Platinum Pass for Transit
Riding transit can save you time and money. Each day, hundreds of state employees climb aboard a Valley Metro bus or light rail and enjoy a quiet and relaxing commute. Valley Metro Local, Express, and RAPID buses and light rail can get you to work without the hassle of traffic, often quicker than driving alone. Valley Metro’s website offers a variety of trip planning tools at www.ValleyMetro.org. You can also contact a Valley Metro route specialist directly at 602.253.5000.
Platinum Pass Subsidy Program
The state offers a transit subsidy to employees who sign up for the Platinum Pass; there is no fee to apply for the pass. The current subsidy rate is 50 percent of the fare, up to half the cost of a monthly pass. Charges are capped once that monthly pass rate is reached. The remainder of the cost (the employee’s share) is automatically paid through a payroll deduction the second pay period of each month.
Current costs for Light Rail/Local Bus riders as of March 1, 2013:
- Your current per ride cost is $1.00.
- Your current monthly maximum is $32.00.
Current costs for Express/RAPID Bus riders as of March 1, 2013:
- Your current per ride cost is $1.63.
- Your current monthly maximum is $52.00.
You are only charged for the rides you take. To obtain an application, see your personnel representative or download the online application. Once you complete the Platinum Pass application, return it to your personnel office. Please allow up to two weeks to receive your pass.
Lost or stolen Platinum Passes
Employees are responsible for their Platinum Passes and for charges incurred. Be sure to check your paystub for charges, even when you have not used your pass. The pass may only be used by the employee to whom it was issued. It is your responsibility to protect the pass and immediately report a missing or stolen Platinum Pass to your personnel department in writing. Be sure to request confirmation from your personnel department that the pass was indeed cancelled. You will need to apply for a replacement; the fee for replacing the pass is $5. Click here for a list of agency personnel Platinum Pass processors
Commuter Club
If you take transit to work at least twice a week, you are eligible for a free membership in the Commuter Club! Commuter Club offers relevant commuter incentives, including an emergency ride home, twice a year, in case you are unexpectedly stranded at work. Be sure to check out the details and benefits of Commuter Club membership.
