Cap Metro implements vending machine change

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority will soon begin phasing in a significant change in how riders can buy MetroRail tickets. Beginning Monday, Oct. 10, the vending machines at the Downtown, Plaza Saltillo and MLK Jr. stations will no longer accept credit or debit cards. The machines will continue to accept cash as well as “Tap” Stored Value Cards. The machines at the Highland, Crestview and Kramer stations will follow suit on Oct. 16, and those at the Howard, Lakeline and Leander stations will complete the transition on Oct. 23. Credit and debit cardholders can still buy tickets through other means, such as the CapMetro app and the online store, as well as at several physical locations (listed here). “The CapMetro App offers customers more freedom and flexibility than the old-style platform vending machines,” said Dan Dawson, vice president of marketing and communications, in a press release about the change. “Customers can use their debit or credit cards anywhere, anytime to purchase tickets rather than waiting in line at a machine.”