Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Fares

Upgrades Coming To TAP: Mobile App and Greater Multi-Modal Integration

Note: Metropolitan Shuttle, a leader in bus shuttle rentals, regularly sponsors coverage on Streetsblog San Francisco and Streetsblog Los Angeles. Unless noted in the story, Metropolitan Shuttle is not consulted for the content or editorial direction of the sponsored content.

Changes big and small are coming to Metro's humble TAP fare card in the near future.

TAP already has a degree of multi-modal integration as it can be used for both transit - Metro and 24 other L.A. County municipal bus operators - and for Metro Bike Share. Metro bills its bike-share integration as the first of its kind 'mobility as a service' integration in the United States.

But that's not all.

Coming this winter, Metro will debut a new TAP smartphone app that will integrate trip planning and transit fare payment. The app will enable people to pay transit fares by tapping one's phone, or to easily load one's TAP card. The app will integrate low-income fare subsidies, as well as discounts for students, seniors, and riders with disabilities. Metro Deputy Executive Officer Robin O’Hara demonstrated the new app at this morning's Metro board Finance Committee meeting. O'Hara anticipates that TAP's wallet feature will be expanded to pay for various things from e-scooters to parking to ride-hail.

The agency also plans to introduce TAP keychains and bracelets.

For a pilot starting next month, TAP cards will be on sale in at gift card racks in 7-Eleven, CVS pharmacies, and other stores.

Starting next month TAP cards will be on sale at more retail outlets - image via Metro presentation
Starting next month TAP cards will be on sale at more retail outlets - image via Metro presentation
false

It should not be too noticeable to riders, but this fall Metro is upgrading its bus farebox equipment for compatibility with TAP upgrades.

More information on the future of TAP at the Metro staff report and at Curbed.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Tuesday’s Headlines

New protected bike lanes in Long Beach and Oakland....less protected bike lanes in Vista.

July 29, 2025

What Will It Take To Give Victims and Advocates a Voice at US DOT?

A new bill would put a dedicated "roadway safety advocate" in the halls of US DOT — and you can support it right now.

July 28, 2025

Intersection Daylighting Push Begins in Earnest

San Francisco kicks off a year-long project to daylight all intersection curbs to 20 feet. But the plan has a flaw.

July 28, 2025

Legislative Update: Summer Recess Edition

It's summer break, and a lot of legislation has cleared

July 28, 2025

Monday’s Headlines

News and views from up and down the Golden State.

July 28, 2025

How Trump is Exploiting a Very Real Trucking Safety Concern to Crack Down on Immigrants

The Trump administration will crack down on truck drivers who don't speak English and the people who give them licenses. Some advocates say that anti-immigrant spin is distracting much broader safety problems that deserve bipartisan support.

July 27, 2025
See all posts