What to know about Valley Metro fare changes

The way Valley riders pay for light rail and bus fare will change at the end of the month.

Why it matters: Valley Metro's fare modernization program aims to make it more convenient to pay for public transportation and give frequent riders a discount, according to the transit agency.

The big picture: Valley Metro will no longer accept paper passes and will significantly limit cash payment options beginning Oct. 28.

• Riders can get a reloadable Copper Card or use the Valley Metro app to load funds. Each rider can only use one of those options.
• Cash will only be accepted on buses for single rides.

Zoom in: Copper cards can be purchased for $4 online and at Circle K locations and will soon be available at light rail stations, transit centers and other retail locations.

• People with unused paper passes can get credit for them through the end of the year by visiting the Ed Pastor, Central Station or Sunnyslope transit centers or by attending a fare education event .
• Riders who qualify for reduced fare (youth, seniors, Medicare card holders and people with disabilities) must provide proof of eligibility and then can use either the app or Copper Card.

The intrigue: Valley Metro's new "smart fare" program caps the amount riders spend per day, week or month — potentially resulting in discounts for frequent users.

• Instead of buying a daily, weekly or monthly pass, riders will load funds to the app or Copper Card and scan each time they board the light rail or bus but won't be charged after they hit the maximum amounts — $4 daily, $20 weekly (Monday-Sunday) and $64 in a calendar month.