Phoenix-based Valley Metro is making it easier, quicker and more convenient for bus passengers in the East Valley to purchase fares before riding transit. Riders on the Main Street LINK, Arizona Avenue/Country Club Drive LINK, and bus routes 40 and 112 have an option to purchase fares prior to boarding bus and rail.
“Purchasing fares in advance saves time and money for our passengers,” said Steve Banta, CEO, Valley Metro. “Adding new fare vending machines is not only convenient, it allows the freedom of being able to purchase the pass that best meets their travel needs.”
Sixteen new fare vending machines are now operating at a dozen LINK stations along Main Street and Arizona Avenue/Country Club Drive. LINK bus service connects directly to Valley Metro light rail service at Sycamore Station in Mesa and a transit pass allows riders to board both systems.
Fare vending machines will offer regular and Reduced All-Day, 7-Day, 15-Day and 31-Day passes at select LINK stations.
Local bus, light rail and LINK share the same fare structure and pass types. Passes can be purchased from light rail, LINK or transit center fare vending machines, online or at nearly 700 valleywide retail locations.
Valley Metro adds fare vending machines
Sixteen new machines are now operating at a dozen LINK stations. The move will make it easier, quicker and more convenient for bus passengers in the East Valley to purchase fares before riding transit.
More Bus

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025
A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.
Read More →
San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps
The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Completes 11 CNG Bus Refurbishment Project for Fresno Area Express
The project was awarded under the Washington State Contract, enabling FAX to streamline its procurement processes while ensuring value and quality from an experienced transit solutions provider, said officials.
Read More →
MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network
The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.
Read More →
ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.
Read More →
Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Read More →
