TAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is LADOT doing TAP?
TAP has a number of benefits for LADOT riders. Overall, the TAP card offers the rider greater convenience for paying their LADOT fare. TAP offers the rider more payment options and with more options a rider will be better able to match their travel to the best (and most cost effective) fare payment method for them.
With TAP there is no need to have exact change. For riders using more than one transit system, the TAP card provides the convenience of having just one card to use no matter how many different transit services are used.
Riders will be able to register their card and when they do the card balance is protected if the card is lost or stolen.
Riders with the card will board faster and get to their seat quicker.
How do I know how much value is left on my TAP card?
When you tap the card by the Validator hold it for a second or two and you will see the remaining balance.
Can I pay a part of the fare with stored value and part in cash?
No, this is not allowed.
I have an ASI card (TAP Card). What do I do now?
You still ride free. Just tap your card by the Validator by the farebox. You no longer have to show your card to the driver.
I have an Access Card with a PCA logo on it. Do I tap the card twice?
The PCA program has been eliminated. The second person must pay a fare.
The qualifying age for a senior getting a TAP card is 62 but the LADOT discount for a senior is 65, do I get the discount if I have a TAP card?
Riders who are 62, 63 or 64 and pay with their Senior TAP card will have the full fare deducted from the card.
When will LADOT DASH/Commuter Express tickets and passes be on TAP?
Sometime this Fall we expect this change to be implemented. The date will be announced after further system development.
Can I use stored value to purchase an Interagency Transfer (Commuter Express)?
No.
Can I allow someone else to use my card, or pay for my child with my TAP card?
Unfortunately no, and it is to protect riders from accidently tapping twice and having two fares deducted. The card has a time feature that is set at 7 minutes which means it cannot be used again for 7 minutes of a tap.
How does the Balance Protection work?
When you register the card your balance is protected if the card is lost or stolen. You will be issued a new card with the last balance (including a pass) on the card restored. Register your TAP card at taptogo.net.
Can the TAP card alter other cards in my wallet?
It will not impact a credit/debit card with a magstripe, but we do suggest keeping the Tap card away from any other smart card you have in your wallet/purse.
How long will my TAP card last?
It is designed to last 3 years, when it will expire. At that time then it will need to be replaced (and customer will need to pay a fee for the replacement).
Where can I see the Privacy Policy (Terms and Conditions)?
The Cardholder License Agreement is available at Taptogo.net.
Can I use a personal check to add stored value onto a TAP card at the LADOT Transit Store?
No. The reason is because Metro does not accept personal checks. And TAP is a Metro product (even when LADOT loads the card)
How will TAP work with the fare zones on Commuter Express?
Commuter Express fares are based on the distance travelled using five fare zones identified as Base and numbered 1-4. Some Commuter Express routes travel in only one zone, others travel in all five, and some are a combination. The zones are shown on each of the printed route schedules and the LADOT website.
Before starting each trip the Commuter Express driver sets the fare zone being used by the Validator, changing the zone, if required, as the bus travels along the route. This sets the fare to be deducted from the TAP card. The Validator is set to the fare charged to the end of the route.
If the rider is not traveling to the end of the route, and is paying with stored value on their TAP card or with the EZ transit pass, prior to placing the TAP card by the Validator, it is necessary to inform the driver of the destination (or the zone number if known). The driver will inform the rider to either tap their card (if the destination matches the zone set on the Validator), or will re-set the Validator so the correct zone fare is charged. Failure to do this may result in the maximum fare being deducted from the TAP card or an upcharge for using the EZ transit pass.
I pay with an EZ transit pass. How does that work with TAP?
The EZ transit pass moves to the TAP card starting September 1. When you board the bus simply tap your card on the validator located by the farebox.
If you are riding Commuter Express and you have purchased an EZ transit pass with a zone inform the dirver of your zone number and where you are going before you tap. The driver will confirm whether the zone on your EZ transit pass matches the zone set on the Validator, or based on your destination will re-set the validator to the correct zone (which should match your EZ transit pass) or will inform you that an additional cash fare is required, as the zone you purchased is not the correct one for your destination.
I used my Tap card on Commuter Express and the amount deducted from the card was incorrect. How do I get a refund?
Please call the Tap Service Center at 866 TAPTOGO (866 827 8646).
EMAIL RIDER ALERTS
Sign up to receive emailed rider alerts for only the DASH or Commuter Express routes you take.
