LA Metro shows LGBT Pride with limited edition TAP cards. Here's where to get one

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) has released the first set of this year's LGBT Pride-themed TAP cards, and they are expected to sell out fast. 

The first batch became available on May 16 in anticipation of Long Beach's annual Pride Festival. 

This weekend is all about LOVE and we can't wait to celebrate! Join us for the

Tweets by LongBeachPride

Festival & Parade on 5/19 & 20! Find all the info you need for this amazing annual event at

— Long Beach CVB (@VisitLB)

This weekend is all about LOVE and we can't wait to celebrate! Join us for the @LongBeachPride Festival & Parade on 5/19 & 20! Find all the info you need for this amazing annual event at https://t.co/s6kGkmq8QR #VisitLB #LongBeachPride pic.twitter.com/VES15TTuk7

— Visit Long Beach (@VisitLB) May 16, 2018

Metro began putting out special Pride TAP cards in smaller batches over the last few years, and they were a smash hit. So by popular demand, Metro created a new design for this year, expanded the locations the cards are stocked, and bumped up their production from 10,000 to 100,000 TAP cards. (You can check out last year's design here.)

Don't let that large supply fool you. That 100,000 is to cover multiple releases in conjunction with local pride events throughout summer. So when this limited release sells out, they're gone for good. The collectors are first in line. And they are not messing around. 

I proudly present to you my LA County TAP Card collection.

— Kenny Uong (@_KennyUong_)

I proudly present to you my LA County TAP Card collection. #GoMetro #LA #publictransit pic.twitter.com/Vs6wgyCHJH

— Kenny Uong (@_KennyUong_) June 30, 2017

The Pride TAP card is part of a larger outreach to LA's LGBT community.

"We also have ads on the sides of buses and railcars so we are continuing that same design throughout the system, and we want to continue that look through L.A. County," said Devon Deming, Director of Metro Commute Services. "The LGBT community is a very important part of the fabric of Los Angeles. Metro is a very important part of Los Angeles, and we want to connect these two. And the cards signify that everyone is welcome on Metro."

Here's where you can get a Pride TAP card right now (while supplies last):

Metro Blue Line Stops

• ​First Street Station
• Downtown Long Beach Station (Transit Mall) 
• Pacific Avenue Station
• Willow Street Station

And...

• Metro Customer Centers

The Pride TAP cards will be available in the greater L.A. area beginning June 2 — just in time for West Hollywood Pride. Here's where:

• Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station
• 7th St/Metro Center
• Union Station
• North Hollywood Station
• Hollywood/Vine Station
• Universal City/Studio City Station
• Wilshire/Western Station
• Culver City Station
• Downtown Santa Monica Station
• Memorial Park Station

After that, there will be another release for the DTLA Pride event in August. The cards will be available at the stations below starting Wednesday, Aug. 22:

• Union Station
• Civic Center/Grand Park Station
• Pershing Square Station
• 7th St/Metro Center

Here’s where to get Ride with Pride TAP cards starting tomorrow!

— Metro (@metrolosangeles)

Here’s where to get Ride with Pride TAP cards starting tomorrow! https://t.co/Tntph9Gju6 pic.twitter.com/byUjnjqO6t

— LA Metro (@metrolosangeles) May 15, 2018

Metro said that while very popular, limited edition TAP cards don't really generate a boost in revenue. But the buzz and community connection they generate are well worth the efforts.

"We really want Metro to be a recognized brand in Los Angeles," said Deming. "We're trying to raise awareness and hopefully increase ridership."

Metro has churned out more commemorative TAP cards of late, so keep a look out for the next special release to add to your collection. With the Pride edition's popularity, an annual appearance of a Pride-themed design is likely in the cards for Metro. According to Deming, "We hope to have a new design every year."