Seniors Get Q-Card Ready

Two days ago, 27 good-looking seniors dressed in their Sunday best came to the RideStore to get their pictures taken.

Those age 70 years and older, received their new Q Card with their picture on the back. Those seniors who were 62 to 69 received an orange-and-white METRO discount ID card. This will be issued to new applicants until the new fare system is rolled out.

Seniors who are 70 and older ride METRO for free and will continue to do so with the new fare system. They were excited about being among the first to get a Q Card.  

"This was the first time I have attempted to take a bus load there.  Normally, they have to come on their own, and a lot of them don't have transportation," said Bessie Swinble, vice president of the St. Francis 55-Plus, a group of seniors from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. "They had a good time. I'm quite sure more will ask to come in later."

The oldest one, 89-year-old Florence Jordan Haller, still drives but wanted a Q Card.

"I use the bus to go downtown or to the doctor or to the hospital. I don't drive at night," said Haller, pictured on the right.

Her friend Eddie Wilson, 78, loved getting her new  Q Card with a smart chip embedded in it. "I think it's wonderful. It's easier to use and convenient," she said.

Loretta Washington, 70, said she has never ridden the bus before, but the Q Card has prompted her to start riding the bus.

"I'm going to have to start riding some day. I may stop driving, and then I'll have a way to go. Just preparing for later on," she said. "I'm trying to figure out how to get around when I stop driving."

Swinble said the high price of gas prompted her register for a Q Card.

"It will enable me to get places, and I won't have to worry about gas and parking," says Swinble, who pays $27 a week to fill up her Honda Accord. "I'll be using the Q Card to get to work and to go downtown. I go to a lot of city council meetings. And it will get me to the Ensemble Theatre."

Large groups like those from St. Francis are beginning to come into the RideStore more frequently now, said Cindy Brandt, supervisor of RideStores.

"We have always had large groups but now they're aware of the Q Card coming, and they want to get the new fare media. It is increasing," she said.

While seniors are getting their pictures taken now for their new Q Cards, the rest of you may be wondering when you can get one. Here's an update:

Starting Sept. 1, you can pick up a Q Card at our RideStores. This way you can take advantage of one of the Q Card benefits: 5 free trips for every 50 paid trips.

Starting Sept. 1, you can also begin using METRO Money, a disposable fare card which will be available throughout the city, including convenience stores and grocery stores.

• The Q Booster program ends at the end of this month.

• New Ticket Vending Machines on rail platforms and Credit Vending Machines at all Park & Ride lots should be working in the next few weeks.

• The new fare structure should be in place for everyone by year's end.

• Middle and high school students: We will not issue a Go Card to you this school year. Instead, pay by cash or by existing fare items. Be prepared to show your school ID to the bus driver, if asked.