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.

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

Home > Ride Metro > Fares, Passes and Discounts > Students (K-12)

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.

How much does it cost for Students (K-12)?

Type	Fare
1-Way	$1
30-Day Pass	$24
LIFE 30-Day Pass (low-income)	$14

Fare payment with TAP includes 2 hrs of unlimited transfers to Metro rail and bus in one direction (no roundtrips).
For 1-Way Trip: Add’l 75¢ charge for the J Line (Silver) and the Express Bus Lines 460, 487, 489, 501, 550 and 577
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 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.

Alert Metro tokens are no longer accepted as payment.