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 non-university state employees working in Maricopa County who sign up for the Platinum Pass; contractors and interns are not eligible. 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 a Platinum Pass, complete the online Platinum Pass application and return it to your personnel office.  The pass will be mailed to your home address of record; please allow up to two weeks to receive it.

Replacement Platinum Passes: lost, stolen or damaged

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. The replacement Platinum Pass will be mailed to your home address of record. 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.