imported>Dannyphx: /* TAP Plus */

2025-04-24T16:20:27Z

TAP Plus

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{{Short description|Physical and electronic public transit smart card used in Los Angeles}}
{{Infobox electronic payment
| image = TAPlogo.svg
| alt =
| name = Transit Access Pass (TAP)
| location = [[Los Angeles County, California]]
| launched = 2007 (soft launch)<br />2008 (monthly passes)<br />2009 (day passes)<br />2011 (cash purse)
| service_1 = Most public transport in Los Angeles County (See [[#Agencies using TAP|Agencies using TAP section]] for list)
| currency = [[United States dollar|US$]]
| technology_1 = [[Contactless smart card]]
| operator = {{plainlist|
* [[Cubic Transportation Systems]] (system maintenance)
* [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (operations and customer support)<ref name="operator">{{Cite web | url=http://media.metro.net/board/Items/2016/06_june/201606_cac_tap_update.pdf | title=TAP Update | date=June 2016}}</ref>}}
| manager = Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
| homepage = {{official url}}
}}

The '''Transit Access Pass''' ('''TAP''') is a [[contactless smart card]] used for [[automated fare collection]] on most public transport agencies within [[Los Angeles County|Los Angeles County, California]]. The card is also available in electronic form, free of charge, in [[Apple Wallet]], thereby bypassing the need to purchase the plastic USD $2 card.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Where you can travel on public transport using Apple Pay|url=https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207958}}</ref> It is administered by the [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (Metro), and the card and fare collection systems are manufactured by [[Cubic Transportation Systems]].

==Description==
The physical TAP card is a blue, or orange for reduced fare, credit-card-sized contactless stored value smart card which can hold a transit Pass or cash balance. The electronic card can be acquired either through the TAP mobile app or through Apple Wallet.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Your TAP Card is Now on iPhone and Apple Watch|url=https://www.taptogo.net/articles/en_US/Website_content/iPhone-and-Apple-Watch}}</ref> The TAP card must be tapped on electronic readers to validate it when entering and transferring within the system. TAP readers are integrated in bus fare boxes, bus validators and standalone readers are located just outside the paid area of Metro Rail stations. Because Metro Rail has a mix of barrier free and faregated areas, it operates on a [[proof-of-payment]] system: as such, Metro's fare inspectors randomly check using a wireless handheld unit to make sure TAP users have validated their card. The cards may be "recharged" in person from ticket vending machines in Metro Rail stations, TAP Vendors, at Metro Customer Service Centers or online. The card is designed to reduce the number of transactions at Customer Service Centers. The physical card costs $2 and is only available with a fare media product (such as a day pass or stored value). The electronic version is free to use but requires purchasing stored value when adding it to a user's mobile wallet, after which, it can be enrolled in any applicable discount programs through the online TAP website. Cards can also be purchased on Metro buses (since 15 September 2014) for $2 plus stored value (which works like a debit card). TAP cards expire approximately 3–10 years from purchase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesource.metro.net/2011/07/14/tap-card-caveat-these-puppies-expire-after-3-years/|title=TAP card caveat: these puppies expire after 3 years |website=The Source - Metro Transportation News & Reviews |date=2011-07-14 |access-date=2016-01-31}}</ref>

Currently most operators sell passes on the TAP web site, with Metro replacing their own monthly, weekly, and day passes with a [[fare capping]] system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metro |first=L. A. |date=2023-06-01 |title=Our new simpler fares began July 1 |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2023/06/01/our-new-simpler-fares-begin-on-saturday-july-1/ |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> Stored value (cash purse) can be added onto the TAP card at rail ticket vending machines, retail locations, and online. Non-Metro agencies may sell transfers on TAP cards, which can be read by Metro TAP readers. For non-Metro operators, TAP cards are sold at their administrative offices, TAP website, or customer service centers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://taptogo.net/faresanddiscounts.php?hmm=fd |access-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724092227/http://www.taptogo.net/faresanddiscounts.php?hmm=fd |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |title=Fares & Discounts }}</ref>

There are some agencies in Southern California which do not (yet) accept the TAP card. Transit agencies have been allowed to transition onto TAP at their own pace, and it is not a requirement for receiving Metro funding or participation in interagency transfer agreements.

