Planning to visit ready this year's State Fair of Texas in Dallas, the biggest and brightest state fair in the land? Let the Metro ArlingtonXpress, or MAX, help you get there.

This year's highlight is the return of the Fair's iconic host Big Tex. The big fella will be unveiled to the public on opening day, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. Other attractions include the colorful Chinese Lantern Festival, which features stunning new creations, State Fair Auto Show, livestock area, and great food.

On weekdays, a $5 fare allows you to ride MAX from UT Arlington to the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. At CentrePort, transfer to the TRE and ride to Union Station in Dallas. At Union Station, board the DART Green Line toward "Buckner" or "Lawnview" and get off at the Fair Park Station.

Remember, you no longer have to carry exact change or a paper ticket to board MAX.

Thanks to GoPass, a new mobile ticketing application, MAX riders will be able to buy and use passes instantly on a web-enabled smartphone-anywhere, anytime.

To download the GoPass app to your smartphone, go to the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices. After purchasing a ticket, your hone will display a color-coded ticket featuring a QR code, which can be shown to the bus operator. Passengers can activate the pass right before you board the bus.

If you already know what ticket you need, simply click on "Quick Buy" to begin your transaction. There's another option for less experienced riders. Try using the trip planner tool before heading out the door.

MAX buses will operate Monday-Friday from about 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For a bus schedule, maps and ticket information, visit RideTheMax.com.

All MAX updates are available via Facebook at RideTheMax and on twitter at @ArlingtonMAX. Subscribe to email updates at [email protected].