Fares & Passes

How much does it cost to ride?

For many, a one-way trip is just $1. You can pay using coins, $1 bills, or the Token Transit app. All University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff ride MTD by showing their University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign i-Card. Others may be eligible for fare-free or reduced-fare transportation on MTD via DASH card, Veteran Pass, Unit 4 or District 116 school pass, or student token.

Where can I buy an annual or monthly pass?

You can buy an Annual ($60) or Monthly ($20) pass at Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign or on the Token Transit app. You may also purchase an All-Day Pass on Saturdays or Sundays from any Operator for just $2 per day.

How do I pay my fare?

Please have the exact fare, physical pass, or a validated pass on the Token Transit app ready when boarding. Operators can make change up to $5 prior to 7 p.m. but having the exact fare at all times will help keep your bus on time. If you need to transfer to another route to complete your trip, please ask for a free transfer slip when you pay your fare.

By using the Token Transit app, you can enjoy the convenience of a digital pass along with the benefits of fare capping. Fare capping rewards riders with a free upgrade to a Monthly or Annual pass after they pay the equivalent amount in other fares. This provides an equitable solution for those who cannot afford to purchase a pass up-front or may not know how often they will ride. Once you reach your monthly ($20) or annual ($60) cap, your pass will automatically be upgraded. For example, if you spend $20 in single-fares in one week, you will be upgraded to a monthly pass for the remainder of that calendar month. Fare capping only applies to purchases made within the Token Transit app.

Do children pay to ride MTD?

Children 46” in height and shorter ride MTD free when riding with a fare-paying adult.

Where can I buy bus tokens for students?

Students in high school or younger can purchase discounted bus tokens (6 for $3) on the Token Transit app, from the Illinois Terminal Customer Service desk, or from any Operator.

If I ride more than one bus, do I have to pay each time?

If you need to transfer to another route to complete a single trip, please ask for a free transfer slip when you pay your fare—there is no need to pay another fare.

What types of passes does MTD offer passengers?

In addition to our fare structure, MTD offers a lot of different types of passes for our passengers, sometimes in partnership with other entities. They include:

DASH Pass for Seniors
Senior Citizens (persons 65+ years of age) may obtain a DASH Pass by providing proof of age. Please contact MTD at 217.384.8188 for more info.

DASH Pass for Riders with Disabilities
Medicare Card holders and persons having significant difficulty getting on or off an MTD vehicle may qualify for a DASH Pass as a rider with a disability. Applications for DASH Cards must be submitted at Illinois Terminal, and must include a copy of a Medicare Card or certification from an MTD authorized agency. Please contact ADA Customer Service at 217.384.8188 for a list of authorized agencies.

MTD's Veteran Pass
Veterans ride MTD fare-free by applying for MTD's Veteran Pass. Veterans must present a State of Illinois driver’s license or ID with a Veteran designation, a VA Card, a Military ID, or a DD214 accompanied by a photo ID. Call MTD at 217.384.8188 to learn more.

Unit 4 or District 116 School Trips
MTD is the transportation provider for many students to Champaign and Urbana middle & high schools. Unit 4 and District 116 provide eligible students with a school I.D. that doubles as an MTD bus (thanks to an added sticker). These passes allow students to ride fare-free to and from school only. Contact your school administration for more information on bus passes & plan your school trips here.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign i-card
Students, faculty, and staff are provided an i-card by the University that they can use to ride MTD fare-free. Contact Illinois' i-card office to find out how to receive an i-card or how to replace yours before the February 1, 2019 deadline.

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