FAQs

TAP is a convenient, secure way to travel throughout Los Angeles County. Benefits of TAP include:

• Multimodal travel, including bus, rail, and other transit programs like Metro Bike Share. Additional programs including Parking and Electric Vehicle car sharing are coming soon.
• Smart chip technology that offers account management, secure purchases and convenient features like Balance Protection and Autoload.
• Contactless payment with the TAP app, now available for iPhones and Android phones.
• Flexible payment methods including credit/debit, PayPal and PayNearMe.
• A safe and secure alternative to paying cash fares.
• Faster boarding times.
• Seamless connectivity to pay fare on 27 municipal transit systems across LA County.

There are many ways to purchase a TAP card:

• On your phone using the TAP App
• In your Apple Wallet on iPhone
• Online at taptogo.net. (Your card will be mailed to you in 10-15 business days.)
• Call 866.TAPTOGO (866-827-8646) (Your card will be mailed to you in 10-15 business days.)
• Visit a TAP vendor. Find a location near you. (Fare can be used immediately.)
• Visit a TAP vending machine located at Metro rail and Metro Orange Line stations. Find a location near you. (Fare can be used immediately.)
• Visit a Metro Customer Service Center. Find a location near you. (Fare can be used immediately.)

TAP cards are currently accepted on the following partner transit agencies:

Your TAP card can hold Stored Value, as well as passes and transfers for many transit agencies in the Los Angeles area.

Your TAP card must be registered in order to be able to report it lost or stolen by calling 866.TAPTOGO (866.827.8646).

If your card is registered for Balance Protection*, you may request a replacement card. Your remaining balance will be restored, and the replacement card will be mailed to you. A $5 administrative fee applies when the replacement card is requested.

* If you purchased your TAP card online at taptogo.net or by phone, or if you have a Reduced Fare TAP card, your card's balance is automatically protected.

No. If you purchase a TAP card to replace your lost, stolen or damaged card, your fare capping progress starts over on that replacement card. The fare capping status is specific to each card and cannot be transferred.

No, your TAP card is not transferable. Each rider must have his or her own TAP card.

Regular TAP cards expire after 15 years. Reduced Fare TAP card expiration dates vary, depending on the type of card. Check your card's expiration date at taptogo.net, at a TAP Vending Machine or at a TAP Vendor location.

The terms and conditions are listed in the Terms of Service. Your first use of the TAP card signifies your acceptance of this agreement.

If you would like to become a TAP vendor, please contact us to schedule an appointment with a TAP service representative.

Email: tpv@taptogo.net
Phone: 866.TAPTOGO (866-827-8646)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm

TAP provides flexible payment options including credit/debit, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and for cash-only customers, PayNearMe. You must have an account on taptogo.net.

You’ll find answers to your mobile app questions in our TAP App FAQs.

To request deletion of your PII, open a Help Request and select "Delete Personal Data" as your reason. Or you may email customerservice@taptogo.net to initiate a request. In order to delete your PII, your TAP account must be closed, and your eligibility to participate in transit and subsidy programs will be terminated. In some cases, your TAP card will be canceled and any remaining fare on the card will not be refunded. We encourage you to first use the fare on your card, then submit a PII deletion request. To learn more about how we process PII deletion requests, read our Privacy Notice.

Yes. However, in both Google Wallet and Apple Wallet, you can designate a specific card for fare payment and from then on, not have to unlock your phone to pay. Learn how to do this on an iPhone or Android phone.

Yes, the TAP validators accept credit cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay and JCB.  Digital versions of these cards in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet are also accepted.  International visitors, please remember to contact your bank/card issuer to let them know you will be traveling so you don’t have issues paying fare with your card. 

No, you will not be charged an additional transaction fee. Your credit card will be charged the same fare as if you paid with cash or a TAP card. 

Fare capping progress is tracked separately for each payment form used (physical card, smartphone, smartwatch.) It’s best to use the same payment form for all paid rides, so you can reach your fare cap with fewer paid rides.

The TAP fare payment system uses the industry-approved security protocol known as PCI DSS compliance. It is the same standard used by merchants who accept contactless payment cards worldwide. It is safe and secure. 

