RideMETRO Fare Cards

Rice University is located adjacent to METRO Red Line light rail corridor. This system connects Rice with downtown Houston, midtown, the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center, and the Reliant Park complex. Additionally, numerous bus lines stops are within walking distance of the Rice campus, including the 26/27, 73, 8, and 34 among others.

The METRO Ride Sponsor partnership enables Rice University students to obtain a RideMETRO Fare Card for use on regularly scheduled METRO transportation systems, including the light-rail. Student Fare Cards offer a 50% discount on ride fares, with local METRO bus and light-rail service at $0.60 per ride.

Access the RideMETRO Fare Card Request form now.

Undergraduate Students

Rice University undergraduate students may be eligible to receive a free RideMETRO Fare Card. Undergraduate student cards are loaded with $6.00, and the balance replenishes automatically, providing up to $30.00 in rides per month at no cost to the student.

Eligibility

  • Rice University Undergraduate Students
  • Enrolled in a degree-seeking program
  • Must present a valid Rice ID Card

Request a new card

  • A new RideMETRO Fare Card can be requested here.
  • One card is intended for use during your entire undergraduate program at Rice. Please do NOT discard your Fare Card at the end of the Academic Year.

Replace a lost or stolen card

  • Lost or stolen cards should be reported as soon as possible using the RideMETRO Fare Card Request form.
  • A replacement card can be requested for a $25.00 fee that will be applied to your student account balance.

Pickup

  • Cards, both new and replacements, will be available for pick up at the Bursar's Office during normal office hours.
  • Please bring your Rice ID Card to complete the verification process.

Access the RideMETRO Fare Card Request form now.

Graduate Students

Rice University graduate students may be eligible to purchase a discounted RideMETRO Fare Card. Graduate cards are loaded with $250.00 in rides for a fee of $55.00. Graduate cards can only be loaded with funds once per Academic Year.

Eligibility

  • Rice University Graduate Students
  • Enrolled in an on-campus degree-seeking program
  • Must present a valid Rice ID Card
  • One card load per Academic Year, existing card balance must be under $5.00

Request a new card

  • A new RideMETRO Fare Card can be requested here.
  • A $55 fee will be applied to your student account balance.
  • One card is intended for use during your entire graduate program at Rice. Please do NOT discard your Fare Card at the end of the Academic Year.

Replenish a card

  • If your existing card balance is under $5.00, you may request a replenishment using the RideMETRO Fare Card Request form.
  • A $55 fee will be applied to your student account balance.
  • Please allow 1-2 business days for your replenishment request to be processed. An email notification will be sent once funds have been added to your existing card.

Replace a lost or stolen card

  • Lost or stolen cards should be reported as soon as possible using the RideMETRO Fare Card Request form.
  • A replacement card can be requested for a $25.00 fee that will be applied to your student account balance. The original card will be inactivated, and the balance will be transferred to a new card.
  • Refunds will not be issued for unused RideMETRO Fare Card funds.

Pickup

  • Cards, both new and replacements, will be available for pick up at the Bursar's Office during normal office hours.
  • Please bring your Rice ID Card to complete the verification process.

Access the RideMETRO Fare Card Request form now

FAQs

Can I use the RideMetro App to pay my fare?

No. RideSponsor participants cannot convert their issued cards to a virtual card or use the app to pay their fare. However, the RideMETRO app is useful for trip planning, checking arrival/departure times, and viewing service alerts.

Can I load my own funds onto my RideMETRO Fare Card?

Yes, but it is not recommended. All Rice-issued RideMETRO Fare Cards are reloaded consistently.

Can I check my balance with the new Metro system?

Yes. You will need to create a RideMETRO account at https://fares.ridemetro.org/ and register your card number (found on the back of the physical card).