The entire fare system with a TAP card might seem complicated, but it will make your life easier! When loading your TAP card, you have the option of adding a pass or stored value. Learn the difference between the two options and make an informed decision.
Stored value:
Metro stored value works like cash in your wallet, but it is cash in your TAP card. This option will gives you the freedom to select the amount of money you want to load onto your TAP card, and it will work as a prepaid card for transit. For example, if you load $20, you can pay for fares and transfers until you reach the $20 quota Stored value does expire after one year, so keep that in mind!
Benefits:
- The stored value on TAP cards can be used at different transit agencies and allows you to take advantage of discounted transfers between two different agencies.
- It is a great option for both frequent and occasional transit riders
Disadvantage:
- All tickets, except for transfers, are full price.
Passes:
LA Metro offers 3 different types passes; single day pass, 7-day pass, and 30-day pass. Each of these passes give you the liberty of riding on any LA Metro line as many times as you want for its duration. All three passes end at 2am, the single day pass on the following day of its first use, the 7-days pass on the 8th day of use, and the 30-day pass on the 31st day of use. Passes can be used paired with stored value (on the same card) to give you a discount on transfers to another agency line.
Benefits:
- Discounted fares, if used frequently.
- Adding reload dates to your calendar and not worrying about the value left to use.
Disadvantages:
- LA Metro passes can only be used on LA Metro lines.
Check below the current prices to fares and passes for LA Metro.
| Metro Fares
As of 9/15/14 |
Regular | Senior 62+/
Disabled/ Medicare |
College/
Vocational |
Student K-12 |
| Cash (Bus Only) | ||||
| 1-Ride Base Fare
No transfers included. Additional charges apply to ride: • Metro Silver Line • Metro Express Buses |
$1.75 | 75¢
Peak 35¢ |
$1.75 | $1 |
| On TAP | ||||
| 1-Way Trip
Includes transfers to other Metro lines for up to two hours to complete a one-way trip. Additional charges apply to ride: • Metro Silver Line • Metro Express Buses |
$1.75 | 75¢
Peak 35¢ |
$1.75 | $1 |
| 1-Day Pass
Valid for 1 day on first tap. Expires at 3am on the following day after first use. Includes: • All Metro services |
$7 | $2.50 | — | — |
| 7-Day Pass
Valid for 7 consecutive days from the first tap. Expires at 3am on the day following expiration. Additional charges apply to ride: • Metro Silver Line • Metro Express Buses |
$25 | — | — | — |
| 30-Day Pass
Valid for 30 consecutive days from the first tap. Expires at 3am on the day following expiration. Additional charges apply to ride: • Metro Silver Line • Metro Express Buses |
$100 | $20 | $43 | $24 |
| 30-Day + Zone 1 Pass
Ride Metro for 30 consecutive days from the first tap. Includes: • All Metro services |
$122 | — | — | — |
| Metro-to-Muni Transfer
Transfer to a non-Metro bus within 2.5 hours. Must be purchased with Stored Value loaded on a TAP card. You must have a TAP card to transfer between agencies. |
50¢ | 25¢ | 50¢ | 50¢ |
| Other Products | ||||
| Stored Value
• Good on Metro and other TAP participating transit agencies. |
$1.75-$60 | 35¢-$60 | $1.75-$60 | $1-$60 |
Other agencies might have similar passes program or discounts based on the number of tickets purchased. Stay tuned to learn more about it.