When you tap and pay with a credit or debit  card, your card’s information is not saved or stored. The information is tokenized, so our system logs your rides, but not your identity. This allows you to view your ride history and fare capping status on our website. See the Transit Card Status web page.

First, please contact your bank to report your credit or debit card lost or stolen. 

If your lost or stolen card is registered to your TAP account, you may suspend it to prevent its use for transit in your account. 

The TAP validators will accept the following cards for fare payment: 
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay and JCB  

Credit/debit card payment offers quick and easy fare payment. Plus, paying with a credit or debit card has the same benefits as paying with a TAP card.  These benefits include: 

• Discounted interagency transfers between TAP transit agencies 
• Free 2-hour transfers on Metro 
• The ability to participate in fare capping on Metro and Santa Clarita Transit  

To receive these benefits, please use the same payment form for each leg of your journey. 

To receive benefits such 2 hours of free transfers on Metro, pay interagency fares or to participate in fare capping, please use the same card in the same payment form for each leg of your trip. For example, if you begin your trip by tapping a card in your digital wallet, please continue to tap that same card in your digital wallet to transfer or to earn riders towards the fare cap.

If different payment forms are used throughout a journey, new fares will be charged each time.

Currently, only full fares can be paid with a credit or debit card.  If you use your credit or debit card, you will be charged a full fare. 

However, starting in early 2027, you will be able to use your credit/debit card to pay your reduced fare. 

You can easily and quickly view your ride history by visiting the Transit Card Status page. 

Enter your credit or debit card details into the form and the page will show all the rides associated with that credit or debit card account, by payment form.  The page will also display fare capping status. 

If you have a TAP account, you can view your ride history by signing in to your account and clicking "Transit Cards." Follow the prompts to register your credit or debit card. NOTE: Before your card can be registered to your account, the card must been used used to tap and pay at least once.  After your card is registered, it will display on the Transit Cards page along with links to view your ride history and fare capping status. 

No, the validator will not charge both cards.  The system will try to deduct fare from a digital TAP card first. If no TAP card is found, please unlock your phone, open the wallet and choose the card that should be charged. 

You can designate a card for transit use so that you don’t need to wake your phone each time. 

On an iPhone, go to Wallet and turn on Express Mode for the credit or debit card you want to use.  If you also have a TAP card in Wallet, please turn off Express Transit for that card to ensure your preferred credit or debit card is charged.

On an Android phone, please open the wallet:

1. Click to your account picture on the top right.
2. Open Settings
3. Choose Verification Settings 
4. Then Transit Payments
5. Toggle off Verification Required 

Yes, you can pay for yourself and up to 4 additional people with one credit or debit card. [5 people total] 

On a bus, tap the credit/debit card on the validator for each rider in the group. On rail, tap each person through the gate.  All taps for groups traveling together must happen within 2 minutes. 

All riders in the group can use that same credit/debit card (in the same payment form) to transfer on Metro or between agencies and Tap- to-exit. 

Only the first tap will count toward the fare cap.  The additional taps for the group will not count towards the fare cap. 

If your group plans on taking multiple rides on Metro and wants to participate in fare capping, then it may be more advantageous for each person to use their own TAP card.  This way, everyone can receive free rides once they have reached the fare cap.  Learn more about fare capping. 

Yes, please use the same card in the same form to tap to exit at Metro rail stations where Tap-to-exit has been implemented. These stations are: Union Station (B and D Lines), Downtown Santa Monica (E Line), North Hollywood (B Line), Pomona North Station (A Line) and Wilshire/La Cienega (D Line).

Yes.  TAP/Metro currently has no plans to discontinue any current fare payment options.  Riders will still be able to pay fare by using their TAP card (physical plastic TAP card or virtual cards in the TAP app or Apple Wallet) or with cash (bus only.) 

Yes.  Riders can pay fare in cash on bus. 

Metrolink riders that currently use the Metrolink ticketing system will be able to scan their valid ticket at the scanners located on at least one fare gate at each Metro rail station.  Riders should look for the Metrolink scanning decal on the gate and the QR code reader. 

