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MDT Easy Card Frequently Asked Questions
     

Revised February 26, 2010*

What is the EASY Card System?

  • The EASY Card System is a new fare collection system being implemented across the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties).
  • The EASY Card System collects fares using state-of-the-art “smart cards” (with an embedded computer chip) instead of tokens or paper passes.
  • Miami-Dade Transit is the first system in the region to switch to the EASY Card System, which should be completed by early 2010.
  • Tri-Rail will follow, implementing the EASY Card System in 2011.

What’s different about the EASY Card System?

  • The first thing you will notice about the new system is the new paddle gates that will replace the turnstiles at the entrance and exit points to Metrorail.
  • New, easy-to-use, tap-and-go “smart card” readers will make entering and exiting stations a snap.
  • You may also notice interactive EASY Card Vending Machines that look similar to an ATM at Metrorail stations. Tri-Rail passengers will not be able to use these machines to obtain their free transfers (Tri-Rail passengers can only receive free transfers from a Station Agent).
  • In addition, you will see new interactive fare boxes on Metrobuses. Tri-Rail passengers transferring to Metrobus from a Tri-Rail station will still show their valid Tri-Rail Pass for access (Express Buses excluded). Tri-Rail Passengers transferring to Metrobus from any Metrorail station will use their EASY Card or EASY Ticket as proof-of-transfer.
  • Perhaps the most important change, however, is invisible – a state-of-the-art computer system that allows transit agencies to collect route and ridership data and adjust services to better meet your needs.
  • EASY Cards can be registered for free card protection against loss, theft or damage. Once registered, you will be able to cancel your lost, stolen or damaged card and be issued a new one with your remaining balance. You may pay a $2 card- replacement fee. Please note that EASY tickets cannot be registered.
  • In the future, the EASY Card system will also allow you to purchase passes or check your balance online instantly.

What are the benefits of switching to the EASY Card System?

    EASY Cards / EASY Tickets are a more reliable and efficient fare collection system. The new system will help the region’s transit systems by:

  • Enabling Seamless Regional Travel: When fully implemented, the EASY Card / EASY Ticket will allow you to travel across all the transit systems throughout the region using just one payment method.
  • Improving Reliability: New vending machines and durable plastic EASY Cards create a more reliable system.
  • Identifying Your Needs: More accurate, real-time route and ridership information will help us to plan routes and service schedules that better meet your needs.

How will this new system impact me?

  • For the near future, only Tri-Rail passengers who transfer to Metrorail will notice any change.
  • Tri-Rail passengers who transfer to Metrorail must have an EASY Card or EASY Ticket starting October 1, 2009.
  • Metrobus is not impacted yet and Tri-Rail passengers will still be able to show their valid
    Tri-Rail Pass to gain access (Express Bus routes excluded) or their EASY Card / EASY Ticket.

What is the difference between an EASY Card / EASY Ticket?

    During the initial transition period (starting October 1, 2009), EASY Cards and EASY Tickets will be used to enable Tri-Rail passengers to transfer to Metrorail

  • EASY Card:
    • A plastic fare card, similar to an ATM or credit card, but with a computer chip inside, instead of a magnetic stripe
    • Can be reloaded for years
    • Will be used primarily for Tri-Rail Monthly Pass holders during this initial transition period
  • EASY Ticket:
    • A paper fare card that has a computer chip embedded inside
    • Can be reloaded for up to 90 days
    • Will be used primarily for Tri-Rail One-Way, Roundtrip and 12-Trip Pass holders during this initial transition period

*Where can I get an EASY Card / EASY Ticket?

  • Free EASY Cards and Tri-Rail Monthly Stickers are available to Tri-Rail Monthly Pass holders at any of Tri-Rail’s Ticket Kiosk locations (West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale Airport, Metrorail Transfer and Miami Airport).
  • The EASY Card/sticker combination is available at all Ticket Kiosks listed above, starting the 26th of every month. Get yours early to avoid the lines.
  • Free EASY Tickets are available to all other passengers at the Tri-Rail Ticket Kiosk at the Metrorail Transfer Station ONLY, right before you transfer.

Can I get my free EASY Card / EASY Ticket from a vending machine?

  • NO. Free EASY Cards are only available at Tri-Rail station Ticket Kiosks with a valid Tri-Rail Monthly Pass (and identification, when necessary)
  • Free EASY Tickets are only available at the Metrorail Transfer Station Ticket Kiosk with a valid Tri-Rail Pass

How much does an EASY Card / EASY Ticket cost?

EASY Cards and EASY Tickets are currently FREE to Tri-Rail passengers with a valid Tri-Rail pass, until further notice

Will my transfers to Metrorail and Metrobus still be free?

