Pay like a Pro.

TAP to board.

Using TAP couldn't be easier. When boarding a Metro bus or other participating transit systems, simply tap your card on the farebox located at the bus entrance. Listen for the beep and look for the message on the farebox's display screen confirming your card's validity. When tapping for Metro Rail, place your card flat on the reader, wait for the green light, listen for the beep, and look for the "Go" message on the validator. If the fare isn't covered as part of a pass, the smart chip inside your TAP card will make sure that only the exact base fare is deducted from your account balance. This does require that you load a cash balance onto your TAP card in addition to your pass.

TAP to ride.

Once you've loaded your TAP card with stored-cash value, a pass, or both, it will work on all applicable bus and rail lines. If you're a qualified reduced-fare rider with stored cash value loaded onto your TAP card, the system will automatically recognize and deduct only the discounted amount during cash-fare transit.

TAP over and over again.

Once you purchase your durable plastic TAP card, it's yours to keep and replenish each month or as often as you need. The easiest way to reload your account balance is right here online.