• May 8th, 2026
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Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) will soon be transitioning from the existing ConnectCard fare card system to a new, next-generation fare card system called ReadyFare. New fare vending machines are scheduled to start rolling out across the region's transit system in mid-to-late May 2026.

This transition to the ReadyFare Card system does not impact riders who currently use the Ready2Ride app to manage their transit pass or pay fares digitally. The Ready2Ride app will continue to be used as the system's "card-free" version of the ReadyFare system today.

According to PRT, the move to the new ReadyFare card system is more than simply a "new look," it's a move to a better, more convenient way to purchase and pay your fare. On the PRT website, the agency has provided a thorough summary and transition guide as a resource for transit riders to become familiar with the new fare card system based on "rider group" (or which ConnectCard type you'll be transitioning from). The resource is also available as downloadable and printable PDF.

As of May 8, 2026, here is a brief summary from that transition guide's contents at time of writing—including any required actions and anticipated timing for the change. More details about how and when to start using the new fare card system is expected to be shared by PRT soon, as well.

• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Full-Fare
  • Action: Use up your stored cash value from existing ConnectCard or opt to transfer your funds to the Ready2Ride app (which can be completed online or by visiting the PRT Downtown Service Center.) Once new ReadyFare cards are available, full-fare riders can pick one up at any ReadyFare™ Fare Vending Machine, PRT Service Center, PRT ReadyFare retail outlet, or request one by mail. Riders will be able to transfer any remaining balance from an old ConnectCard to a new ReadyFare card.
  • Anticipated Timing: Spring 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Reduced Fare
  • Action: PRT will mail new cards to Reduced Fare riders who request one. Current reduced fare riders will receive information by mail or email outlining the process for requesting a ReadyFare card and how to transfer funds from their existing ConnectCard.
  • Anticipated Timing: Spring 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Reduced Fare - Allegheny Go
  • Action: PRT will mail new cards to registered Allegheny Go riders. Once received, riders will be able to transfer any remaining balance from their existing ConnectCard to the new ReadyFare card.
  • Anticipated Timing: Spring 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Annual Pass
  • Action: Annual passes are available for purchase through PRT's Ready2Ride® mobile ticketing app. Annual pass subscribers with an existing valid pass do not have to do anything at this time. Riders with expired (or soon to expire) annual passes will receive a new ReadyFare card when purchasing a new annual pass.
  • Anticipated Timing: February/March 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Job Perks
  • Action: Riders who receive a ConnectCard through their employer or the Job Perks program will receive a new ReadyFare card through their employer when the new cards become available. Please contact your administrator for more details.
  • Anticipated Timing: Late Spring/Early Summer 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: ACCESS or ACCESSS Caregiver
  • Action: ACCESS will provide new ReadyFare cards to riders. Contact ACCESS with any questions.
  • Anticipated Timing: Spring 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: University Student, Faculity, or Staff
  • Action: Many universities have already begun transitioning to mobile passes. Riders should continue to follow their university's guidance and contact the university's transit pass administrator with questions.
  • Anticipated Timing: Check with your university
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Parrent or Caregiver of Pittsburgh Public School (PPS) Student
  • Action: PPS ID cards will continue to work as fare card through the end of the 2025-26 school year.
  • Anticipated Timing: PPS will provide more information for the 2026-27 school year
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Parent or Caregiver of Kids ConnectCard User
  • Action: Youth ages 6-11 who currently use a Kids ConnectCard will receive information in the mail on how to receive a ReadyFare card and transfer funds from their existing Kids ConnectCard.
  • Anticipated Timing: Spring 2026
• Current Card Type/Rider Group: Senior ConnectCard User
  • Action: Seniors do not need to transition to a new ReadyFare card at this time. Senior ConnectCard riders will be able to continue using their existing ConnectCard as a flash pass during this transition period. Riders who may have a Senior ConnectCard that is expiring soon do not need to worry as PRT will continue to accept expired Senior ConnectCards even after the expiration date.
  • Anticipated Timing: Fall 2026

For more information from Pittsburgh Regional Transit regarding the transition to ReadyFare, call PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000.