Passes Fares & Tickets                  Return to Site Map

Fare Payment

Cash Fares  - Accepted only on RT buses. Exact change is required since bus operators do not carry or give change.

Basic Single Tickets - Accepted on buses. Pre-paid tickets must be validated (date and time stamped) by the fare vending machine before boarding light rail. Light rail tickets are valid for two hours from time of validation. Tickets must be validated (date and time stamped) by the fare vending machine before boarding light rail. Tickets to ride on light rail must be purchased before boarding, and are available from fare vending machines located at light rail stations.

Monthly Passes/Stickers

• Valid for unlimited rides on RT buses and light rail for the month shown, and through the first business day of the following month.

Semi-Monthly Passes/Stickers

• Valid for unlimited rides on RT buses and light rail for the dates shown. Can be purchased for use from the first of the month through the 15th, or the 16th of the month through the end of the month.

Daily Passes

• Valid for unlimited rides until 1:30 a.m. the day after purchase or validation. Prepaid passes must be validated before boarding light rail

How To Buy RT Fares In Person

• Customer Service & Sales Center at 1225 R Street (Click for Information)
• Over 50 retail outlets throughout Sacramento. Monthly Passes/Stickers are sold from the 25th of each month through the 10th of the following month. See the RT Outlets page.
• Student Monthly Stickers are sold at most high schools and some middle schools.
• By Phone (916) 321-2849 (with a major credit card)
• By Mail Order forms are available by calling (916) 321-2877.

Effective September 1, 2009, Central City/Shuttle fares have been discontinued and transfers will no longer be issued.

Bus: Passengers are required to pay a Basic or Discount single fare for each trip or may purchase a daily pass valid for unlimited rides on that day.

Light Rail: Single ride tickets are good for two hours from time of validation on light rail only. Daily and monthly passes are valid for unlimited rides on buses and light rail for the date(s) or month shown.

RT Fares Accepted by Other Transit Agencies  (Click Here for PDF)

Using Light Rail Ticket Machines
"Four Simple Steps... One Easy Commute"

1. Select Pass or Ticket Type
2. Select Quantity
3. Insert Payment
4. Take Ticket

Pre-Paid Tickets - If you are using a pre-paid ticket, you must validate it in the slot located on the ticket machine before boarding light rail.

Proof of fare payment is required before boarding light rail. Violators are subject to citation under California Penal Code Section 640.

Fare Vending Machine Malfunction - If all of the fare vending machines are not in working order at the light rail station you are departing from and you are unable to purchase or validate your ticket or pass, you may board the train without fare. If a Transit Officer requests your proof of fare payment while on the train, explain the malfunction. They will verify the status of the fare vending machines. If at least one of the fare vending machines are in working order, you will still be responsible for having the proper fare.

For your convenience, you can buy the following RT passes and tickets directly from fare vending machines:

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