Seniors 62+/ Medicare/ Customer with Disability
Qualifying customers never pay more than $2.50 a day or $5 within seven days. After that, all of your rides are free.
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?
Type | Fares |
---|---|
Base Fare | 75¢/35¢* |
1-Day Cap | $2.50 |
7-Day Cap | $5 |
- *Off-Peak rates apply weekdays 9am – 3pm & 7pm – 5am; weekends & Federal holidays.
- 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.
- Two children under age 5 may travel free with each 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.
How does it work?
How it works:
- Load Stored Value (money) on a TAP card to pay per ride.
- Once you reach your 1-day or 7-day cap, your rides are FREE!
- When you tap on the bus fareboxes or TAP validators at rail stations, the display will show how much Stored Value (money) is being deducted or if the ride is free.
- Your current TAP card will work just fine. No need to buy a new TAP card to benefit from fare capping.
- With fare capping, you earn the benefits of a pass without the upfront cost. That makes Metro 1-Day, 7-Day and 30-Day passes no longer necessary, so they will no longer be sold, and will be replaced with fare capping.
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
- Get a temporary Reduced Fare TAP card right away at a Metro Customer Center.
- Make sure you have proper documentation and an image of yourself in the correct size.
- Seniors 62+ hard copy application and requirements:
Apply online for a Reduced Fare TAP card
- Gather all the requirements and apply online. Seniors 62+ TAP cards will be mailed to eligible applicants within 20 business days after verification has been completed.
- Online Application for Seniors 62+
Customers can purchase a one-way ride at a discount at our TAP vending machines
- No need to fill out an application. Get your one-way Senior 62+ single ride on a regular TAP card and get moving. Step-by-step TAP machine instructions.
- You can only purchase a one-way ride at a senior fare price. Proof of eligibility is required when boarding a bus. Fare inspectors randomly check fares on rail. Be prepared to show your government-issued photo ID or your Medicare card and government-issued photo ID. To avoid having to show ID, you can apply online or in-person to get a Senior 62+ Reduced Fare card.
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 to save when riding Metro
EZ Pass
If you frequently ride Metro in combination with other transit systems, EZ Pass could provide additional savings. EZ Month Pass (zone 0) = $42 + $9.50 per add’l zone
Low Income (LIFE)
Metro’s Rider Relief Program is now the LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) program. Qualifying riders can save even more on fares on Metro and participating transit systems with LIFE benefits.
Employer Annual Pass
Metro offers Employer Annual Pass programs that are a low-cost, high-value benefit and help to reduce stress, improve health and save money.
On The Move Riders Clubs located throughout LA County provide peer-to-peer training and outings for older adults to make mass transit a familiar and enjoyable means of independent travel.