New Hop card vending machines are coming to MAX stations

Starting in early December, we’ll begin rolling out a new type of fare vending machine at select MAX stations. The new machines will allow riders to buy and reload Hop cards instead of disposable paper tickets. This will make it easier and more convenient to buy Hop cards, especially for riders who qualify for reduced Youth or Honored Citizen fare based on age or Medicare participation. It will also make it more convenient for those who reload their Hop card with cash or a credit/debit card.

We’re installing the Hop card vending machines at these five locations:

• Beaverton Transit Center
• Gateway Transit Center
• Portland International Airport MAX Station
• Rose Quarter Transit Center
• Willow Creek Transit Center

We plan to start replacing all ticket machines across the MAX system with the Hop transit fare card machines in February 2025. The new machines will be more reliable for riders and more efficient for us to maintain.

Why we’re making this change

The new Hop card vending machines will make it easier for riders to purchase and reload Hop cards directly at MAX stations. Riders using Youth fares or Honored Citizen fare based on age or being on Medicare won’t have to visit a Hop card retailer to purchase or reload Hop cards – they will be able to do it right at their station. With a Hop card, riders never pay more than the cost of a day pass for a single day or a month pass for a calendar month. That’s just $2.80 per day or $28 per month for Honored Citizen and Youth fares.

With Hop card vending machines, riders will have access to the cards when and where they need them most, eventually at 169 machines across our service area at MAX and WES stations and transit centers. We’ll continue to sell reloadable Hop cards at hundreds of retail locations, including supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores. Riders will be able to load fare to Hop cards, or check their balances, using any of the transit fare card machines.

How to use the machines

• Tap the screen to begin.
• Select either “Buy a new Hop card” or “Reload your Hop card” using the buttons on the screen.
• If you’re reloading an existing Hop card, tap your card on the contactless reader below the screen.
• Choose the amount to load. Shortcuts are available for common amounts, such as the cost of a day or month pass. The minimum load is $1.40, with a maximum of $250.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to pay using the bill reader, card reader or contactless payment.
• If purchasing a new card, take your Hop card from the slot at the bottom. You can print out a receipt if needed.

You’re ready to ride! Remember to tap the Hop reader at the MAX station or on board the bus every time you board or transfer. Your tap is your proof of payment.

How the new machines work

• No more paper tickets: You will no longer buy paper tickets and passes at vending machines. Instead, buy a new Hop card for $3 at the new machines, or reload an existing one with a minimum load of $1.40.
• Touch screen menus: The new machines feature an easy-to-navigate touch screen display.
• Payment options: Pay with cash, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) or contactless payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
• Types of fares: The machines will issue Hop cards for Adult, Honored Citizen (65+/Medicare), and Youth (7-17/high school/GED) riders. Note: If you have a disability or qualify based on income or military status, you may be eligible for TriMet’s reduced fare – but you must apply in advance and receive an Honored Citizen photo ID Hop card. Do not purchase a standard Hop card from a ticket machine or retailer.  
• Language choices: Select Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian or Simplified Chinese as your preferred language.
• Accessibility features: If you have vision impairments, feel for the machine’s buttons identified with Braille or raised letters to hear an audio readout with instructions for buying or reloading a card.

Pricing: Just like at Hop retailers today, new Hop cards cost $3. Riders can purchase a Hop card with no value on it, or load value for use right away. The minimum load for reloading an existing card is $1.40.

Adult fare users: Remember, you don’t need a Hop card to ride TriMet. You can instantly buy Adult fare by tapping your contactless credit/debit card or phone on the Hop reader. You’ll still earn Day and Month Passes as you ride just like with a Hop card. But, if you ride often, a Hop card provides lost card protection and an auto-reload option.

About Honored Citizen fare: If you’re age 65 or older or on Medicare, you qualify to use TriMet’s Honored Citizen reduced fare. You don’t need to apply in advance. Just keep your government-issued photo ID with proof of age or Medicare card handy when boarding in case a bus operator or fare inspector asks to see proof of eligibility. Those who qualify for Honored Citizen reduced fare based on disability, income or military status will still need to apply and get a personalized Hop card at the TriMet Customer Support Center.

Roll out and installation plans

During our launch of the Hop card vending machines, TriMet’s Customer Service team will be available to help riders and answer questions. For brief periods of time while the new machines are being installed, there may be only one working ticket machine at your MAX station.

We will make any needed adjustments before we begin adding the Hop card machines to more MAX stations and transit centers in February 2025 as we phase out ticket vending machines in 2025. This includes the graphics on the exterior, which are not yet finalized.

Track our progress with the new vending machines at trimet.org/cardmachines.

Learn more about our fares

Fares are valid on TriMet buses, MAX, WES and Portland Streetcar. Learn more about our fares at trimet.org/fares.

We offer reduced fares for seniors, youth, people with disabilities, people who qualify based on income, veterans and active-duty military. Learn more how to qualify and apply online.

Do you have questions or feedback? Email us at hello@trimet.org.