==History==
Prior to introduction of the TAP card, a magnetic stripe card called the Metrocard (not to be confused with the New York [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]'s [[MetroCard (New York City)|card]]) was introduced in 1993 on Culver CityBus, with later expansion to Foothill Transit, Montebello Bus Lines, Norwalk Transit, and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. The fare card only offered stored value, and was compatible with [[Genfare|GFI Genfare]] fareboxes used by these systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_10-e.pdf |title=Appendix A : Transit Applications of Emerging Fare Developments |website=Onlinepubs.trb.org |access-date=2016-01-31}}</ref> The program was dubbed the Universal Fare System, or UFS, for future implementation throughout Los Angeles County.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boardarchives.metro.net/Items/2000/04_April/items3-065.pdf |title=Universal Fare System |website=Boardarchives.metro.net |access-date=2016-01-31}}</ref> Later innovations expanded the magnetic stripe technology for monthly and day passes.

TAP was initially tested by [[UCLA]] students, select businesses (A-TAP and B-TAP program) and Metro staff. In October 2007, TAP had a two-month test program limited to the first 2,000 customers. TAP was rolled out to the general public in February 2008 as a free upgrade for monthly pass customers, and on February 11, 2008, to replace the stored value Metrocards for Culver CityBus riders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.culvercity.org/bus/metrocard.asp?sec= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519220844/http://www.culvercity.org/bus/metrocard.asp?sec= |archive-date=2008-05-19 |title=Culver City :: Culver City Bus :: Metrocard |access-date=2016-01-31}}</ref> Santa Monica Big Blue Bus opted out of the Universal Fare System program entirely and in 2006 converted their existing regional Metrocards to operate only within their system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metroriderla.com/2007/07/18/big-blue-bus-drops-the-ball-hard/ |access-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115043032/http://metroriderla.com/2007/07/18/big-blue-bus-drops-the-ball-hard/ |archive-date=January 15, 2010 |title=Big Blue Bus Drops the Ball. Hard. | MetroRiderLA }}</ref> Other agencies, such as Foothill Transit and Norwalk Transit, transitioned from Metrocard to TAP in 2009.{{Citation needed | date=July 2024}}

On March 15, 2009, TAP's scope was expanded to Metro 24-hour passes, which are now no longer sold and have been replaced with fare capping (although paper 24-hour passes were still able to be purchased at ticket vending machines until 2012). TAP cards were issued for seniors and the disabled beginning January 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metro.net/board/Items/2009/04_April/20090416OPItem41.pdf |title=Transit Access Pass & Rail Fare Gate Status |website=Metro.net |access-date=2016-01-31 |archive-date=2012-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919142218/http://www.metro.net/board/Items/2009/04_April/20090416OPItem41.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and all senior and disabled riders were required to obtain TAP cards by December 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metro.net/news/simple_pr/metro-converting-all-remaining-senior-and-disabled/ |title=Metro is Converting All Remaining Senior and Disabled Patron Paper Passes and Stamps to TAP Cards Beginning Dec. 26, 2010 |website=Metro.net |access-date=2016-01-31 |archive-date=2016-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112114548/https://www.metro.net/news/simple_pr/metro-converting-all-remaining-senior-and-disabled/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In August 2011, all Metro multi-day passes were converted to TAP cards. The existing monthly and weekly passes were converted into 30 and 7 day passes, respectively, with the period beginning on the first tap after the pass is purchased.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.net/around/fares/7-and-30-day-passes/ |access-date=February 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127014729/http://www.metro.net/around/fares/7-and-30-day-passes |archive-date=January 27, 2012 |title=7-Day and 30-Day Passes }}</ref>

