Fares
There are several fare options available for CMRTA fixed route bus service:
- Standard One-Way Fare: $1.50
- Special Needs Fare: $0.75
- Senior Citizens Fare: $0.75
- Agency Discount Ticket: $1.00 (Must call 255-7133 for details)
- 10 Ride Pass: $10.00
- 31 Day Pass: $40.00
- Transfer: FREE with payment of fare
- Zone Pass: $0.25
- Children 5 and under: FREE when accompanied by a paying adult
- SMARTRIDE Newberry one-way: $4
- SMARTRIDE Newberry weekly: $30
The Special Needs Fare is available to pre-qualified individuals during all hours of fixed route service. To receive the special needs fare, disabled riders must show a CMRTA Special Needs ID card when boarding a bus. To obtain a CMRTA Special Needs ID, contact CMRTA at (803) 255-7133 or click here to download a copy of the Special Needs ID Application.
Click here to download an information sheet on how to pay your fare.
Individuals 65 years old and older are also eligible for the Special Needs fare. Senior citizens need only to show a valid form of identification that includes a date of birth when boarding a bus to qualify for the Special Needs Fare. In addition, all individuals bearing a valid Medicare card qualify for the Special Needs Fare.
Children
Children 5 years old or younger ride free, provided they are accompanied by a paying customer. Children under 10 are not permitted to ride the CMRTA's fixed route buses or DART services unless an adult accompanies them for the duration of their trip.
Multi-Ride Passes
Individuals may purchase 10 Ride or 31 Day Passes at the Transfer Center located at the corner of Sumter and Laurel Streets. Multi-Ride Passes are accepted on all CMRTA fixed route bus. Please take care of your multi ride passes. Lost, stolen or damaged passes will NOT be replaced. Do not bend passes. Keep cards away from magnets, water and exteme temperatures. Pass protectors are provided free of charge with the purchase of a pass.
10 Ride Passes
Passes are valid for 10 rides and expire after 1 year.
31 Day Passes
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Pass is valid for 31 days from the date of first use and expire at midnight on the 31st day.
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Pass must be validated the first time it is used by inserting it into the transfer slot in the farebox. The date of initial use and the expiration date will be printed on the back of the pass.
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For all other uses simply swipe the card in the card reader.
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Cards are encrypted with a "No Share" feature and will not be valid for more than one person.
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Transfers and Zone Passes will not be issued and are not necessary with 31 Day passes because the pass is for unlimited rides.
Transfers
Transfers are available free to persons needing to travel more than one route to reach their destination. A transfer allows you to complete a 1 way trip by changing from one bus to another without having to pay an additional fare. You must request a transfer to the connecting bus at the time you first board the bus. When you board the connecting bus, present the transfer to the driver. Transfers are valid for 2 hours. Transfers may not be used for return trips or on the same route from which they were issued.
Zone Pass
Zone Passes can be used to move into or out of a Zoned Area which includes Routes 30A, 30B, 35, 36A and 36B. . When you board your first bus pay your fare, ask for you transfer, then tell the driver you would like to buy a Zone Pass. Wait for the driver to change his screen, then insert your $0.25 into the fare box. The Zone Pass is valid for 2 hours. It is only necessary to pay for this Zone Pass when you have to transfer more than once to complete your trip.
For example: If you are coming from Cayce and would like to go to Sparkleberry Plaza board Route 25 Cayce, pay your fare, take your transfer, pay $0.25 for your Zone Pass. When you reach the Transit Center use your transfer to board Route 16. When you reach the Columbia Mall use your Zone Pass to board Route 35.
If you were only going from Route 16 to Route 35 you would not need to pay for a Zone Pass. You would use your transfer to go from Route 16 to Route 35.
