Fare Information
Go!SMTD
The Go!SMTD mobile app is now available for Apple and Android devices! Now you can purchase mobile fares on the go, including individual rides and period passes (1-day, 7-day, and 31-day). Notice: Period passes are to be used by individuals, not shared amongst multiple riders. Sharing of unlimited passes is considered theft of SMTD fare and could result in suspension or revocation of riding privileges. As of 12/19/2023, period passes will no longer be available for fixed route use in the mobile app until further notice. See this news posting for more information.
Physical Passes
Period Passes
1-Day, 7-Day, and 31-Day unlimited ride passes can be purchased online on eFare, on the Go!SMTD app, or at our office at 928 S. 9th Street. A 1-Day unlimited ride pass can also be purchased at the farebox on any bus, allowing you to ride any bus for free until midnight of that service day. Fixed route day passes cost $3.00 and Access Sangamon day passes cost $6.00.
BusTap Cards
The BusTap card is a rigid card that can store and be reloaded with cash value and period passes. To use, simply tap the card at the farebox. BusTap cards currently can only be purchased or reloaded via the eFare site or at the SMTD office at 928 S. 9th Street. Once the transfer center construction is complete, riders will be able to purchase and reload their BusTap cards at the customer service window or at ticket vending machines.
Where to Purchase Passes
All passes are sold at the SMTD office at 928 S. 9th Street as well as various businesses throughout the city.
Click the button below to view a map of bus pass sales locations. Green pins indicate locations that sell all types of SMTD passes with no restrictions. Red pins indicate locations that may only sell specific types of passes or only to students/employees.
Cash Fares
Adult (13 and over) - $1.25
Age 6 - 12 - $0.60
Age 5 and Under - Free
Age 65 and Over* - $0.60
People with Disabilities* - $0.60
* These fares require that the passenger present an SMTD-issued ID card or a Medicare card and photo ID to the driver. Read more about Reduced Fare & Free Ride programs.
Transfers
When your destination cannot be reached by traveling one bus route, ask the driver for a transfer when you pay the fare. Transfers are free and allow you to board any other route within 75 minutes. Transfers cannot be used to board the same route from which you received the transfer.
Tokens
Tokens are only sold at the SMTD administration office at 928 S. 9th, and only to organizations. A roll of tokens contains 50 tokens and costs $50.00.
Fare Tips
Have exact change or passes ready when boarding. Drivers do not carry change. Any amount paid over the fare will be returned to the passenger as a change ticket that can be used for future rides.
Fare FAQs
Do I need to pay a fare on the Express Bus?
You will need to pay a fare on the Express Bus if it is the first bus you are boarding to start your travel to your destination. You will not need to pay a fare if you have a valid Transfer ticket from another bus. The Express Bus does not cost if used as a connection between routes that do not utilize the same transfer locations. The Express Bus is the ONLY route that may re-issue a transfer when a transfer is used as fare payment.
See examples below:
Example 1: You walked to the Transfer Center and are boarding the Express Bus to ride to Junction Circle. You will pay a fare and ask for a Transfer ticket. Upon arrival to Junction Circle, board a connecting bus to complete your trip and present Transfer ticket as fare.
Example 2: You board a bus along its route, pay a fare and receive a Transfer. You ride to the Transfer Center and board the Express Bus. You will use the Transfer issued previously as fare and operator will re-issue you a Transfer ticket to be used on connecting bus at Junction Circle.
How do I get a Transfer Ticket?
Transfers are only issued when a single fare is paid. Passengers are allowed ONE transfer to complete their trip to their destination. Passengers will not be eligible for a Transfer to be issued if they used a Transfer when boarding the bus. The ONLY exception to this policy is the Express Route.
How do I know if a Transfer Ticket is valid?
Transfers are valid for 75 minutes from date/time it was issued. Transfers are to be used when you need to ride more than one bus route to reach your destination. Transfers are only valid on other connecting routes. Transfers are not eligible to be used on the same route the Transfer was issued from. Information can be found on the back of the Transfer Ticket on date/time it will expire.
Will the farebox give me change if I only have a $5.00 bill?
The farebox will not issue cash change for the $5.00 bill. You will be issued a Change Card with credits from the balance left after your fare is paid. That Change Card will be able to be used to pay fare on future rides until the amount has been depleted. SMTD does not accept bills in denominations larger than a $5.00 bill.
I got a Change Card when I paid my fare with a $5.00 bill. Will it expire before I can use it all?
No. Change Cards do not have expiration dates. Be mindful that you will need to take care of the card so that it can be read by the farebox over time. Do not bend or otherwise damage the card. SMTD is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen Change Cards.
