Transit & Platinum Pass

Riding Transit

Riding transit can save you time and money. Each day, hundreds of State employees climb aboard a Valley Metro bus or use the light rail and enjoy a quiet and relaxing commute. Even if you have never ridden transit, now is the time to give it a try. Valley Metro Local, Express, and RAPID buses and light rail can get you to work, often, in the same time it takes to drive. But during your drive, instead of dealing with gridlock and the high cost of driving, you can relax and read a book, do paperwork, or chat with other passengers. If you are not sure what route to take, or if you need an updated bus book schedule, call 602.542.RIDE or go Valley Metro's website www.valleymetro.org. You can also contact a Valley Metro route specialist directly at 602.253.5000.

Platinum Pass Subsidy Program

Take advantage of the transit subsidy program. Sign up for Platinum Pass; it's like a credit card for the light rail and bus. The card is free, and by using it, you can take advantage of the subsidy the State provides; the remainder of the fare is automatically deducted from your paycheck.

The current subsidy for the Platinum Pass is 50%.

What This Means for Light Rail/Local Bus riders as of July 1, 2009:

Your current per ride cost is .88 cents.

Your current monthly maximum is $27.50.

What This Means for Express/Rapid Bus riders as of July 1, 2009:

Your current per ride cost is 1.38 cents.

Your current monthly maximum bus is $42.50.

You are only charged for the rides you take. To obtain an application, see your personnel representative or download the online application here. Once you complete the actual Platinum Pass application, return it to your personnel office. In a week or two, your personnel representative will contact you to arrange for you to pick up your card at your agency personnel office.  Questions? Call 602.542.RIDE.
 

The MaricopaXpress Ticket & Subsidy Program

The City of Maricopa operates a public bus route that services downtown Phoenix. The MaricopaXpress route, schedule, and fare information can be found online at http://www.maricopa-az.gov. Capitol Rideshare is pleased to announce that the State of Arizona and the City of Maricopa have worked together to establish the MaricopaXpress Ticket and Subsidy Program as a means of providing the dollar equivalent of a Platinum Pass subsidy to state employees riding the MaricopaXpress. Since the State's transit subsidy program provides a per ride subsidy up to a monthly maximum, a similar system needed to be developed for the MaricopaXpress.

If this route works for you, complete the application by clicking on the blue button below and return the original application to Capitol Rideshare. Capitol Rideshare will issue you books of 48 one way tickets on an as needed basis. Each time you use a ticket on the MaricopaXpress, the cost of your ride, minus any available subsidy, will be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis the following month. If you ride the MaricopaXpress in addition to riding a Valley Metro bus or light rail train, your Valley Metro subsidy will be paid first and any remaining subsidy amount will be applied toward your MaricopaXpress expenses. The balance of your expenses will be payroll deducted. For current transit information, call 602-542-RIDE.

Share the ride... with Capitol Rideshare!