Tickets to local and express buses can be purchased in cash upon entering the bus, but Metro rail lines and bus rapid transit lines (such as the orange line) require a TAP card to ride. Having a TAP card also allows you to purchase passes instead of paying per trip and releases you from needing exact change to ride the bus. We gathered a few tips to buy and reload your TAP card.
Each person will need their own TAP card to ride a bus or train. TAP cards are available for purchase forare $2 each and must be loaded with store value or passes to be used. All TAP cards are reloadable until their expiration date.
Where to buy and reload your card:
TAP cards can be purchased and reloaded online, at Metro ticket vending machines (available at any Metro rail station or Bus Rapid Transit stop), at authorized vendors, and on the bus. All fares and passes are available online and at the vending machines, but services on a bus and at some authorized vendors are reduced.
Online:
To purchase TAP cards online, access this webpage and sign up.
ATTENTION! TAP cards purchased online can take up to a month to be delivered at your address. Your card can also be reloaded online, and the fare will be available to use after 24 to 48 hours. All types of fares and passes are available to be loaded at the taptogo.net website.
Authorized vendor:
There are 2 authorized vendors around Warner Center:
Agua Pura & Check Cashing
21303 Sherman Way
Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 347-0585
Topanga Check Cashing
7239 Topanga Canyon blvd.
Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 594-0057
To find more authorized vendors close to your prefered location, click here. On the webpage, you can also see the payment methods of each vendor and the fares and passes available to purchase.
On the LA Metro bus:
When entering an LA Metro bus, let the driver know you want to purchase a TAP card. For purchase on buses, only the stored value option is available to load or reload your card. Purchases on buses must be made in cash or exact value and there is a $20 limit for each purchase.
ATTENTION!: Orange Line and Silver Line do not have the purchase option onboard.
Metro ticket vending machine:
Metro ticket vending machines are available around Los Angeles and in every bus rapid transit stop or Metro rail station. The machine gives you the option of “Purchasing a TAP card” (on the left side of the screen) or “Loading a TAP card” (on the right side of the screen). If you need to purchase a TAP card, select the first option, and you will be required to load this card before finishing the purchase. You can choose between passes and store value to load the card. If you already have a TAP card in hand, select the “Loading a TAP card” option and TAP your card on the machine when requested. You will be able to choose between passes or store value to reload your card. Ticket vending machines accept cash and debit/credit cards.
There are 5 Metro ticket vending machines around Warner Center. They are located at the Canoga Station, Warner Center Transit Hub, and Pierce College Station.
Pro tip:
After purchasing your TAP card, we advise you to create a login at taptogo.net and register your card. This way, you can manage your passes and stored value through the site, add a Metro Bike pass, and more. Also, in case you misplace your TAP card, you can transfer the remaining value to a new one, if the lost card was registered on the webpage.
If you are curious about the difference between passes and stored value, check this post.