Metrolink is launching a contactless credit/debit card payment pilot in Spring 2026 on the San Bernadino line.   If the rider uses contactless credit/debit card fare payment on Metrolink, there are no free transfers from Metrolink to Metro. 

Not at this time.  This is under discussion and prepaid gift cards may be accepted in the future.

Learn how to add a debit or credit card to Google Wallet.

To pay with a credit card in your Google or Samsung wallet, you will need to remove your virtual TAP card from your phone.  To do this: 

1. Open the TAP app
2. Click the Cards Page 
3. Scroll to the card that has been downloaded on the phone 
4. Click Remove from Phone 

No, you don't need to wake up your phone. However, you'll still be prompted to unlock the phone to verify purchase.

For faster transit payments, you can turn off verification before paying for transit with your debit or credit card. Learn how to turn off the verification setting for transit.

Yes, you can use your Express Mode-enabled credit or debit card to quickly pay for your transit trip. You can also add a TAP card to Apple Wallet to ride with Express Transit. The first TAP card you add to Apple Wallet will be enabled with Express Transit by default.

To use a credit or debit card, you will need an iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, or later, with iOS 12.3 or later, or Apple Watch Series 1 or Series 2, or later, with watchOS 5.2.1 or later.

Go to Apple Wallet and select your debit or credit card. Then tap on the ellipsis on the top right and choose Card Details. Scroll down to Express Transit and check whether Express Mode is on or off. To turn on Express, tap “Express Transit Settings” and follow the prompts to authenticate.

If you prefer to pay with a TAP card, go to Apple Wallet and select your TAP card. Then tap on the ellipsis on the top right and choose Card Details. Scroll down to the Card Information section and check whether Express Mode is on or off. To turn on Express, tap “Express Transit Settings” and follow the prompts to authenticate.

Only one payment card can be enabled for Express Transit at a time.

Yes, but you can’t use your iPhone and Apple Watch interchangeably. If you prefer to use a TAP card, then you need one TAP card on your iPhone and another TAP card on your Apple Watch. Remember to use the same device to tap in and out when paying with Apple Pay.

Yes, open Apple Wallet, click on Apple Cash, and hover the phone over the validator to pay fare. Apple Cash can also be used with Express mode so that you don’t have to unlock your phone to tap on the validator.

The reader will select the TAP card first. If you prefer to pay for your trip with your credit or debit card, then you should enable Express on your preferred payment card and disable Express on your TAP card. 

Only one card will ever be charged at a time. To ensure that only your chosen payment method is charged, always keep your physical cards separate from your Apple devices when paying for transit using Express Mode.

You may be able to use your Express Mode-enabled card on your iPhone even when your device needs to be charged. With a compatible iPhone, you may be able to use power reserve to make an Express transaction for up to five hours when your iPhone needs to be charged. Learn more

Yes. When you change Metro Rail lines, you are required to tap before boarding the next rail line.

Stored Value cannot be used to pay for Metro Bike Share. A monthly (30-day) or annual (365-day) pass must be purchased to utilize the program with a TAP card.

No. Your TAP card contains a smart chip and is not affected by your credit cards.

Your TAP card is durable and designed to last 15 years. Treat your card like any other money card. Protect it. Do not bend, puncture or wash it.

You must tap your card on the TAP target any time you ride. Onboard fare inspectors can read your card to confirm that you properly tapped. If you fail to tap the bus or rail validator before boarding, you may be cited for fare evasion. So don't forget to TAP!

Interagency transfers between agencies are exclusively on TAP. You must first load Stored Value on your TAP card to transfer between TAP-participating agencies. Your transfer fare will be calculated automatically and will be valid for 2.5 hours from the first trip of your journey. Not all agencies that are on TAP are participating in these transfers. Find out if your agency is participating in Transfer on 2nd Boarding.

Paper transfers are no longer distributed. Your transfer will automatically be deducted from your TAP card when you board your second bus or train. Paper transfers may still be issued for internal (Metro-Metro) transfers only. Please contact your local agency to find out if they still use paper transfers.

