CapMetro Introduces Tap to Pay on All Buses Beginning February 1, 2026

Customers can benefit from fare capping by tapping their debit or credit card, or a smartphone or smartwatch enabled with Apple Pay or Google Pay, on CapMetro  

AUSTIN, TX — CapMetro is introducing Tap to Pay on all buses to make it faster and easier for customers to board and pay their fare. Beginning February 1, customers can tap their contactless debit or credit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, directly on the onboard fare validators. 

This option allows bus riders to board and pay without needing to download an app or preload a fare card. Most major credit card companies and banks are accepted, except for American Express. 

“The introduction of tap to pay on our buses is our latest step toward modernizing our fare payment system to improve the customer experience,” said Samantha Baez, CapMetro’s Chief Experience and Engagement Officer. “We expect this contactless payment option on board will increase accessibility, reduce barriers, and make it easier for both locals and visitors to choose CapMetro.” 

Tap to pay is currently available only on CapMetro buses, and offers added convenience for a wide range of customers, including: 

  • Occasional riders, who can pay with a credit or debit card for single trips. 
  • Local residents and potential new customers, who value convenience by using the same card they already carry every day. 
  • Tech-savvy commuters, who prefer tapping a phone or smartwatch instead of using an app or carrying a physical card. 
  • Visitors and tourists, who can ride without learning a new fare system or purchasing a fare card. 

Customers who use tap to pay on CapMetro buses will also benefit from daily fare capping, meaning they will never pay more than $2.50 in one day when using the same credit card or mobile wallet. 

Customers who qualify for discounted fares must continue to pay with their Reduced Fare ID, the Umo app, or a CapMetro Reloadable Fare Card linked to their Umo account. 

To activate tap to pay across the bus fleet, CapMetro completed  a system update, and existing Umo customers will need to re-enter their payment details. Customers who add cash to the app or reloadable card will not be affected. 

For more information about fares and payment options, visitcapmetro.org/fares. 

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ABOUT CAPMETRO             

CapMetro connects people, jobs, and communities by providing Central Texans with safe, high-quality, and sustainable transportation alternatives. The agency provides over 83,000 daily trips on its buses, trains, paratransit, and vanpool vehicles and serves a population of more than 1.2 million in its 543-square-mile service area. The region’s transportation leader, CapMetro has invested in transit services like its High-Frequency Network, which moves more people, more reliably. CapMetro is committed to increasing regional mobility and, through Project Connect, will transform how people travel throughout Central Texas. Visit capmetro.org for more information.