In the past, bus tokens were used as a form of payment for bus and train rides in certain cities. However, with the advancement of technology and changing preferences, some cities have started phasing out the use of tokens and transitioning towards more modern payment methods. For example, in Los Angeles County, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority decided to stop producing transit tokens and aimed to eliminate their usage by the end of 2019, favoring the use of TAP cards instead. This shift towards computerized debit-type boarding cards offers advantages such as free transfers within the Metro system and discounts for seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities. While tokens may still hold value as collectibles, their practicality as a means of payment for public transportation is gradually being replaced by more efficient and cost-effective alternatives.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Tokens Still Valid | Yes |
Token Phase-Out | In progress, to be completed by the end of 2019 |
Token Sale Locations | Continental Currency Services on Orange Grove Avenue in Pasadena, liquor stores, city halls, and Metro stores |
Token Price | $17.50 for a bag of 10 tokens |
Token Usage | Can be used in ticket vending machines and fare boxes |
TAP Card Price | $1 at vending machines, $2 at service centers and online |
TAP Card Usage | Load money onto the card and swipe to pay for bus or train rides |
TAP Card Benefits | Free transfers within the Metro system, discounts for seniors, disabled, and students |
Token Usage Drawbacks | No free transfers, no discounts for seniors, disabled, and students |
What You'll Learn
Bus tokens are being phased out in LA County
The switch to TAP cards has been in progress since 2018, with LA Metro giving away 55,000 free TAP cards and planning to distribute 1 million more starting in May 2018. The TAP cards are free for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. The cards can be loaded with money and swiped each time the user boards a bus or train. This system provides free transfers within the Metro system, which token users did not have access to.
The phase-out of tokens is expected to take about 1.5 years, as Metro helps token enthusiasts transition to TAP cards. Tokens are no longer sold at a discount, which has resulted in a 24% drop in sales from 2012-2013 to 2016-2017. Many long-time transit riders still purchase tokens at various vendors, such as liquor stores, city halls, and Metro stores, but the convenience of tokens is now outweighed by their disadvantages.
Token users miss out on the discounts available with TAP cards, and they do not receive free transfers within the Metro system. Additionally, the use of TAP cards is more efficient and cost-effective for Metro, as the cards last 10 years and have resulted in increased revenue for the agency.
While some riders have expressed concern about the change, especially regarding the potential burden on first-time riders, the benefits of TAP cards, including convenience, efficiency, and cost savings, are expected to outweigh the disadvantages.
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Tokens are being replaced by TAP cards
The TAP card is a durable plastic card with a smart chip that is designed to make your transit experience simple and secure. The card can be used to pay for bus and rail fares, and includes two hours of free transfers. The card can be purchased online, by phone, or at a TAP vendor, and can be reloaded with fare. The TAP card can also be used with the TAP app, which is available for iPhones and Android phones.
There are several benefits to using a TAP card. Firstly, it is a convenient and secure way to travel, with smart chip technology that offers account management, secure purchases, and features like Balance Protection and Autoload. Secondly, it offers flexible payment methods, including credit/debit, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayNearMe. Thirdly, it provides faster boarding times and seamless connectivity to pay fares on 27 municipal transit systems across LA County. Additionally, TAP cards can be registered, so if they are lost or stolen, the balance can be recovered and transferred to a new card.
While some people may be concerned about the transition from tokens to TAP cards, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is working to ensure that the transition is smooth and accessible for all riders.
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Tokens are sold in bags of 10 for $17.50
In Los Angeles, tokens are sold in bags of 10 for $17.50. Each token is worth a one-way fare at the basic rate of $1.75. However, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been phasing out the use of tokens, aiming to switch token users to TAP cards.
The Metro Rider's Guide states that TAP cards can be purchased at TAP vending machines located at all Metro rail, J and G Line stations, as well as at Ralph's, Northgate Market, Continental Currency, and many other stores across LA.
While tokens are still available, they are no longer sold at a discount, and sales have dropped by 24% from 2012-2013 to 2016-2017. Token users do not receive free transfers within the Metro system, unlike TAP card users. Seniors, disabled riders, and students are provided with discounts when loading TAP cards, but they miss out on these savings if they use tokens.
Therefore, while tokens are sold in bags of 10 for $17.50, it is more cost-effective to purchase a TAP card and load it with the required fare.
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Tokens are considered an older technology
One example of this transition is the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which decided to stop producing and accepting metal tokens for bus and train fares in 2019. Instead, the authority introduced TAP cards, which are computerized debit-type boarding cards that riders can load money onto and swipe when boarding a bus or train. This change was made to encourage all riders to use the new payment system and to offer additional benefits, such as free transfers within the Metro system and discounts for seniors, the disabled, and students.
Tokens are also being replaced by other modern payment methods in various cities and transportation systems around the world. For example, many cities have implemented contactless smart cards, mobile ticketing apps, or even cashless payment systems that allow riders to tap their credit or debit cards directly at turnstiles or on buses. These new systems offer improved convenience, security, and speed of transaction compared to traditional tokens.
The use of tokens for transportation fare can be traced back to the early days of mass transit, when tokens were a common form of payment. However, as technology has advanced, it has become clear that tokens are an older technology that may no longer be the most efficient or effective way to collect fares. Tokens can be inconvenient for riders, who must purchase them beforehand and carry them around, and they may also be more susceptible to loss or theft compared to more modern payment methods.
While tokens may still have a place as collectibles or souvenirs, their use as a means of payment for bus and train fares is gradually declining. As transportation systems continue to modernize and seek more efficient ways to manage fares and passenger flow, it is likely that tokens will become a thing of the past, replaced by more advanced and user-friendly payment technologies.
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Tokens are still sold at various vendors
While tokens are still available, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is in the process of phasing them out and transitioning to TAP cards. This is because TAP cards offer several benefits that tokens do not. For instance, TAP card users receive free transfers within the Metro system, while token users do not. Seniors, disabled individuals, and students are also provided discounts when loading TAP cards, whereas using tokens means missing out on these savings. Additionally, with TAP cards, riders can take advantage of fare capping, where they pay per ride and earn unlimited rides once they reach a 1-Day or 7-Day Cap.
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Frequently asked questions
Bus tokens are being phased out and replaced with TAP cards. Tokens will no longer be valid for rides on buses and trains in Los Angeles County.
TAP cards can be purchased at TAP vending machines (TVMs) located at all Metro rail, J, and G Line stations, as well as select stores across L.A., such as Ralph's and Northgate Market.
The price of a TAP card is $2 when purchased from a vending machine, by phone, at service centers, or online.
Yes, seniors, students, and customers with disabilities enjoy up to 80% off regular Metro fares. Additionally, TAP cards are free for seniors, students, and customers with disabilities.
TAP cards offer free transfers within the Metro system, as well as discounts for seniors, students, and customers with disabilities. With tokens, you miss out on these savings.