Free Fares for Legally Blind Riders

Trip planner

Plan your trip here

Enter the starting location for your trip
Enter the destination location for your trip
Select the preferred travel time option

Directions

Nearby Transit Routes

Loading...

Route(s): All

2026 Transit Equity Day

In recognition of Transit Equity Day, Santa Cruz METRO local routes, Highway 17 Express, and ParaCruz service will be fare-free on Wednesday, February 4. This free fare day honors the legacy of Rosa Parks and highlights METRO's commitment to equitable, accessible transportation for all. Regular schedules in effect.

Route(s): 3A

Murray St IB(West) Closure, March 2025

Due to the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project, Route 3A Inbound (Capitola Mall to Downtown) will operate on a detour starting March 24, 2025, until further notice. The 3A will continue on 7th Ave to Capitola Road, to Soquel Dr, to Seabright Ave, to Broadway returning to normal routing. Please be prepared for additional detours as the project progresses. Visit https://rt.scmetro.org for METRO Real-Time tracking.

How it works

Since 2019, customers who are legally blind may ride the METRO fixed-route bus system for free. This program will allow qualifying customers to travel anywhere METRO’s fixed-route buses travel, including on the Highway 17 Express.

To qualify, download the overview guide at the link below.  On the back page you will find a form that can be signed off by your medical provider.  If you would like to be evaluated by METRO staff, please contact Customer Service at (831) 425-8600 and ask to make an appointment with the Eligibility Coordinator to be verified for the Free Fare Program.

Bus operators have been instructed to allow customers who are legally blind onboard the bus for free.  If a bus operator is uncertain about whether a customer qualifies for the program, the bus operator may ask to see a copy of the customer’s ACCESS Card.  If the customer does not have one, they will be directed to Customer Service to get the proper documentation.

Download the Free Fare Program Overview Guide

View the Full Free Fare Policy here