The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) was created in 1971 as a solution to Evansville's growing need for public transportation.  The METS provides public transportation via 17 fixed routes.  It also provides paratransit service for people 65 and over, or for those with a documented disability that would otherwise limit their use for the regular route system.  They do not operate on Sundays.

Costs

Regular Route Fees:

Base fare ...................................  $1.00
*Bus Pass ....................................$60.00
Children under 5 .........................  Free when accompanied by a paying adult
*Students ................................... Reduced Fare - .75 cents
*Senior Citizens .............................. .50 cents
*Disabled Riders .............................. .50 cents
*Medicare Card Holders .................... .50 cents

Debit cards are also available in $10 and $20 dollars.
One free transfer may be issued after a fare is paid.

*Bus passes are an unlimited monthly pass for your convenience and run the 1st through the 31st.  
*Students include any child in grades K-12 and any person attending a state accredited college (with proper ID).
* Senior Citizens, disabled riders, and Medicare card holders must have proof of age being over 65, a Medicare card & State Issued Photo ID, or a statement from Social Security that you are receiving Disability Payments & State Issued Photo ID.

Mobility Paratransit Service Fees:

ADA .................................... $2.00
Convenience ........................ $3.00
County ................................ $5.00
ADA Ride Card ...................... $20.00 (good for 10 rides)
Convenience ........................ $30.00 (good for 10 rides)
County ................................ $50.00 (good for 10 rides)

Routes

For a detailed Route Directory, you can go to the Evansville Government METS site here.

Recent Issues in the Media

There has been a lot of talk in the media recently, after it was announced METS decided to cancel the USI route during the times in which the university is closed during the summer, as well as on Saturdays and holidays.  They also proposed changing the route time from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.  It was reported USI could not afford the $300,000 it would take to keep the bus route going as it is.

Furthermore, the Public Works Board recently approved to change the hours to 7:15 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.  The change is significantly less drastic than anticipated.  It has also been announced there will be three other METS buses available for students and residents.  These will provide transportation during the summer and holidays, and they will connect riders to shopping complexes within the city.

If you would like to read more on the current issue surrounding the USI route, you may visit the following links.

Public Works Board Approves USI west side connection changes
Changes to West Side Bus Routes
Board postpones decision on West Side bus route
USI Students, staff voice concern over bus changes