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Students (K-12)
Find out if your school is participating in the K-12 Fareless System Initiative program.
Reduced Fare rates for students only apply if you qualify and receive a Reduced Fare TAP card.
As of July 1, Metro put a cap on how much riders pay for bus and rail. It’s called fare capping. Which means the more you ride, the more you will save. Learn more here.
How much does it cost for Students (K-12)?
| Type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Base Fare | 75¢ |
| 1-Day Cap | $2.50 |
| 7-Day Cap | $6 |
- Fare payment with TAP includes 2 hrs of unlimited transfers to Metro rail and bus in one direction (no roundtrips).
- Add’l charge for a transfer to non-Metro buses within 2.5 hours; varies by transit agency and requires Stored Value.
Fare details
- If using cash, please have exact fare when you board the bus. Metro bus operators do not carry change.
- Children under age 6 may travel free with a fare-paying adult on bus or rail.
- Eating, drinking or smoking is not permitted in Metro stations, buses or trains.
- Warning: Failure to pay the proper fare is a violation of Section 640 Penal Code and may result in a fine up to $250 and 48 hours community service.
Metro Pass details
- 30-Day Pass: Valid for 30 consecutive days from the first tap. Expires at 3am on the day following expiration. Add’l charges apply to ride: J Line (Silver) and the Express Bus Lines 460, 487, 489, 501, 550 and 577
- 30-Day + Zone 1 Pass: Ride Metro for 30 consecutive days from the first tap. Includes: All Metro Services
TAP is a reloadable fare card that offers the most convenient and flexible way to pay your fare on Metro bus and rail. It is also valid for travel with 25 transit agencies across LA County. Load, Tap and Go! Learn how to TAP.
How to get a Reduced Fare TAP card
Apply in person for a Reduced Fare TAP card
- Apply at a Metro Customer Center.
- Make sure you have proper documentation and an image of yourself in the correct size.
- Student (K-12) hard copy application and requirements:
Apply online for a Reduced Fare TAP card
- Gather all the requirements and apply online. Student K-12 TAP cards will be mailed to eligible applicants within 20 business days after verification has been completed.
- Online Application for Students (K-12)
How to pay
How to buy a TAP card
A TAP card costs $2 plus fare and includes transfers to Metro rail and bus. For additional TAP questions please visit taptogo.net or call 866.827.8646.
- Buy a regular TAP card online
- Reload, check your balance + expiration date of your TAP card
- Register your TAP card by calling 866.TAPTOGO for:
- Balance protection: If your card is lost or stolen you can recover the balance and transfer it to a new card.
- Ability to transfer a remaining balance from one TAP card to another
- Consolidation of remaining balances from several TAP cards to one
Where to buy/reload a TAP card
- Online at taptogo.net
- By phone 866.TAPTOGO ( 866.827.8646 )
- At over 450 TAP Vendor Locations
- At TAP Vending Machines located at all Metro Rail, Silver Line and Orange Line stations
Pay with TAP
Fare capping works when you pay for rides with a TAP card or Apple Wallet.
Pay with Cash
Exact change is accepted on buses that do not have All-Door Boarding. Transfers are not included.
To ride Metro Rail, you must pay with a TAP card.
Additional ways for Students (K-12) to save when riding Metro
K-12 Fareless System Initiative (FSI)
Find out if your school is participating in the K-12 Fareless System Initiative program.
Low Income (LIFE)
Metro’s Rider Relief Program is now the Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program. Qualifying riders can save even more on fares on Metro and participating transit systems with LIFE benefits.
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