Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for CapMetro Senior Half-Fare (Reduced Fare ID) + CapMetro Access ADA Paratransit
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) — regional transit authority serving Austin and most of Travis County; operates MetroBus, MetroRapid, MetroRail (Red Line), MetroExpress commuter bus, and CapMetro Access ADA paratransit
Who it's for
Capital Metro (CapMetro) is the regional transit authority serving Austin and most of Travis County, operating MetroBus, MetroRapid bus rapid transit, MetroRail (the Red Line commuter rail to Leander), MetroExpress commuter bus service, and CapMetro Access ADA paratransit. CapMetro offers HALF-PRICED FARE on all services for riders age 65 and older. To activate the senior discount, apply for a CapMetro Reduced Fare ID Card — valid for TWO YEARS — by presenting a valid government-issued ID, Texas photo ID, or Texas driver's license at a CapMetro Customer Service location. Seniors age 65+, Medicare card holders of any age, active-duty military personnel, and persons with qualifying disabilities all qualify for the same Reduced Fare ID Card. CapMetro Access is the ADA paratransit complement to fixed-route service, providing curb-to-curb shared-ride service within 3/4 of a mile of CapMetro's regular fixed-route services. CapMetro Access eligibility is FUNCTIONAL-ABILITY-BASED per the ADA — being age 65+ does not automatically qualify a rider; the presence of a disability or health condition by itself does not make a person eligible. Apply for CapMetro Access at 512-852-7272 (Access Customer Service) or 512-389-7501 (Access Eligibility).
CapMetro's senior half-fare benefit is automatic for any senior age 65+ who presents the required proof of age and obtains the Reduced Fare ID Card. status_ceiling=likely_qualifies because no income test or discretionary review applies. CapMetro's age 65+ threshold is standard for Texas (matches METRO Houston, DART Dallas; slightly older than Bexar VIA's age 62+ threshold). The Reduced Fare ID Card's 2-YEAR validity is operationally convenient — peer transit systems often require annual renewal. CapMetro Access is a SEPARATE ADA-based eligibility process — being 65+ does NOT automatically grant Access eligibility; functional inability to use fixed-route service within 3/4 mile is the standard. Access service area is geographically constrained — Travis County residents who live more than 3/4 mile from any CapMetro fixed route do NOT qualify for Access paratransit (even with documented disability).
What you'll need
- For Reduced Fare ID Card (seniors 65+): valid government-issued ID with date of birth (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, Medicare card, or passport)
- For CapMetro Access ADA paratransit: completed Access Eligibility Application + physician statement or functional assessment documenting inability to use fixed-route service
- Proof of Travis County or CapMetro service area residency (within 3/4 mile of fixed route for Access)
- Photo identification matching the applicant
- For paratransit: advance reservation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 512-389-7501
Renewals
Reduced Fare ID valid for 2 years; Access eligibility periodically recertified
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.