fbpx
Wikipedia

Transit Access Pass

January 01, 1970

The Transit Access Pass (TAP) is a contactless smart card used for automated fare collection on most public transport agencies within 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.[2] 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.

Transit Access Pass (TAP)
LocationLos Angeles County, California
Launched2007 (soft launch)
2008 (monthly passes)
2009 (day passes)
2011 (cash purse)
Technology
Operator
ManagerLos Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
CurrencyUS$
Validity
Websitetaptogo.net

Description edit

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.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5] 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.[6]

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 edit

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 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 GFI Genfare fareboxes used by these systems.[7] The program was dubbed the Universal Fare System, or UFS, for future implementation throughout Los Angeles County.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10] Other agencies, such as Foothill Transit and Norwalk Transit, transitioned from Metrocard to TAP in 2009.[11]

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,[12] and all senior and disabled riders were required to obtain TAP cards by December 2010.[13]

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.[14]

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.[15]

Between June 19, 2013 and June 18, 2014[16] 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 [17] 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.[18]

Design edit

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.[19]

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's 75th anniversary, the Los Angeles Marathon, and the naming of Obama Boulevard. Other designs feature partnerships with schools such as UCLA and 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 edit

 

Useable on metro bus, rail, bikeshare and micro. Digital version is available on apple wallet and android devices. Later in 2024 TAP will have all-door boarding on buses to enable faster and more convenient trips.





Agencies using TAP edit

 
A TAP validator at a Metro station
 
A TAP reader on a Metro bus

Current edit

TAP is accepted by 28 transit agencies based in Los Angeles County only, as of December 2023:[20][21]

Partial edit

Metrolink edit

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.[22] 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.[23]

Orange County Transportation Authority edit

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.[24]

References edit

  1. ^ http://media.metro.net/board/Items/2016/06_june/201606_cac_tap_update.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  2. ^ "Where you can travel on public transport using Apple Pay".
  3. ^ "Your TAP Card is Now on iPhone and Apple Watch".
  4. ^ "TAP card caveat: these puppies expire after 3 years". The Source - Metro Transportation News & Reviews. 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  5. ^ Metro, L. A. (2023-06-01). "Our new simpler fares began July 1". The Source. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  6. ^ . Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
  7. ^ "Appendix A : Transit Applications of Emerging Fare Developments" (PDF). Onlinepubs.trb.org. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  8. ^ "Universal Fare System" (PDF). Boardarchives.metro.net. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  9. ^ . Archived from the original on 2008-05-19. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  10. ^ . Archived from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
  11. ^ [1] [dead link]
  12. ^ (PDF). Metro.net. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  13. ^ . Metro.net. Archived from the original on 2016-11-12. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  14. ^ . Archived from the original on January 27, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  15. ^ . Metro.net. Archived from the original on 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  16. ^ . Metro. Archived from the original on 24 November 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  17. ^ . Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  18. ^ "New fares on Metro - LA Metro".
  19. ^ "New TAP card design to roll out in October". The Source - Metro Transportation News & Reviews. 16 September 2015.
  20. ^ "TAP Agencies". Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  21. ^ "The Lawndale Beat joins TAP". The Source. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  22. ^ "TAP (Transit Access Pass) | Metrolink". Metrolinktrains.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
  23. ^ "Mobile App FAQ". Metrolink. Retrieved 2021-12-27.
  24. ^ "Connections & Transfers". Orange County Transportation Authority. Retrieved 2021-12-27.