Effective September 2012, all Metro Rail fares are sold on TAP, and paper tickets are no longer sold, with the exception of municipal transfers, which have since also been moved to TAP. All EZ transit passes have been converted to TAP. The fee for obtaining a TAP card is $2.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/tap-time/ |title=It's time to TAP |website=Metro.net |access-date=2016-01-31 |archive-date=2016-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308065630/https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/tap-time/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Between June 19, 2013 and June 18, 2014<ref>{{cite web|title=Latching Schedule|url=http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/latching-schedule/|publisher=Metro|access-date=15 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124001359/http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/latching-schedule/|archive-date=24 November 2014}}</ref> the fare gates at 40 Metro stations were "latched" so they open only with a valid TAP card. To make the fare gate system possible, other agencies <ref name="bigbluebus.com">{{cite web|url=http://bigbluebus.com/Newsroom/News/New_Transfer_Cards_for_Metro_Rail.aspx |access-date=May 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119123304/http://bigbluebus.com/Newsroom/News/New_Transfer_Cards_for_Metro_Rail.aspx |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |title=Big Blue Bus - New Transfer Cards for Metro Rail }}</ref> use TAP-compatible fare media in 2018.

Effective July 15, 2018, paper-issued interagency transfers as well as temporary TAP cards used to transfer to Metro Rail have been discontinued. Passengers must use a TAP card with Stored Value to board the first bus or the Metro Rail/Orange/Silver Line, then use the TAP card to transfer to another bus or Metro Rail/Orange/Silver Line to complete the trip. On Metro buses and rail lines, transfers are free for up to two hours.

Effective July 1st, 2023, Metro introduced Fare Capping, eliminating their monthly, weekly, and day passes. The regular fare cap is currently set at a maximum of $5 a day, or $18 a week, with lower caps for riders with discounted fares. After reaching these caps, riders are not charged for travel for the remainder of the time period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New fares on Metro - LA Metro |url=https://www.metro.net/about/farecapping/}}</ref>

==Design==
The default, standard fare TAP card design features a dark blue background with red and yellow circles and the TAP logo, introduced in 2015. The reduced fare design features an orange background and shaded palm tree. Prior to this, the designs featured simple light blue and orange backgrounds with the words "Smart. Simple. Secure" printed at the top.<ref>{{cite web|title=New TAP card design to roll out in October|website=The Source - Metro Transportation News & Reviews|date=16 September 2015|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2015/09/16/new-tap-card-design-to-roll-out-in-october/}}</ref>

Since 2012, Metro, LADOT, and other agencies have also released various limited-edition TAP card designs. Past designs have featured [[CicLAvia]], [[Metro Bike Share]], [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]]'s 75th anniversary, the [[Los Angeles Marathon]], and the naming of [[Obama Boulevard]]. Other designs feature partnerships with schools such as [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]] and [[University of Southern California|USC]], sports teams including the [[Los Angeles Kings]] and [[Los Angeles Lakers]], along with yearly, commemorative cards for [[Valentine's Day]], [[LGBT Pride Month]], [[Latino Heritage Month]], [[Memorial Day]], and [[Veterans Day]].

== Features ==
Useable on [[Los Angeles Metro Bus|Metro Bus]], [[Los Angeles Metro Rail|Metro Rail]], [[Metro Bike Share]] and Micro. Digital version is available on Apple Wallet and Android devices. In 2024 TAP started [https://www.metro.net/riding/all-door-boarding-on-metro-bus/ all-door boarding] on buses to enable faster and more convenient trips.
[[File:2nd Gen TAP card reader.jpg|none|thumb|244x244px|A new tap card reader enabling all-door boarding on buses]]

==Agencies using TAP==
[[File:TAP Machine.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A TAP validator at a Metro station]]
[[File:LACMTA Tap Card reader.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A TAP reader on a Metro bus]]

===Current===
TAP is accepted by 28 transit agencies based in Los Angeles County only, as of December 2023:<ref name="Where to Ride">{{Cite web |title=TAP Agencies |url=https://www.taptogo.net/TAPAgencies |accessdate=2023-12-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-12-01 |title=The Lawndale Beat joins TAP |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2023/12/01/the-lawndale-beat-joins-tap/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref>

