Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get any Metro Pass on a TAP card?
Yes. Regular Metro Monthly and Weekly Passes are now sold online and at most pass sales locations. Senior and Student riders need to complete and submit a new application to obtain TAP cards that enable them to continue purchasing their fares at reduced rates. Most Disabled riders will automatically receive their TAP cards in the mail. Some businesses and schools provide regular or group-rate TAP cards for their employees and students. Check at your workplace or school for transit options. Metro Day Passes will be sold on TAP starting March 15, 2009.
How much does it cost?
Passes sold on TAP cards cost the same as current Metro Passes.
Where can I buy a TAP card?
You can buy TAP online, at Metro Customer Centers or at Metro Pass retail vendor locations. Check out taptogo.net for up-to-date locations or to purchase online.
Where is my TAP card accepted?
All Metro bus and Metro Rail lines currently accept TAP cards loaded with a Metro Pass as fare payment. In the future, other municipal operators also will convert to TAP.
How do I add another Metro Pass to my TAP card?
When your pass expires, load your card at a Metro Pass sales location, at a Metro Rail or Metro Orange Line ticket vending machine or on TAP’s official website at taptogo.net. There is no need for a new card when you renew your pass, because updated information is automatically added onto your existing TAP card.
What about Balance Protection?
Balance protection guarantees your pass balance will be replaced in the event of loss or theft. It is currently free of charge; however, Metro reserves the right to charge up to $5 as a card replacement fee. Balance Protection forms are available at Metro Customer Centers, Metro Pass retail vendor locations or online at taptogo.net.
Do I need to tap every time I change Metro Rail trains?
Yes. When changing from one Metro Rail line to another, you are required to tap your card at a TAP validator before boarding your next train. Look for the blue TAP target and simply tap your card on it to validate your trip.
What if I don't tap my card on the TAP target?
Any time you ride the Metro System, you must tap your card. Fare inspectors have card readers, and you may be cited for fare evasion if you fail to tap. Remember, a Metro Pass loaded on your TAP card gives you unlimited rides, just like your paper Metro Pass did. So tap it every time.
Can I use TAP to transfer from Metro to other municipal lines?
At present, a TAP card loaded with a Metro Pass is only good on the Metro System; however, future plans for TAP include travel on other regional transit systems. If you wish to transfer, use your TAP card to board a Metro bus, pay the operator in cash for a Metro-to-Muni transfer, and use the paper transfer for your connecting service.
What is I-TAP?
Metro’s I-TAP (Institutional Transit Access Pass) provides full-time college students at participating campuses with a specially-priced Metro pass at a reduced rate or at no cost to the student. I-TAP reduces parking demand, allowing more students more access to campus. Participating I-TAP campuses may be able to delay construction of new parking facilities by encouraging students to leave their cars at home and take transit to school. I-TAP also ensures better community relations by reducing student parking in surrounding neighborhoods. I-TAP can make college more affordable by eliminating or reducing the need for a car and gas. I-TAP is valid on all Metro buses and Metro Rail trains, seven days a week. And because the pass is good 24/7, students can use their pass to commute to work too.
Where Can I Get I-TAP?
Institutions that subsidize the cost of I-TAP for students include UCLA, Rio Hondo College, Pasadena City College, and all nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District. Please see your school’s business or transportation office for more details.
What is A-TAP?
A-TAP is an annual program which can either be purchased individually by employees through their company for $900 per year, and/or partially or completely subsidized by the employer as a commuter benefit. Metro zones one and two are included in the price. Pricing is prorated throughout the year. For example, if the employer orders passes for July 2011, thru December 2011, then the pass cost is $450 (plus a one time $5.00 card fee). Annual renewal is in October for the upcoming full year (January through December). For more information, call 213.922.2811.
What is B-TAP?
B-TAP is a group-rate program designed for mandatory participation by defined groups. Pass prices are based on Metro service levels and company location. Please call 213.922.2811 for more information.
For more information on TAP, visit taptogo.net.
