How do you pay for transportation in LA?

Asked by: Frida Dooley  |  Last update: April 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)

TAP Cards can be purchased at vending machines located at all Metro Rail, J and G Line stations. Cards can also be purchased and loaded online at TapToGo.net. Fares for a one-way trip on Metro includes 2 hours of FREE transfers.

How to pay for public transport in LA?

All fares can be pre-paid by loading a pass or Stored Valued (cash) on a TAP card and then tapping each time you board. On buses you can also pay for a single ride with a token or cash using exact change.

Can I pay with a credit card on LA buses?

If you pay online or through an app, you can use credit card, TAP account cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Cash is accepted at TAP vendors, TAP Vending Machines and bus fareboxes. If you ride the bus again within the hour of your first ride, it's free. Here's what else you need to know about fare capping.

Do buses in LA accept cash?

How to Ride Metro Bus. Fares can be paid using cash (exact change) or a TAP card. Regular fare is $1.75 and is good for 2 hrs of unlimited transfers in one direction.

Can I use Apple Pay on LA bus?

- Add a new TAP card to your iPhone and Apple Watch and use your fare immediately. - Use your iPhone (8 and above) and Apple Watch (Series 3 and above) to tap with Apple Pay when boarding a bus or train.

Contactless Payment: Metro Makes TAP Cards Available On Apple Devices

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Can I use TAP card on LA buses?

TAP is a durable reusable plastic card that works as your bus pass. Load your TAP card with Stored Value (good on any transit agency) or with one of our many pass options for fast and seamless travel throughout Los Angeles County.

Can I tap my Apple Pay on the bus?

Paying is Convenient and Contactless

Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the TAP dial when boarding a bus or train, and that's it.

Is LA Dash still free?

DASH bus services will resume collecting fares effective Saturday, January 11, 2025. Until then, DASH fares will continue to be free. DASH fares will remain the same as they were prior to the pandemic. The fare table shown below lists the various discounts and free fares available.

How to use phone as tap card?

Set up tap to pay
  1. Turn NFC on your phone.
  2. Set Google Pay as your default payment app.
  3. Add a contactless payment method. You must have a payment method in a supported country. Check the message above your card. ...
  4. Set up a screen lock.
  5. Your phone must meet the security requirements.

How do you use cash on a bus?

For Bus Rides
  1. Cash Payment. Please have exact fare ready and tell the Bus Captain your fare. Retain your ticket for fare checks.
  2. Fare Card Payment. Regular EZ-Link cards: Do ensure that there is sufficient value in your card.

Is LA Metro bus free?

(Metro base fare for buses and trains remains $1.75, and includes two hours of free one-way transfers on Metro with each paid ride.)

Can I use one TAP card for two people?

To pay with a TAP card, each rider must have a TAP card. TAP cards are non-transferable, even with family members.

What is the best public transportation in LA?

The Los Angeles Metro is affordable, relatively easy to use and services most of Los Angeles County and its top attractions. The public transit system consists of Metro Buses, DASH Buses and Metro Rail Trains. To ride these buses, trains and subways, we recommend purchasing a reusable TAP Card.

Can you pay for LA Metro with a phone?

Download the TAP App

Use your phone for contactless fare payment. Buy fare for 27 TAP transit systems. Manage your TAP account including Reduced Fare cards and LIFE discounts. Plan a trip.

Can I use my phone as a contactless card?

Here's how you can start tapping and paying with your Android phone: Unlock your device with your passcode or face ID. Hold it near the contactless card reader. Tap and wait for a blue check mark to confirm the payment.

How to tap bus with phone?

Tap & go™ on buses and trains with your phone

To pay on public transport, simply unlock your phone - no need to open the app*, then hold the back of your phone to the fare reader upon entry and exit. The blue tick appears and you are on your way!

How to use public transport in Los Angeles?

BEST WAY TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN LOS ANGELES

Purchase a TAP card ($2 from a station vending machine or online) and either buy a pass (a one day or a seven day pass, depending on the length of your stay, is a good idea) or put an amount of money on the card ($10 or $20 is enough for a number of rides).

How much is the dash card?

There are no setup or ongoing costs for the standard dash™ Payroll program, and dash provides one card to each employee at no cost to the business or the employee.

How to pay for Dash Los Angeles?

Paying your DASH fare

Pay when you board the bus by placing the exact change in the farebox or by placing your TAP card by the validator located by the farebox. The validator will indicate if your TAP card has a valid DASH, Commuter Express pass, EZ transit pass or stored value (cash) by a green or red light.

How do I pay for public transport with my iPhone?

By using Express Mode, you can pay for public transport quickly with just a tap. You don't have to wake or unlock your device, or authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. After you've added an eligible travel card, Express Mode may be enabled for that card by default.

Do LA buses accept Apple Pay?

Whether you ride Metro often or are new to it, we have you covered with the lowest fare possible. Pay with a TAP card, Apple Wallet, TAP app or cash.

Can I use my iPhone as a TAP card?

Tap to Pay on iPhone works with hundreds of payment apps, so no matter what business you're in, there's an app that's right for you. Simply enable Tap to Pay on iPhone in the payment app you already use or download a new one.

Do I just TAP my card on the bus?

Touch in at the start of your journey and touch out at the end on yellow card readers using contactless (card or device). Only touch in on buses and trams.

What is the senior age for LA Metro?

To receive the discounted cash fares below, show your Medicare card plus photo ID or other valid ID proving you are at least 62 years old. Two children under age 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult.

How do I pay with TAP LA?

You can manage your cards in the TAP app, and then tap and pay with your plastic cards. TAP cards added using the TAP app are also registered and can be managed through the TAP app. However, this card allows you to tap and pay with your phone. Fare added to a card on your phone is available to use immediately.