External links edit

  • Official TAP website

January 01, 1970
transit, access, pass, contactless, smart, card, used, automated, fare, collection, most, public, transport, agencies, within, angeles, county, california, card, also, available, electronic, form, free, charge, apple, wallet, thereby, bypassing, need, purchase. The Transit Access Pass TAP is a contactless smart card used for automated fare collection on most public transport agencies within 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 2 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 Transit Access Pass TAP LocationLos Angeles County CaliforniaLaunched2007 soft launch 2008 monthly passes 2009 day passes 2011 cash purse TechnologyContactless smart cardOperatorCubic Transportation Systems system maintenance Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority operations and customer support 1 ManagerLos Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityCurrencyUS ValidityMost public transport in Los Angeles County See Agencies using TAP section for list Websitetaptogo wbr net Contents 1 Description 2 History 3 Design 4 Features 5 Agencies using TAP 5 1 Current 5 2 Partial 5 2 1 Metrolink 5 2 2 Orange County Transportation Authority 6 References 7 External linksDescription editThe 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 editPrior 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 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 GFI Genfare fareboxes used by these systems 7 The program was dubbed the Universal Fare System or UFS for future implementation throughout Los Angeles County 8 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 9 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 10 Other agencies such as Foothill Transit and Norwalk Transit transitioned from Metrocard to TAP in 2009 11 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 12 and all senior and disabled riders were required to obtain TAP cards by December 2010 13 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 14 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 15 Between June 19 2013 and June 18 2014 16 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 17 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 18 Design editThe 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 19 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 s 75th anniversary the Los Angeles Marathon and the naming of Obama Boulevard Other designs feature partnerships with schools such as UCLA and 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 edit nbsp Useable on metro bus rail bikeshare and micro Digital version is available on apple wallet and android devices Later in 2024 TAP will have all door boarding on buses to enable faster and more convenient trips Agencies using TAP edit nbsp A TAP validator at a Metro station nbsp A TAP reader on a Metro bus Current edit TAP is accepted by 28 transit agencies based in Los Angeles County only as of December 2023 20 21 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 LAX Foothill Transit Gardena GTrans Glendale Beeline Glendora Transportation Division Huntington Park Express Lawndale Beat Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority 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 Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority Pasadena Transit Santa Clarita Transit Torrance Transit Partial edit Metrolink edit 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 22 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 23 Orange County Transportation Authority edit 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 24 References edit http media metro net board Items 2016 06 june 201606 cac tap update pdf bare URL PDF Where you can travel on public transport using Apple Pay Your TAP Card is Now on iPhone and Apple Watch TAP card caveat these puppies expire after 3 years The Source Metro Transportation News amp Reviews 2011 07 14 Retrieved 2016 01 31 Metro L A 2023 06 01 Our new simpler fares began July 1 The Source Retrieved 2023 11 20 Fares amp Discounts Archived from the original on July 24 2011 Retrieved July 27 2011 Appendix A Transit Applications of Emerging Fare Developments PDF Onlinepubs trb org Retrieved 2016 01 31 Universal Fare System PDF Boardarchives metro net Retrieved 2016 01 31 Culver City Culver City Bus Metrocard Archived from the original on 2008 05 19 Retrieved 2016 01 31 Big Blue Bus Drops the Ball Hard MetroRiderLA Archived from the original on January 15 2010 Retrieved July 27 2011 1 dead link Transit Access Pass amp Rail Fare Gate Status PDF Metro net Archived from the original PDF on 2012 09 19 Retrieved 2016 01 31 Metro is Converting All Remaining Senior and Disabled Patron Paper Passes and Stamps to TAP Cards Beginning Dec 26 2010 Metro net Archived from the original on 2016 11 12 Retrieved 2016 01 31 7 Day and 30 Day Passes Archived from the original on January 27 2012 Retrieved February 3 2012 It s time to TAP Metro net Archived from the original on 2016 03 08 Retrieved 2016 01 31 Latching Schedule Metro Archived from the original on 24 November 2014 Retrieved 15 November 2014 Big Blue Bus New Transfer Cards for Metro Rail Archived from the original on January 19 2013 Retrieved May 30 2013 New fares on Metro LA Metro New TAP card design to roll out in October The Source Metro Transportation News amp Reviews 16 September 2015 TAP Agencies Retrieved 2023 12 26 The Lawndale Beat joins TAP The Source 2023 12 01 Retrieved 2023 12 26 TAP Transit Access Pass Metrolink Metrolinktrains com Retrieved 2016 01 31 Mobile App FAQ Metrolink Retrieved 2021 12 27 Connections amp Transfers Orange County Transportation Authority Retrieved 2021 12 27 External links editOfficial TAP website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Transit Access Pass amp oldid 1216120162, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.