card include:
Seniors (65 and over)
Persons with disabilities
Medicare card holders
Veterans
Active-duty military (including Reserves or National Guard)
TARTA has improved its Reduced Fare application process.
TARTA has made the process simpler for our customers by making the following improvements in February 2025:
Obtaining Reduced Fare Entitlement: Upon completion, all applications must be dropped off at TARTA’s downtown Transit Hub. Physical cards will be able to be picked up at TARTA’s downtown Transit Hub. Entitlement can be linked to rider account.
Reduced Fare Entitlements will be found on TARTA Cards and/or Rider Accounts.
Reduced Fare Applications will not require a signature from a licensed medical professional. Instead, TARTA will be asking each applicant to certify the validity of their application.
Your first TARTA card will be free. We will, however, charge $5.00 for replacement TARTA cards if they are lost.
Reduced Fare Entitlements will not expire.
Applying for a Reduced Fare card can be done in 3 easy steps:
Print the Reduced Fare Application Form. Use the links below for English, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic. (Other languages can be made available upon request.)
Complete and sign the application, following the directions on page one.
Drop off your application, including copies of any necessary documentation to TARTA Transit Hub at 612 N. Huron Street. Applications will take 7 to 10 business days to process.
After 7-10 business days, TARTA Cards with Reduced Fare entitlements will be ready for pick-up at the TARTA Transit Hub at 612 N. Huron Street in downtown Toledo.
TARTA will no longer be mailing Reduced Fare Cards.
If unable to print an application, pick one up at TARTA’s Transit Hub.
How to use the TARTA Card as a Reduced Fare Card Holder
Step 1: Create an Account To get started download the EZfare app by visiting the App Store or Google Play. Select create an account or go online and visit ezfare.justride.tickets/login and select “sign up”.
Step 2: Register your TARTA Card to your account. On the EZfare app you just click Tap & Ride -> select get started on your active tokens -> select “with a smart card” -> enter the first 10 digits of your smart card located on the back left hand corner of your card.
Step 3: Select the amount of funds you wish to add to your account. Then confirm the purchase. You can also load funds on to your account at the TARTA Transit Hub at 612 N. Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604 or at Vanilla Direct Retail locations.
Step 4: Tap your TARTA Card or mobile device on the validator and ride.
How would paying with the TARTA Card change how I board? TARTA Card holders will simply tap their card or smartphone over the EZfare reader at the front of bus upon boarding. The TARTA Card will display your reduced fare entitlement whether or not you use it for payment.
How can I load my fare on the card?
You will be able to load cash on to the card at TARTA’s Transit Hub and other area locations via Vanilla Direct. You will still be able to pay via cash or pass on board and by using EZfare if you wish. The TARTA Card is simply a way for your reduced fare entitlement to be linked to your rider account.
Can I use the EZfare or Transit App?
The TARTA Card, EZfare and Transit App are always to pay. No matter which form of Tap & Ride you choose, please utilize the same method each time you ride.
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 (RIDE).
Can I still buy reduced fare passes at the Hub?
Yes , just bring your TARTA card with you the staff will scan it to ensure your are in the reduced fare program and you can purchase your passes.
Please direct any questions relating to the Reduced Fare program to or TARTA’s Information Line at 419-243-7433 (RIDE).
