Trying to figure out if buses and metros in United States take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
Rode VIA Metro bus from downtown along Market Square last month and used Apple Pay on the new VIA fare box. They introduced contactless payments with Apple, Google, Samsung wallets and tap debit/credit this March or April. Fare still stays 130 cents each ride, and you can use goMobile+ app or cash too. Stayed at La Fiesta Inn near River Walk, no cash needed. This makes it so easy compared to old small bills
Took a CTA 36 Broadway bus and Red Line subway in May using my Chase Visa contactless and it worked great. Chicago CTA’s Ventra system supports tap with bank-issued cards and phone wallets since a while. But on buses they still accept cash exact fare at Ventra farebox. I loaded a disposable Ventra for later. Rode by staying at Freehand Hostel near Wabash and Monroe. No need to queue at ticket booth. Info from wiki says buses accept cash only on-board and card or phone on buses and turnstiles
I rode a SEPTA bus and subway in Philly in April and paid directly with my debit card, and also used Apple Pay on Regional Rail. They launched NFC payments back in September 2023 for bus and metro, and expanded to Regional Rail in April 2025. Used it near Temple University campus and it was smooth. Just watch out on buses - cash is still allowed but exact fare only. If your card is not separated from Key card you might get wrong charge
Trying the DC Metro this June on my Dell Visa and Apple Wallet was a breeze. At Silver Line station near Dulles I tapped my Visa credit card at the faregate using Tap Ride Go. No need for SmarTrip card just tap your contactless Mastercard or Visa. But be careful you must tap the same card on exit or you get charged extra. Heard they’re adding on Metrobuses by end of year, but right now buses still want SmarTrip or cash. Came in handy since I was staying at International Hostel by Foggy Bottom and didn’t carry change. Post said contactless payments start May 2025