Paying For La Metro Buses: A Guide

Los Angeles has a comprehensive public transportation system of buses and trains, including subways, light rail, and shuttles. The city's public transport is provided by the Los Angeles County MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority). The Metro Rail system is constantly growing, with the addition of new lines and stations. The Metro Bus system operates along 117 routes spanning the Greater Los Angeles area. The base fare for both Metro trains and buses is $1.75. You can pay in cash when boarding, but you'll need the exact change as operators don't carry change. You can also use a TAP card, which can be purchased for $2 from vending machines or on buses. TAP cards can be reloaded with credit and used for multiple trips.

TAP cards: These are reloadable and can be purchased online, from TAP vending machines, or on buses

Paying for public transportation in LA can be done in several ways, but one of the most convenient and flexible methods is through the use of TAP cards. These reloadable cards can be purchased for $2 and then loaded with your desired amount of credit. They offer a seamless way to pay your fare on both Metro Bus and Rail services.

TAP cards can be purchased and loaded in several ways. One option is to buy them online at TapToGo.net, where you can also load fare and create a TAP account. This is a convenient way to ensure you have a TAP card before your trip, as not all stations have TAP vending machines. Another option is to purchase TAP cards at vending machines (TVMs) located at all Metro Rail, J, and G Line stations. Additionally, TAP cards are sold at various retailers like Ralph's, Northgate Market, and Continental Currency across LA.

Once you have your TAP card, you can reload it with credit at the vending machines using a credit card or online. It's important to note that you must tap your card for each ride, including transfers between different Metro Rail lines. The TAP system will recognise if you are within the two-hour period for free transfers and will not deduct another fare. This is a notable difference from most other subway/metro systems, and forgetting to tap when switching lines can result in fines.

With a TAP card, you can take advantage of fare capping, which means you'll never pay more than a certain amount for rides within a specific time frame. Once you reach the daily or weekly cap, your rides on Metro buses and trains become free. Additionally, TAP cards offer reduced rates for seniors, students, and disabled riders, making it an even more cost-effective option.

In summary, TAP cards are a reloadable and flexible way to pay for your fares on LA Metro services. They can be conveniently purchased and loaded online, at vending machines, or from authorised retailers, offering you a seamless travel experience in LA.

TAP app: Download the app to your phone and use it to pay for your ride

The TAP app is a convenient way to pay for your ride on LA metro buses and trains. The app is available for download on both the Apple Store and Google Play.

The app allows you to make contactless payments with your phone, without even having to wake it up. You can add a new TAP card to your iPhone and Apple Watch and use your fare immediately. The app also supports Apple Pay. For Android users, the app supports Google Pay. You can also use the app to manage multiple TAP cards in your account.

The TAP app offers flexible payment options, including credit/debit cards, account cash, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can purchase a transit pass or Stored Value for any agency in Los Angeles County. The app also supports reduced fares for seniors, students, persons with disabilities, and low-income riders.

In addition to fare payment, the TAP app provides useful features such as trip planning, real-time bus and train arrivals, and the ability to save favourite destinations and stops. You can also access multimodal programs such as Metro Bike Share.

Overall, the TAP app offers a safe, easy, and flexible way to pay for your transit rides in Los Angeles.

Cash: Accepted on buses, but you'll need the exact change

If you're taking a bus in LA, you can pay in cash, but you'll need to make sure you have the exact change. The bus operator won't be able to give you change, so make sure you have the $1.75 base fare ready in coins or small bills.

If you're planning on taking multiple trips on the bus or using the Metro Rail, it might be worth buying a TAP card. This is a reloadable card that you can use to pay your fare on both Metro Buses and Rail. You can buy a TAP card for $2 from vending machines at Metro Rail, J, and G Line stations, or on buses, and then load it with cash. The card must be tapped at each station or when you board a bus to validate your fare.

TAP cards are a good option if you're planning on taking multiple trips, as you can make unlimited transfers within a two-hour window for free. This can save you money, as you won't be paying $1.75 for each individual trip.

If you're only planning on taking a few trips, paying in cash might be the simplest option, as you won't need to worry about buying and loading a TAP card. However, if you're travelling during peak hours, the cash fare will be higher at $2.00.

So, if you're happy to pay in exact change and don't mind carrying coins or small bills, cash is a perfectly valid option for paying your bus fare in LA.

Apple Wallet: Add your TAP card to your iPhone's wallet app

If you're looking to pay for travel on LA's Metro Bus and Rail, you can use a TAP card, which you can add to your Apple Wallet on your iPhone.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add your TAP card to your Apple Wallet:

Step 1: Open the Apple Wallet App

Locate and open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap the '+' Icon

In the top right corner of your screen, tap the "+" icon to add a new card.

Step 3: Select 'Transit Cards'

Under the "Transit Cards" section, select "TAP – Greater Los Angeles."

Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process of adding your TAP card. You will be asked to add stored value via Apple Pay.

Step 5: Add Stored Value

Follow the prompts to add stored value to your TAP card and complete the purchase.

Once you've added your TAP card to Apple Wallet, you can use your iPhone to pay your fare when boarding a bus or train in LA County. Simply hold your iPhone near the TAP dial, and your fare will be deducted.

You can also use the TAP app to manage your TAP account, buy passes, and transfer existing plastic TAP cards to Apple Wallet.

It's important to note that the TAP card feature is only compatible with iPhone 8 and later models running iOS 13.6 and above.

Now you know how to add your TAP card to Apple Wallet, making your travels in LA County more convenient and contactless!

Discounts: Seniors, students, and disabled riders are eligible for reduced rates

Seniors aged 62 and over, as well as Medicare customers and customers with disabilities, can enjoy discounted rates of up to 80% off regular Metro fares in LA. The discounted fares are $.75 at peak times and $.35 off-peak.

K-12 and Community College students at participating GoPass schools can also ride for free. For those not at participating schools, there is still the option to use TAP to pay and ride for free after three rides in one day and 11 rides in a week.

Additionally, low-income households earning less than $41,400 per year can benefit from 20 free rides per month.

Frequently asked questions