This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
From its introduction, Metro's TAP card has had limited functionality, with riders being able to only load long-range passes instead of single-use options like a day pass, or load on cash value for per-use fare deductions. However, the tides are turning--about on par with the turnstiles--and now some machines at Union Station are offering riders the option to put a variety of values on newly-purchased TAP cards.The +Metro blog recently posted an overview of the "TAP 2.0" upgrade. "For purchasing a new TAP card, the fare machines offer 3 purchase options for you to select," they explain. Each of the three options begin with a $2 initial TAP card purchase, following which riders can purchase $10, $20, $40, $80, $100, or $200-worth of future rides, with the balance stored on your card; a Metro Zone Pass; or either a Day, Weekly, or Monthly pass.
Seniors and students, you'll still have to make a special trip to the kiosk to arrange for your reduced fare. "If all goes well with this new upgrade, expect fare machines at other stations to have the same features," concludes +Metro. Here's hoping all goes well!
