Rail

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​TIcket Vending Machine


Lady using TVM 
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 LYNX TVMs are bilingual in English and Spanish. To activate the Spanish language feature, please select the LANGUAGE button.​

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  • 1. Select


    To begin your purchase, first select the type of ticket by pressing the corresponding numbered buttons on the sides of the screen. "Quick Ticket" automatically selects one one-way adult ticket.


    On the next screen, select your rider category. You can add or subtract tickets using numbers next to the "+" and "-" signs for each category. Your selected tickets will appear in the middle of the screen. Remember, to purchase a senior/disabled or student/youth ticket, you must have a valid transit ID, school ID or Medicare card.

  • 2. Insert Payment


    Once you've selected all your tickets, please begin inserting your payment option, such as cash, credit card or change card, or scan your Smart Card. The largest bill accepted is $20. Coins can be used, but pennies are not accepted. Credit cards accepted include Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover. For your added security, TVMs are equipped with chip- credit card readers. If your credit card is chip-activated, a blue light will flash at the bottom of the credit card reader. Insert your card in the slot. Input your PIN number or zip code, if prompted. If your card is not chip-activated, you must swipe your card on the side of the reader. If the card is denied, you will receive a message that says "Card Not Approved" with a denial sound. If payment is approved, the reader will sound indicating for you to remove your credit card. All card transactions will run as credit.


    When using a change card, insert the card in the labeled slot. The change card will return to you with the remaining balance and the time and date it was used listed on the back.

  • 3. Take


    Once your payment is confirmed, your ticket(s) and/or change card, if applicable, will be printed. Remove your ticket(s) and don't forget any change.


    The TVM will provide change in the form of bills, coins and/or change card (see below) on a single transaction based of change availability. Bills issued as change will come out of the bill inserting device.

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Fares

Rail

Trip Planner



PURCHASING YOUR TICKET

LYNX tickets can be purchased at self-service ticket vending machines (TVMs) located on the rail station platforms. TVMs sell one-way tickets, one-day passes, 7-day passes and roundtrip passes.



Tickets


 

Picture of back of ticket info includes ticket type, amount paid, date, time and station purchased at
 


 

A one-way ride ticket is valid for one light rail trip in one direction. It expires 105 minutes from the time indicated on the ticket and customers can get on and off if they continue in the same original direction of travel during that 105-minute period.

Customers needing only one adult one-way ticket may use the quick ticket feature to save time.

One-way ride tickets, quick tickets, and round-trip passes can be used to transfer to the bus service if used within 105 minutes of the time of purchase. If you are riding a higher priced service like an express or express plus bus service, you will need to pay the difference aboard the bus.

A one-day ticket is valid for one calendar day and expires at 12-midnight on the day issued. A one-day ticket may be used on both bus and light rail services if time and date have not expired.

A round trip ticket is valid for one round trip to and from your destination on the day purchased.

A weekly pass is valid for seven consecutive days once issued and can be used on both the bus and light rail. Weekly pass expires at midnight on the seventh day.

Bus transfers are valid on LYNX if used within the time indicated on the back of the transfer.


 


CHANGE CARDS


 

Picture of back of change card info includes amount and if used date used, amount used and remaining value
 


 

In the event, a TVM is low or out of change, a change card will be issued. Any funds due to the customer will be issued via a change card provided by the machine. 

A change card can be used in the TVM to purchase another ticket or on the bus to pay for your ride. Please note a change card does not serve as a ticket to ride. At the TVM, please insert in labeled slot when you're ready to purchase. When you use a change card, the card will be returned to you with the remaining balance listed on the back of the card. The maximum amount of change is $20.  A change card also will be issued if the TVM malfunctions.

Change cards are not refundable and must be used on a CATS service.  Refunds will be issued only with proof of residency 35 miles outside of Charlotte.  If you need assistance, please contact CATS customer service at 704-336-7433.

 


SAFETY AND SECURITY

CATS TVMs are under constant video surveillance. It is unlawful to tamper with TVMs or damage CATS property. Failure to abide by the law could result in arrest and loss of CATS riding privileges. In the event of an emergency, listen to announcements and follow the instruction of CATS personnel.

 


ADA Compliance

The TVMs are ADA compliant with braille and audio to assist customers.  An earphone jack is also provided for audio.  To access the instructions verbally, press the audio button.  To increase the volume, press and hold the audio button to the desired volume level.  To hear the instructions in Spanish, press the language button.  All buttons have braille for assistance.