Fares

Paying With Cash

The simplest way to pay your fare is with cash each time you board a bus or train.  You can also purchase transfers between lines operated by Metro and those operated by other carriers.

• Metro bus operators do not carry change. Please have exact fare when you board.
• Two children under age 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult on bus or rail.
• On Metro Rail and the Metro Orange Line, pay your fare before you board at self-service ticket vending machines.
• Eating, drinking or smoking is not permitted in Metro Rail trains or stations or in Metro buses.

Warning: Failure to pay the proper fare is violation of Section 640 Penal Code and may result in a fine up to $250 and 48 hours community service.

*See Reduced Fare eligibility requirements

Ways to Save

Prepaid passes can save you time and money. Accepted as base fare, they’re sold in advance on TAP cards at Metro Customer Centers and hundreds of locations including Ace Cash Express, Continental Currency Services, Inc., Nix Check Cashing, Ralphs, and Pay It Back Check Cashing. Tokens good for base fare also are sold at these locations, in bags of ten.  Get a complete directory of Metro pass and token sales outlets.

Money-Saving Tips

Buying a pass is often less expensive than paying the $1.50 base fare. The chart below can help you find the best pass value for your needs.

Note: New TAP cards are $2 and must be sold with a pass loaded.

Special Reduced Fares

Metro's Reduced Fare Programs enable eligible applicants to obtain special TAP cards and purchase reduced-rate monthly passes.  As a reduced-fare rider, you are automatically signed up for free Balance Protection so you won't need to worry if your card is lost or stolen.

Applications for these cards are available by clicking the links below.  When completed, they can be mailed to Metro’s Reduced Fare Office, submitted at any Customer Center or mailed to the TAP Service Center as specified on each application.

Senior/Disabled/Medicare Monthly - $14

Senior/Disabled/Medicare EZ transit pass - $35
Senior/Disabled/Medicare EZ Premium Stamp - $9.50 per zone
To obtain a Senior TAP Card, you must be 62 years or older.  Completed applications must be accompanied by a photo and proof of age.
Get more information about Senior TAP Cards.

To obtain a LACTOA Disabled TAP Card, you will need proof of eligibility or a Medicare card. Completed applications must be accompanied by a photo, required documentation and a $2 processing fee.
Get more information about LACTOA Disabled TAP Cards.

College/Vocational Monthly $36 

To qualify for a College/Vocational TAP Card, proof of eligibility will be required.  Completed applications must be accompanied by a photo, required documentation and a $1 processing fee.  Some colleges offer additional group rates; check with your college business office to find out more.
Get more information about College/Vocational TAP Cards.

Student (K-8 and 9-12) Monthly $24

To obtain a K-12 Student TAP Card, submit a completed application, accompanied by required documentation.  Students in grades 9-12 are required to have a valid photo ID or school ID for pass purchase and when riding with a Student TAP Card. Get an application online: English | Spanish 
 
Complete instructions and requirements are included on each application.  For additional information about reduced fare programs, call the Metro Reduced Fare office at 213.680.0054.

Metro Passes by Mail is a Convenient Service to Save You Time

With this form you can order passes and monthly stamps for use on Metro Bus and Metro Rail. Or order the EZ transit pass! It’s the only pass good on 25 different bus systems.

Just print out and complete the order form below, include a self addressed, stamped envelope and mail it with check, money order or credit card authorization for the exact amount. Orders received by the 15th of the month will be mailed by the 25th.

Metro Passes by Mail Form (71KB)

Why wait in line? Buy it online!

Metro is making it easier than ever to buy your Metro Pass. Simply click on the link below to begin shopping online. It is secure and convenient! Just click on Metro Pass Online link below and choose the type of pass you want. All you need is a credit card and your order will be placed within minutes.

The online store will be selling the upcoming month's fare media by the 5th of the month and will close on the 19th of the same month (unless the 19th falls on a weekend or holiday, then it will close on the next business). The passes are mailed on or about the 21st of the month.

Yes, I’d like to purchase my Metro Pass Online!

Metro pass holders enjoy great discounts through our monthly Go Metro Specials!

Go Metro with TAP

All Metro passes are now sold on TAP, a durable plastic card you can use again and again. It’s eco-friendly, because using TAP eliminates tons of disposable paper passes and stamps.

Each TAP card has an electronic chip inside; just load the type of pass you want on your card, and the chip remembers it. Then you simply tap your card each time you board, and the bus farebox or rail validator recognizes your pass as being valid.

See the TAP Users Guider at right.

How to TAP

On Metro buses: Simply tap your card on the farebox’s TAP target.  A “beep” and message will show the bus operator your card is valid. Remember, you must tap your card each time you board; you may not simply show it to the operator.

On Metro Rail trains and the Metro Orange Line: Locate the station validator as you approach the platform and tap your card on the TAP target.  Remember, you must tap your card before boarding; it is not valid unless you do.

Turnstiles are being installed at some Metro Rail stations. At these stations, tap the validator on the right side of the turnstile before you pass through.

If your trip requires more than one train (i.e., changing from the Red Line to the Blue Line), you must tap the validator again at the station where you change trains. Always have your TAP card handy as fare enforcement officers with handheld validators may ask to verify that you have tapped.

Failure to load a valid pass on your card or tap the farebox or validator before boarding could result in a $250 fine.

For additional information, check the links to the right, or call 1.866.TAPTOGO (1.866.827.8646).