Buy and Reload Your Hop Card at MAX Stations
We’re rolling out a new type of vending machine at MAX stations. The transit fare card machines make it more convenient for riders to buy and reload Hop cards — by making them available right at your station.
The new Hop card machines let you buy and reload Hop cards with cash or a credit/debit card directly at MAX stations instead of going to a Hop card retailer. The machines dispense reusable plastic cards that can be used for Adult, Honored Citizen or Youth fares.
This makes it easier to get a Hop card, particularly those using our reduced Youth fare or our reduced Honored Citizen fare if you’re 65+ or on Medicare. Note: If you’re using Adult fares, you can pay instantly by tapping the Hop reader with your phone or contactless credit card — no Hop card needed.
The new machines are replacing all MAX ticket machines across our service area at MAX and WES stations and transit centers. The machines are more reliable for riders and more efficient for us to maintain. Day passes and 2½-hour paper tickets are not sold at the new machines.
Cards look different now
The new Hop card design is the same for all fare types — there is no longer an “Adult,” “Honored Citizen” or “Youth” label at the bottom.
Using the machines
Buying Hop cards or reloading them is quick and easy. Here’s how to use them:
- Tap the screen to start.
- Choose to buy a new card or reload an existing one.
- For reloading, tap your card on the reader below the screen.
- Select your desired load amount, then pay.
- Collect your card and receipt if wanted — you’re ready to ride.
Remember to tap the Hop reader on the MAX platform or inside the bus each time you board! Your tap is your proof of payment.
Machine features
We designed the machines to be convenient and accessible.
- Go Paper-Free: Purchase a $3 Hop card or reload your existing card with a $1.40 minimum load.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation with touch screen menus.
- Payment Options: Pay using cash, card or contactless methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
- Multiple-Language Support: Choose from Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian or Simplified Chinese.
- Improved Accessibility: Audio instructions, Braille and raised-letter features for riders with vision impairments.
- Fare Options: Adult, Honored Citizen or Youth.
If you are age 65+ or on Medicare, you can buy and use a Hop card from one of the new Hop card machines or hundreds of local supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores. 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.
Otherwise, if you qualify based on disability, income or military status, you need to apply in advance and get a photo ID Hop card to use the Honored Citizen fare. Learn more about our Honored Citizen fares and apply online.
How to buy a Hop card from a vending machine
How to reload a Hop card from a vending machine
Note for Adult fares
If you use the standard Adult fare, you don’t need a Hop card to ride TriMet. You can instantly pay the Adult fare by tapping your phone or contactless credit/debit card on the Hop reader — you’ll earn Day and Month passes as you ride just like with a Hop card. You can still use a Hop card if you like its benefits like lost card protection and Auto-Load, or if you want to use our reduced fare.
