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).
Reduced Fare Program Eligibility
TARTA is proud to offer a Reduced Fare Program designed to make public transit more accessible and affordable for seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, veterans, and active-duty military personnel. With discounted fares and convenient options, we aim to ensure everyone can enjoy safe, reliable, and equitable transportation. Whether you’re traveling for work, appointments, or leisure, TARTA is committed to providing the tools and services you need to get where you’re going with ease. Learn more about eligibility, how to apply, and the benefits of riding with TARTA’s Reduced Fare Program.
- Seniors (65 and over)
- Persons with disabilities
- Medicare card holders
- Veterans
- Active-duty military (including Reserves or National Guard)
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.
- With the TARTA Card, Reduced Fare Entitlements will not expire once issued. When you receive your Reduced Fare Entitlement on the new TARTA Card, you will no longer need to reapply for your Reduced Fare Entitlement. Once you have picked up your TARTA Card, you qualify for a Reduced Fare ride as long as you need one.
- 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 TARTA Card holders can pay for fare with their TARTA Card. The discounted fare can be paid with funds loaded by the TARTA Card holder onto 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.
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 in downtown Toledo. If all needed documentation is submitted with the completed application, a TARTA Card with the Reduced Fare Entitlement can be obtained immediately.
TARTA will no longer be mailing Reduced Fare Cards.
Reduced Fare Applications
If unable to print a PDF application, pick one up at TARTA’s Transit Hub. Please direct any questions relating to the Reduced Fare program to or TARTA’s Information Line at 419-243-7433 (RIDE).
How to use the TARTA Card as a Reduced Fare Card Holder
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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”.
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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.
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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.
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Step 4: Tap your TARTA Card or mobile device on the validator and ride.
Account Based Ticketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Reduced Fare TARTA Card holders can conveniently board using tap & ride feature available with Account Based Ticketing (ABT).
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.
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.
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