How to TAP

Tap your card before you ride. Depending on the bus or train, you'll see one of the TAP devices below. Hold your TAP card near the dial and wait for the validation signal.


card held to bus farebox

On buses with fareboxes:

  • Hold your card near the farebox TAP target.
  • Wait for the “beep” sound and “GO” message to verify that your card is valid.

card held to bus mobile validator

On buses with mobile validators:

  • Hold your card near the mobile validator TAP target.
  • Wait for the green screen to verify that your card is valid.

card held to stand alone validator

At Metro rail stations with turnstiles:

  • At a station turnstile, hold your card near the target located to the right side and enter to the left.
  • Wait for the green screen to verify that your card is valid.

card held to station turnstile

At Metro rail stations with validators:

  • At a station validator, hold your card near the TAP target.
  • Wait for the “beep” sound and “GO” message to verify that your card is valid.

card unlocking bike

At Metro Bike Share stations:

  • Enroll in Metro Bike Share.
  • Press silver button on the dock and hold TAP card to lighted panel.
  • Wait for 3 “beeps” to confirm bike has been unlocked.
  • Smart Metro Bikes can be unlocked by holding your card to the screen on the bike’s handlebar.