  • For the time being, yes.
  • Miami-Dade Transit is considering charging a transfer fee for passengers from Tri-Rail. The exact fees are still to be determined
  • The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners must approve this fee change, however, and due to scheduling, they will likely not consider the issue until December 2009
  • Once approved, you will be notified immediately of any transfer charges via updates on www.tri-rail.com or by calling 1-800-TRI-RAIL.

What do I use as proof-of-purchase when traveling on Tri-Rail?

  • During this initial transition, Tri-Rail Monthly Pass holders will use their EASY Card with a special Tri-Rail Monthly Sticker attached as proof-of-purchase for riding Tri-Rail. Your original Tri-Rail Monthly Pass will be presented to a Station Agent in exchange for your new EASY Card with special Tri-Rail Monthly Sticker. Your new EASY Card plus Tri-Rail Monthly Sticker will become your new all-in-one Card for access to Tri-Rail and Metrorail.
  • All other customers will continue to use their Tri-Rail Pass as proof-of-purchase onboard Tri-Rail and will go to the Tri-Rail Ticket Kiosk at the Metrorail Transfer Station to receive their EASY Ticket.

How do I use my EASY Card / EASY Ticket?

  • The EASY Card / EASY Ticket is easy to use! To enter a Metrorail station, simply tap your EASY Card or EASY Ticket on the circular reader to open the gates
  • At your destination station, tap your EASY Card or EASY Ticket on the reader again to exit the station

What do I do with my EASY Card / EASY Ticket after I use it?

  • Keep your EASY Card with Tri-Rail Monthly Sticker in a very safe place – it contains all your transfers for the entire month and is your all-in-one card for access to Metrorail, Metrobus and Tri-Rail! Plus, EASY Cards can be reused and reloaded for up to three years
  • Keep your EASY Ticket in a very safe place, as well – it holds all your Metrorail and Metrobus transfers for the day - so don’t throw it away

How do I register my EASY Card?

  • For peace of mind, you can register your EASY Card for protection against loss or theft by calling Miami-Dade Transit at 786-469-5151 or TTY at 305-263-5475. Your lost, stolen or damaged card can be canceled and you can be issued a new one (with remaining balance). You may pay a $2 card-replacement fee.
  • Registration is not available for EASY Tickets.

How should I care for my EASY Card / EASY Ticket?

  • Your EASY Card / EASY Ticket should be handled carefully
  • EASY Ticket circuits are especially delicate
  • Be careful not to bend, scratch, twist, hole-punch or get your EASY Card or EASY Ticket wet
  • Lost, stolen or damaged EASY Cards that are registered can be reported by calling Miami-Dade Transit at 786-469-5151 or TTY at 305-263-5475
  • Lost or damaged EASY tickets cannot be replaced

If I keep my EASY Card / EASY Ticket next to a credit card, will it get demagnetized?

No. EASY Cards / EASY Tickets do not contain magnetic material, so they can’t be demagnetized

If I keep my EASY Card / EASY Ticket next to another “Smart Card” will it still work?

Keeping “smart cards” next to each other will not damage the cards; however, EASY Card targets may not be able to read your ticket or card when it’s next to another “smart card.” If this happens, simply separate your EASY Card or EASY Ticket from the other card and tap it on the target

How do I get a new EASY Card if mine is lost, stolen or damaged?

  • Passengers who have registered their EASY Card with Miami-Dade Transit may obtain a replacement card if their card is lost, stolen or damaged. Passengers have the option of having the replacement card mailed, usually within 2-3 business days after reporting the card lost, stolen or damaged, or picking it up at a Miami-Dade Transit Service Center.
  • Once the replacement card is obtained, you will need to take the card to Tri-Rail’s Metrorail Transfer Station ONLY* to obtain a current month’s Tri-Rail Sticker.
  • To report a card lost, stolen or damaged, please contact the Miami-Dade Transit EASY Card Center at 786-469-5151.


    • *NOTE - none of the other Ticket Kiosks will be able to read the replacement card value and give out new stickers for replacement cards).

How and where do I reload my existing EASY Card and how often?

    Passengers will have to reload their existing EASY Card with a Monthly Pass for every calendar month they wish to travel. Passengers have two options when it comes to reloading an existing EASY Card:

  • At ANY Tri-Rail Ticket Kiosk
    • Pay the appropriate fare
    • Obtain the appropriate Tri-Rail Monthly Sticker (Station Agent will affix the Monthly Sticker to the back of the EASY Card)
    • Visit Tri-Rail’s Metrorail Transfer Station Ticket Kiosk to reload the existing card
  • At Tri-Rail’s Metrorail Transfer Station Ticket Kiosk
    • Pay the appropriate fare
    • Obtain the appropriate Tri-Rail Monthly Sticker (Station Agent will affix the Monthly Sticker to the back of the EASY Card) and reload the existing card

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