05/28/2026
Regular fare riders on Metro can now pay fare simply by tapping a credit or debit card — either a physical card or a card stored in a smartphone wallet — at validators on buses and at Metro Rail stations.
The same feature is now available on 25 local transit agencies that participate in TAP, making it easier to travel across the region using one familiar payment method.
All major cards are accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB and UnionPay. Cities around the world — including New York, Chicago, London, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo — already use similar systems, and now Metro riders can enjoy the same convenience.
Reduced-fare riders should continue using TAP cards for now. Credit/debit card payment for reduced fares is expected in early 2027.
Two important things to know:
• TAP cards are not going away. Riders can still pay with plastic or digital TAP cards, and cash will continue to be accepted on Metro buses.
• Fare capping remains in place. Riders should use the same credit/debit card or TAP card throughout their trip to receive benefits such as free transfers within two hours and free rides once daily or weekly fare caps are reached.
Using contactless fare payment is simple:
• Choose the card you want to use — either a physical card or one stored in your phone’s digital wallet.
• Tap the card or phone on the TAP validator when boarding a bus or entering a rail station.
When the validator lights up green, you’re good to go.
Metro riders should remember to use the same card in the same form throughout a trip. For example, if you tap with a physical card when boarding, continue using the physical card instead of switching to the digital version stored on your phone.
Doing so ensures riders receive free transfers, fare capping benefits and discounted transfers between Metro and participating TAP agencies.
Riders can also pay for friends or family members using the same card — up to four additional riders in one group. Keep your group together during the trip so everyone can transfer smoothly and provide proof of fare if requested.