Los Angeles has one of the country's best public transportation networks, including subways, light rail, buses, and shuttles that service every corner of the Greater Los Angeles area. To pay for public transportation in LA, you need a TAP card, which is a reloadable fare card that offers a convenient and flexible way to pay your fare on Metro Bus and Rail. The TAP card costs $2 plus fare and includes transfers to Metro rail and bus. You can buy a TAP card online, at TAP vending machines, or at over 450 TAP vendor locations. You can also download the TAP app to your smartphone and use it to pay your fare and manage your TAP account.
What You'll Learn
- TAP cards can be bought for $2 and loaded with money to pay for trips
- TAP cards can be bought and loaded online, on the phone, or at a machine
- TAP cards can be added to your phone's wallet app
- TAP cards can be used on most of the county bus lines, city-specific buses, and shuttle options
- Reduced rates are available for seniors, students, and disabled riders
TAP cards can be bought for $2 and loaded with money to pay for trips
In Los Angeles, you can buy a TAP card for $2 and load it with money to pay for your trips on buses and trains. The TAP card is a reloadable fare card that offers a convenient and flexible way to pay your fare on Metro Bus and Rail. It is also valid for travel with 25 transit agencies across LA County.
You can buy a TAP card from several places, including online at taptogo.net, on the TAP app (available on the App Store and Google Play), by phone at 866.TAPTOGO, at over 450 TAP vendor locations, and at TAP vending machines located at all Metro Rail, J (Silver), and G (Orange) Line stations.
Once you have your TAP card, you can load money onto it in several ways, including online, on the TAP app, by phone, at TAP vending machines, and with cash at TAP vendors or on buses. The exact amount you can load onto your TAP card varies depending on the source. For example, you can load up to $20 on a TAP card purchased on a bus, while you can load up to $300 on a TAP card purchased through the TAP app.
When you're ready to ride the bus or train, simply tap your TAP card on the box at each station or on the bus farebox to validate your fare. Each passenger needs their own TAP card, and you must tap for each train or bus that you board.
In addition to the convenience of having a single card for multiple transit agencies, using a TAP card also offers other benefits. For example, with a TAP card, you get free transfers to Metro Rail and Bus for two hours, and you can take advantage of fare capping, which limits the amount you spend on rides each day and week.
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TAP cards can be bought and loaded online, on the phone, or at a machine
TAP cards are an essential part of navigating public transportation in Los Angeles, offering a convenient and flexible way to pay your fare. Here's a comprehensive guide to buying and loading your TAP card using various methods:
Online
You can purchase and load your TAP card online at taptogo.net. This website serves as a one-stop shop for all your TAP card needs, allowing you to manage your account, reload your card, and check your balance and expiration date. It's a straightforward process that only requires an internet connection, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to handle things digitally.
On the Phone
If you prefer a more interactive approach, you can buy and load your TAP card over the phone by calling 866.TAPTOGO (866.827.8646). This phone number is also useful for addressing any additional TAP card-related queries you may have. The customer service representatives can guide you through the process of purchasing and loading your card, ensuring you have all the information you need.
At a Machine
For those who prefer an in-person experience, TAP cards can be purchased and loaded at TAP vending machines located at all Metro Rail, J (Silver), and G (Orange) Line stations. These machines provide a quick and efficient way to obtain your TAP card and load it with the required fare. Additionally, you can find TAP cards at over 450 TAP vendor locations across Los Angeles, making them widely accessible throughout the city.
TAP cards are an integral part of navigating LA's public transportation system, and by utilising these various purchase and loading options, you can ensure a seamless travel experience as you explore the city.
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TAP cards can be added to your phone's wallet app
TAP cards are a convenient way to pay for public transportation in Los Angeles. They are reloadable fare cards that can be used on Metro buses and rail, as well as 25 other transit agencies across LA County. One of the benefits of using a TAP card is the ability to load passes and cash onto the card, which can then be used to pay for your fare by simply tapping the card on the reader when boarding a train or bus.
TAP cards can also be added to your phone's wallet app, providing an even more convenient and flexible way to pay your fare. Here's how you can add a TAP card to your phone:
For iPhone users, you can add your TAP card to your Apple Wallet without the need to download the TAP app. Simply follow the instructions on the TAP website or the TAP vending machine to add your TAP card to your Apple Wallet. This will allow you to use your phone to tap and pay when boarding a bus or train.
For Android users, there is a dedicated "TAP" app available on Google Play. Download and install the app, then follow the instructions to add your TAP card to the app. With the app, you can pay your fare and manage your TAP account directly from your Android device.
It is important to note that if you choose to use the TAP app on your phone, you cannot use a physical TAP card. The physical card will no longer work once you activate the app on your phone. However, you can have multiple cards, so you could have a physical card with some money stored on it and a separate "card" on your phone.
By adding your TAP card to your phone's wallet app, you can enjoy the convenience of having your fare payment method always with you, without the need to carry a separate physical card. This makes it even easier and faster to pay your fare when using public transportation in Los Angeles.
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TAP cards can be used on most of the county bus lines, city-specific buses, and shuttle options
TAP cards are an essential way to pay for public transportation in Los Angeles. They are reloadable fare cards that offer a convenient and flexible payment option for bus and rail travel across multiple transit systems in LA County. For just $2, you can purchase a TAP card and easily load it with fare or stored value. This allows you to tap and go, making your travel experience seamless.
TAP cards are widely accepted and can be used on most of the county bus lines, city-specific buses, and shuttle options. This includes a range of transportation providers such as LADOT, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, LAX buses, Santa Clarita Transit, and Long Beach Transit. With your TAP card, you can effortlessly move between different transit systems without the hassle of purchasing separate tickets or passes.
The TAP card is especially useful for tourists and visitors to Los Angeles. While the city is known for its car culture and traffic, the TAP card simplifies public transportation, making it a viable option for getting around. With the TAP card, you can explore the city and its surrounding areas without worrying about navigating different payment systems for each bus or shuttle service.
Additionally, TAP cards offer benefits such as balance protection. By registering your TAP card, you can recover your balance and transfer it to a new card if your original card is lost or stolen. This provides peace of mind and ensures that your fare is always secure.
Furthermore, TAP cards can be easily purchased and reloaded at various locations. They are available at TAP Vending Machines located at Metro Rail, J (Silver), and G (Orange) Line stations, as well as over 450 TAP Vendor Locations across the county. You can also buy and reload TAP cards online, through the TAP app, or by phone.
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Reduced rates are available for seniors, students, and disabled riders
Seniors, students, and disabled riders can apply for a Reduced Fare TAP Card, which offers discounted rates for travel on LA Metro buses and trains. The process for applying for a Reduced Fare TAP Card varies depending on the category of the applicant and the specific transit agency.
For seniors, the qualifying age differs between transit agencies. To apply, seniors must submit a current full-face colour photo without hats or sunglasses, along with an official photo ID, such as a California ID card or driver's license.
Students enrolled in colleges or vocational schools within Los Angeles County can apply for the Reduced Fare TAP Card. They must provide a current photo, official photo ID, and proof of enrollment, such as a current registration or fee receipt, class schedule, or official letter from the school.
Disabled riders can also apply for the Reduced Fare TAP Card. They need to submit a current photo, official photo ID, and proof of disability, such as a Medicare card, valid California DMV Placard receipt, or Disabled Veterans ID. Alternatively, they can provide proof of enrollment in a special education program or benefits documentation, such as a letter of benefit award or adjustment.
It is important to note that the requirements and application processes may vary, so it is recommended to check with the local transit agency or refer to the TAP website for specific guidelines and instructions.
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