The following fare products can be loaded on your TAP card:

• Stored Value – A cash amount that is accepted across all TAP partner transit agencies. Load any dollar amount up to $300 onto your TAP card to pay for single rides and transfers.
• Agency Pass – Some agencies offer passes that are specific to their system and are valid for a specific number of days or trips. Choose this fare product if you know your travel is limited to one transit operator.
• EZ transit pass – A monthly, calendar-based pass valid for travel on 23 public transit systems throughout the Greater Los Angeles region. This pass is for travel within a geographic area or zone. Ask your transit agency to verify which zone is needed for your trip. EZ Passes can now be purchased on TVMs at Metro rail, Metro Silver Line, and Metro Orange Line stations.

An EZ transit pass is a monthly calendar-based pass valid for local travel on most transit agencies. Ask your local transit agency which zone is best for travel in your area. To buy an EZ transit pass, view your TAP card on the My TAP Cards page and click the “Add “Regional Pass” link. Select the pass with the recommended zone.

An EZ pass is a calendar-based pass, valid for one month. If you use the pass for the first time on the 1st through the 14th day of the month, the pass is valid for the current month. If you use the pass for the first time on or after the 15th day of the month, the pass is valid beginning the first day of the following month.

When you buy your fare online or by calling TAP Customer Service, the following wait times apply:

• Bus farebox: Up to 1 hour *
• Bus mobile validator: Up to 1 hour *
• Rail station gate validator or turnstile: Up to 1 hour *
• You must use your card within 14 days to activate the fare. If more than 14 days pass before you use the card, the fare will not be activated, and you will not be able to use the fare. If this happens, you must call 866-TAPTOGO (866.827-8646) to request the fare be reinstated. The fare will then be available in 6 business days.

Fare that was added at a TAP vending machine or at a TAP vendor is immediately activated. No action within 14 days is required.

Stored Value is a cash amount that you load on your TAP card to pay for single rides and transfers. Stored Value is great for travel across multiple transit agencies. The maximum amount of Stored Value you can load on your card is $300.

No. Stored Value and EZ transit pass are valid on all TAP participating agencies. However, agency passes vary. Check with your local operator or municipal carrier to ensure you have the appropriate fare loaded.

Yes. You can establish a shared account with your children or other family members. Manage their TAP cards, buy and reload products, enroll them in programs and submit help requests on their behalf.

Your child or family member must have their own TAP account. You must request (and they must allow you) to share management of their account.

Read more about Shared Accounts.

Fare capping allows you to earn the benefits of a pass without the upfront cost.

How it works:

Load Stored Value (money) on a TAP card to pay per ride. When you reach your 1-Day or 7-Day cap, you ride free for the rest of that day or 7-day period. You will never spend more than $5 in a day or $18 within 7 days. Reduced Fare riders will pay even less.

These changes will make it easier for everyone who pays with TAP to earn free rides. For more information and for an updated fare chart, visit Metro’s page on fare capping.

To sign up for Balance Protection, register your card on taptogo.net or call 866-TAPTOGO (866-827-8646). If you purchased your TAP card online at taptogo.net or by phone, or if you have a Reduced Fare TAP card, your balance is already protected.

Yes, employers may offer Metro Bike Share passes to their employees. Read more about the Bike Share for Business Program.

As a person with a disability, you may be eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. To qualify, you must submit a Reduced Fare Application. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

College and vocational students are eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. Submit a Reduced Fare application online at taptogo.net. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

K-12 students are eligible to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card. To qualify, you must submit a Reduced Fare Application. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process. You may expect to receive your Reduced Fare TAP card in approximately 20 business days.

If you currently have a Reduced Fare TAP card that will expire in the next 45 days, you may re-apply online at taptogo.net. Gather all supporting documentation before you begin the application process.

Yes, discounts for Metro Bike Share passes are available for qualified Reduced Fare cardholders. Read more about Metro Bike Share.

When you purchase a Metro Bike Share pass, you may opt to auto-renew the pass before end of its term.

Metro Bike Share requires a credit card. Future programs will have their own rules for payment. Your TAP account supports many payment options such as credit/debit cards, PayPal and PayNearMe for cash customers.

Additional programs are planned including Microtransit, Scooters, Ride-Hailing, Parking and Electric Vehicle car charging. These will provide convenient first-last-mile transit solutions.