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Metro's TAP Cards Finally Work All Over L.A. County Now
Metro's TAP card now works with all 26 transit agencies, making it the biggest, seamless transit network in the country. They've also got a new website where you can refill your cards online.At a press conference this morning, Metro announced that TAP cards can now be used between 26 regional transit agencies.
"You can now use your TAP card to get all the way from Lancaster to Long Beach. No more fumbling in your pockets or purse for change," Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said.
Metro will also be releasing a new design next month, though your old TAP cards will continue to work just fine. The new TAP cards can be picked up at Metro Rail and Orange Line stations, online via taptogo.net, or at one of 400 TAP vendors—you can find one near you here. They will work with all 26 regional agencies in L.A. County, which includes Long Beach and Santa Monica. Metrolink trains have paper tickets that contain a TAP chip, meaning that while you can't use your TAP card to board a Metrolink train, you can use a Metrolink ticket to transfer to Metro.
Metro said that unifying the system took several years because each agency had different needs.
Via the new website taptogo.net, Metro users can register their TAP cards, meaning that a lost or stolen card can be replaced, complete with any value that may have been on it. Riders can also apply for discounted fares on the site. Though some users had reported a few bugs when the site first rolled out several days ago, we tested the site out a few days ago and found that it worked. I registered my TAP card online using the number on the back. (It's the one on the right that contains only number, no letters.) I can now log in and see my ride history, how much value I have left and when my TAP card expires—not until 2025, so I have some time. I can also choose to put more money on my card, with the caveat that it may take up to a day to appear. I can add between $5 and $300 at a time, or buy regional or agency passes. I added $10 and received an emailed receipt instantly.
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