// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhy did the METRO Q Card go to therapy? It had charged emotions.
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| Location | Greater Houston, Texas, United States |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2008[1] |
| Discontinued | 2026[2] |
| Operator | Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County |
| Manager | Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County |
| Currency | USD |
| Stored-value | Cash value |
| Credit expiry | After card/ticket expiration date |
| Auto recharge | Automatic replenishment |
| Validity |
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| Retailed |
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| Website | |
The METRO Q Card was a contactless smart card used to ride on public transportation in Greater Houston. It was developed by Affiliated Computer Services,[3] and administered by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. The card was used on METRO Bus, METRORail, and METROLift.[4] The cards are based upon the MIFARE Classic 1K standard and are freely available but expire.
In December 2025, Metro introduced the new RideMETRO card, which functions the same way as the Q Card but gives out only a free local ride per 10 paid ones. It previously was five free per 50.
References
[edit]- ↑ "RTD-Peer-Case-Study-Houston-07182017" (PDF). bouldercounty.gov. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ↑ "Houston transit riders can no longer use the Q fare cards this weekend. Here's what to know". Houston Chronicle. April 6, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ "Passenger Transport - 02/02/2009". newsmanager.commpartners.com. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
- ↑ "METRO Q® Card & Fares". Archived from the original on 2012-07-19. Retrieved 2012-08-01.