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

Mayor Garcetti Introduces New Metro TAP App – Riders Can Now Use Phone To Pay Fare

LongBeachize_Ad_Concepts
This article supported by Los Angeles Bicycle Attorney as part of a general sponsorship package. All opinions in the article are that of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of LABA. Click on the ad for more information.
false

This morning L.A. Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti announced the new Metro TAP App. He enthused that it was "like having a vending machine and a TAP card right in your fingertips." Metro Chief of Staff Nadine Lee called the new fare payment option "safer, easier, more convenient... [and] completely touchless." The latter is, of course, important during the COVID-19 pandemic, though Metro has effectively suspended fare payment. Instead of TAP contact, one simply waves one's phone near the TAP card reader.

The phone payment option is currently available on Apple Wallet devices only, with Android coming "this Fall." TAP App payment can be used on Metro bus and rail, L.A. County municipal bus operators, and even Metro Bike Share. The application is available for reduced fares for students, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. In the past, money added to a TAP card online did not appear immediately. With the new app, this delay has been fixed, and payments appear in real time.

Per Metro's The Source, here are the steps to install:

    • Open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.
    • Tap + at the top right corner of your screen
    • Under ‘Transit Cards’ select TAP – Greater Los Angeles and follow the instructions to add a TAP card. You will then be asked to add Stored Value via Apple Pay.
    • To add a TAP card to your Apple Watch, follow the same process as above; just start in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

There’s also a new "TAP LA" iPhone app for transferring existing TAP card balances to Apple Wallet, managing one's TAP account, and buying passes (one-day, seven-day, and thirty-day, including reduced fare versions of these.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Commentary: Illinois’ Transit Funding Flop Should Be Cautionary Tale for CA

Not funding transit agencies' basic operating needs is a political loser in any state.

June 2, 2025

Monday’s Headlines

Expanding and reopening rail service across the state even as Gav's budget threatens operations.

June 2, 2025

One Structural Change Could Shift Everything About How Transportation Works in America

The so-called "highway trust fund" is disproportionately funded by gas taxes generated on non-highway roads — and those local priorities never get their money back. Is it time for a change?

June 1, 2025

Recall Effort for Supervisor Engardio Qualifies for Ballot

He's only got one more year on his term, but in September District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio will face a recall vote because of a minority of people still pissed off about Sunset Dunes.

May 30, 2025

SGV Connect 136: Here Comes the Olympics

What to the Olympics hold for the San Gabriel Valley in 2028? Damien talks with Alissa Walker, co-host of the L.A. Podcast and editor of Torched.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

Quick! Write your legislators to support quick build!

May 30, 2025
See all posts