Valley Metro riders have a couple of months left before they lose the fare they have on their paper passes.

Smart Fare was introduced during the summer by Valley Metro, which said the new pay-as-you-go system calculates fares based on trip history and is designed to be easier for reduced fare account holders.

Starting Monday, riders will need to have transferred their credit to the new system, Valley Metro said, and will have until the end of the year before they lose funds not transferred over. A fare event for transfers from the paper passes to the Smart Fare is slated for 3-4 p.m. Monday at the Mesa Public Library, located at 64 E. First St. in Mesa. Transfers may also be made at the following Phoenix locations:

Riders, Valley Metro said, will be able to pay for Smart Fare on either the Valley Metro app or a Copper card, but added that both options are not available for use on the same account. To ride, passengers will scan the mobile app or tap the card.

The new system keeps riders from paying extra during their fare period, regardless of how many trips are taken, Valley Metro said. The 1-Ride cash option aboard the bus or at light rail station fare machines will remain available, according to Valley Metro.

Obtaining Copper cards or adding value to them may be done at select retail locations, transit windows or online at valleymetrofares.org, Valley Metro said, adding light rail station fare machines will offer these services. Cash may be uploaded onto the mobile fare app at participating retail locations.

Reduced fare accounts are available for anyone between ages 6 and 18, people 65 or older, persons with disabilities and Medicare card holders. Applications may be made online. Medical and substance dependency-based reduced fare applications are done in person at the Valley Metro Mobility Center, located at 4600 E. Washington St., Suite 101 in Phoenix. Appointments may be made by at 602-253-5000.