HOUSTON -- Bus and rail riders will soon have only two ways to pay for their journeys, KPRC Local 2 reported.

METRO began selling electronic Q Cards on Wednesday. Beginning March 31, a Q Card or cash will be the only way to pay for a fare.

"All of this is part of our plan to make our fare system more equitable, simpler, easier," spokeswoman Raquel Roberts said.

In 2007, riders had 65 different options for paying fares. The introduction of the Q Card is the first change to METRO's fare system in 13 years.

METRO will continue to sell day and value passes until Jan. 31. Beginning Feb. 1, riders will have 60 days to use their passes or transfer the balance to a Q Card.

Q Cards are sold in on board buses, at transit centers, grocery stores and convenience stores. They are also available on METRO's Web site.

For more information about the new fare system and the Q Card, visit METRO's Web site.