Transit Free-Fare Pilot Program
The “Mariposa Pass” Transit Free-Fare Pass Pilot Program allows eligible San Luis Obispo County residents to ride participating transit services for free! This program accepted its first round of applications from March through the end of May 2026.
Services you can pay for with the Free Fare Pass:
- Local bus networks
- Regional Bus Networks throughout San Luis Obispo County
- Amtrak trains starting or ending within San Luis Obispo County
How do I apply?
The first application period for this pilot program has come to an end. Transit Free Fare cards, or “Mariposa Passes” will be distributed in mid-July of 2026 for a year of free transit for its users. If you would like to be put on a waitlist for the pass, fill out the following application:
How do I know if I am eligible?
- Older adults (65+)
- K–12 students or college students
- People with disabilities
- Medicare Cardholders
- Veterans
- Low-income residents
- People with long commutes
- People who’ve never used transit before
How the Transit Free Fare Pass Works:
If selected, you’ll receive a pre-paid debit card that is funded for select transit use in San Luis Obispo County. You can either pick it up, or have it shipped to you.
- Funds on the pass can be used for transit only (not cash withdrawals).
- A limited number of passes are available during the program’s first year.
- If you’re selected, we’ll contact you with next steps within one month. Passes are planned to be distributed in July of 2026 and will need to be activated by you so you can start using it on August 1, 2026.
How to use the pass (it’s simple)
- Find the card reader on the bus or at the station gate.
- Tap your free fare pass on the reader (physical or digital).
- Wait for the green light or beep (accepted!).
- You’re all set.
Tip: If you see a red light or hear an error beep, ask the driver or staff for help.
Use it with your phone (optional)
You may be able to add your Free Fare Pass to your phone wallet for digital payments (including Apple Pay / Google Pay, where available).
The Free Fare Pass is compatible with Tap2Ride technology. Learn more about Tap 2 Ride on buses in San Luis Obispo County here:
Learn more on the Tap 2 Ride webpage
Program Information
Physical Passes
- The Free Fare Pass is a payment card and looks like a standard credit or debit card.
- You will receive the Free Fare Pass by US Mail; it will come in an unmarked white envelope.
- Information about how to activate, use the Free Fare Pass, and check your balance will be included in the mailer.
- Recipients should activate their pass as soon as they receive it.
- The pass will be autoloaded each month; do not dispose of your pass.
Virtual Passes
- The Free Fare Pass is a payment card and works like a standard credit or debit card once added to your virtual wallet.
- Once your pass is activated, there are three quick steps to register your pass and view card details. 1. Review and confirm your details, 2. Set up an account, 3. Allow for enhanced security & click register. You will then be able to access your PEX dashboard to view pass details.
Lost Passes
- Lost passes should be reported to PEX customer service (contact information is shown below). A $5 fee will be charged for replacement passes; this will be deducted from the balance on your pass.
Providers
- The Free Fare Pass can be used with a variety of transportation providers including:
Public Transit
- RTA (Routes 9, 10, 12, 14, & 15, i.e.)
- SLO Transit (Routes 1A/B, 2A/B, 3A/B, & 4A/B, i.e.)
- Paso Robles (Routes A & B, i.e.)
- South County Transit (Routes 21, 24, 27, & 28, i.e.)
- Morro Bay Transit (Local Fixed Route, i.e.)
Train
- Amtrak within San Luis Obispo County
Trips taken using the Free Fare Passmust start or end in San Luis Obispo County
Subsidy
- The Free Fare Pass will be auto loaded by the first of each month with up to $100 based on your use in the prior month.
- Unspent funds do not carry over to the next month.
- The maximum amount available to spend on the pass in any month is $100.
- It is the responsibility of the rider to manage their balance and confirm enough value is available before booking or taking a trip.
- Tipping is at the discretion of the rider; note that tips applied via the Mariposa Pass come out of the usable balance.
- Check your balance by calling 866.685.0898 or by using the PEX mobile app.
FAQs
Q: How is this funded?
A: The funding for this project comes from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). LCTOP is sustained without taxpayer funding; instead, it is financed entirely by reinvesting auction revenues from the state’s Cap-and-Invest market. LCTOP receives funding from annual auction proceeds—paid by industrial polluters to cover their emissions—providing critical assistance for public transit expansions, electric bus infrastructure, and reduced-fare programs for priority populations.
Q: How long will my card work for?
A: Each Mariposa Pass will be valid for one year from the time it is activated.
Q: When/what time of day will the pass work?
A: The pass will be valid during all regular operating hours of participating transit systems, with no time-of-day restrictions.
Q: When will I know if I was selected?
A: Applicants will be notified of their selection status via email prior to the program launch in summer 2026.
Q: How are people being selected?
A: Eligibility is based on a range of factors related to transportation need and access. Priority will be given to individuals who may face greater transportation burdens. In order to qualify for this, you must be an older adult, student, person with disabilities, low-income resident, veteran, those with long commutes, or individuals who have limited experience using transit.
Q: Can I share my pass with someone else?
A: No, the Mariposa Pass is intended for individual use and may not be shared.
Q: Do I need to load money onto the card?
A: No, the pass is preloaded and allows free rides on participating systems during the program period.
Q: Why was I not selected?
A: Because this is a limited pilot program, not all eligible applicants may be selected at first. Depending on interest, SLOCOG could allow more participants to the program as soon as Fall 2026. If the program is successful through its pilot phase, SLOCOG will issue more cards and reach back out to applicants who may not have been selected in the first phase of the program.
Q: Will using the pass affect my other benefits?
A: No, participation in the program will not impact eligibility for other public benefits.
Q: How do I know when my Amtrak trip qualifies for Free Fare Pass coverage?
A: You may use your Free Fare (Mariposa) Pass if your trip originates or terminates in SLO County or at the Guadalupe Train Station. The following is a list of train stations your trip must begin and end in:
- San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station | 1011 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-4449
- Grover Beach Amtrak Station | 180 West Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, CA 93433-1968
- Paso Robles Amtrak Station | 800 Pine St, Paso Robles, Paso Robles, CA 93446-2856
- Guadalupe Amtrak Station | 330 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe, CA 93434
Rider Resources
- Using the PEX App
- Adding the Free Fare Pass to your Virtual / Phone Wallet
- Viewing Virtual Card Info
Customer Service & Support
For assistance with Free Fare Pass enrollment or questions about where you can use the Free Fare Pass, contact Ivana Rodrigeuz via email at [email protected].
For assistance with pass activation, lost or misplaced passes, issues with the PEX app, or to check your balance, contact the PEX team via phone at 866.685.0898 (agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or email at [email protected].
For assistance with an in progress or completed trip taken using the Free Fare Pass, or questions about how fares are calculated, please contact the transportation provider.