*[[Angels Flight]]
*[[Antelope Valley Transit Authority]]
*[[Baldwin Park Transit]]
*[[Beach Cities Transit]]
*[[Big Blue Bus]] (Santa Monica)
*[[Burbank Bus]]
*[[Carson Circuit Transit System]]
*[[City of Santa Clarita Transit]]
*[[Compton Renaissance Transit]]
*[[Culver CityBus]]
*[[FlyAway (bus)|FlyAway]] (LAX)
*[[Foothill Transit]]
*[[GTrans|Gardena GTrans]]
*[[Glendale Beeline]]
*[[Glendora Transportation Division]]
*[[Huntington Park Express]]
*[[Lawndale, California|Lawndale Beat]]
*[[Los Angeles County Department of Public Works]]
*[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
**[[Metro Bike Share|Los Angeles Metro Bike Share]]
**[[Los Angeles Metro Bus]]
**[[Los Angeles Metro Busway]]
**[[Los Angeles Metro Rail]]
*[[Los Angeles Department of Transportation]]
**Commuter Express
**DASH
*[[Long Beach Transit]]
*[[Montebello Bus Lines]]
*[[Monterey Park Spirit Bus]]
*[[Norwalk Transit (California)|Norwalk Transit]]
*[[Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority]]
*[[Pasadena Transit]]
*[[Santa Clarita Transit]]
*[[Torrance Transit]]

===Partial===

====Metrolink====
[[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] does not use TAP for fare collection and has no plans to do so. Instead, tickets include an EZ Transit Pass QR code and are only enabled on a one-way, round trip, 7 day, weekend and monthly passes issued for trips to or from a Los Angeles County destination, allowing passengers to transfer to connecting services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/howtoride/page/title/tap |title=TAP (Transit Access Pass) | Metrolink |website=Metrolinktrains.com |access-date=2016-01-31}}</ref> Passengers boarding buses show their ticket to the driver, passengers entering a rail station with gates scan a QR code on the ticket or mobile app to unlatch the turnstile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mobile App FAQ |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/ticketsOverview/where-to-buy/mobile-app/mobile-app-faq/ |access-date=2021-12-27 |website=[[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] |language=en}}</ref>

====Orange County Transportation Authority====
While the [[Orange County Transportation Authority]] does not use TAP, the agency will honor TAP cards when passengers board lines that directly serve Metrolink Stations (routes 1, 21, 24, 26, 29, 38, 43, 47/A, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 59, 70, 71, 83, 85, 86, 90, 91, 143, 123, 453, 472, 473, 480, 543, 553, 560, 862) and at bus stops where OCTA buses directly connect with.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connections & Transfers |url=https://www.octa.net/getting-around/bus/oc-bus/routes-and-schedules/connections-and-transfers/ |access-date=2021-12-27 |website=[[Orange County Transportation Authority]]}}</ref>

== TAP Plus ==
TAP Plus<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAP Plus |url=https://metro.legistar1.com/metro/attachments/348cf6d4-6cb4-41fb-b9d2-35edbbaf9130.pdf |website=Metro Legistar |agency=LACMTA}}</ref> is an upgraded version of the Transit Access Pass (TAP) system, offering enhanced features and integration capabilities. It supports open payments and account-based transactions, allowing users to manage various fare products such as GoPass, LIFE, and others. The system is designed to work seamlessly across multiple transit agencies and includes updated equipment like new validators for rail gates and buses.
[[File:Customer Benefits of TAP Plus.pdf|thumb|317x317px|A timeline graphically showing how TAP Plus will be implemented.]]
The TAP Plus system aims to improve user experience by simplifying access to transit services and offering flexible payment options. It includes a robust customer feedback mechanism, with user experience testing set to begin in the Summer of 2024. The implementation of open payment options and account-based systems is scheduled to be completed by 2026, aligning with the readiness timeline for the 2028 Olympics.

'''Key Features:'''

Interoperability with multiple transit operators and fare products

Support for open payment systems

Enhanced equipment and infrastructure

Focus on user experience and feedback-driven improvements

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{Official website}}
*{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}
{{American smartcards}}

[[Category:Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
[[Category:Fare collection systems in the United States]]
[[Category:Contactless smart cards]]

Transit Access Pass - Revision history

imported>Dannyphx: /* TAP Plus */