As we continue to make our transit system safer, we’re expanding our TAP-to-Exit program to the Union Station fare gates at both exits for the B and D Lines at Union Station beginning Tuesday, February 18.
Similar to the TAP-to-Exit previously introduced at North Hollywood and Downtown Santa Monica stations in 2024, TAP-to-Exit means riders must tap their fare cards when exiting. The goals are to increase fare compliance, reduce inappropriate activity and ensure that our system is used for legitimate travel needs by customers.
Please note that at this time, TAP-to-Exit will not be required for the A Line at Union Station.
What Riders Need to Know
•Tap when you enter and exit – it’s quick and easy!
•Make sure you have a valid TAP card before traveling. Cards can be reloaded at ticket vending machines, online at taptogo.net, or via the TAP mobile app.
•No extra fare will be deducted when you tap out! Fare is only charged when you enter the system.
•Metrolink riders can scan their valid Metrolink tickets and passes on fare gates with the QR-optic scanners.
•If you need to purchase fare, we’ll have staff available at Union Station to help riders and to answer any questions that you may have.
•There will be a 7-day grace period before citations are issued to riders who do not have a valid fare.
•Please remember: all riders are required to have a TAP card, including those who participate in our discounted fare programs.
There will also be staff to help riders sign up for our reduced fare program for low-income residents (known as LIFE), that provides unlimited free rides for the first 90 days and then 20 free rides each month to qualified riders.
We listened to many of you when you asked for increased security and fare enforcement on our system. That’s why you’ll also see more Transit Security Officers present at the turnstiles during most hours of service.
TAP-to-Exit will expand to more end-of-line stations
We launched TAP-to-Exit at the B Line’s North Hollywood Station in May 2024. In the time since, we’ve seen a notable increase in the number of customers paying fare, as well as a 40 percent drop in crime and other issues reported by riders via Metro’s Transit Watch app.
Ninety percent of riders surveyed at North Hollywood Station said the station seemed cleaner and 86 percent of riders said they felt safer with the new program. Following the expansion to Downtown Santa Monica in September 2024, Transit Watch incident reports dropped 55 percent on the E Line when TAP-to Exit was paired with fare enforcement.
The expansion of TAP-to-Exit is one of several public safety initiatives approved by the Metro Board of Directors. After TAP-to-Exit gets put into place at Union Station, we’re going to continue to expand the pilot to other end-of-line stations.
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We’re listening to your feedback, and this is one of many steps that we’re taking to improve safety and cleanliness on your system.
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“Tap when you enter and exit – it’s quick and easy!”
I mean it was quick. But now you have to do it when you exit. Half as quick? Twice as slow? Take your pick.
I wish they’d improve the rider experience by removing barriers to the system and not blasting music.
““Tap when you enter and exit – it’s quick and easy!”
I mean it was quick. But now you have to do it when you exit. Half as quick? Twice as slow? Take your pick.”
I mean, this is how it’s done in cities with TRUE world class transit systems, you’ll get used to it. 1.5 secs isn’t as inconvenient.
“I wish they’d improve the rider experience by removing barriers to the system and not blasting music.”
You gotta take your pick there. You want the barriers or you want the blasting music. Because I can tell you just compared to 2 years ago, loud music encounters have definitely decreased. Now if they get rid of those crappy “performers” with guitars, one can finally begin to enjoy the ride in silence.