LOS ANGELES:-  Metro’s customer experience took a major step forward in modernizing the rider journey with the launch of the Official LA Metro mobile app and contactless credit and debit fare payment. Together, these new technologies create a more intuitive, connected, and accessible transit system by making it easier than ever for everyday riders and visitors traveling throughout Los Angeles County for major global events, including this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026™.

“Today’s launch represents a significant step forward in how Metro serves its customers,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair. “By introducing credit and debit fare payments and an official mobile app, we’re making transit simpler, shortening lines, improving speed, and making our system easier to use for daily commutes, special events, and visitors from around the world.”

The new credit and debit payment system allows customers to simply tap their credit or debit cards, digital wallets, or wearable devices at fare gates and bus validators. Riders can pay fare for themselves and up to four additional passengers using one card. Available on Metro and 26 TAP participating transit agencies, the system reduces waiting times, speeds boarding, and improves convenience systemwide. To ensure transfers and fare capping benefits apply correctly, customers must use the same payment method in the same format for each trip.

At the same time, Metro’s new mobile app allows riders to move with confidence using trusted trip information straight from Metro.

The first version of the Official LA Metro app includes:

Trip planning across Metro bus and rail services with real-time information.

Integration with regional transit providers for a seamless multimodal experience.

Service alerts, notifications, and real-time updates.

Locations for key amenities, including restrooms, customer care centers, TAP vendors, Metro Bike Share stations, and Metro Micro zones.

Multilingual support and accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility.

Future updates will expand the app’s capabilities to integrate fare payment, Bike Share and Metro Micro booking, parking information and payment, safety tools, and enhanced customer communication features such as live chat and feedback.

“Metro customers shouldn’t have to navigate multiple apps just to ride transit,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “This new app, combined with credit and debit payments at the fare gates and on board buses, is about creating a seamless, intuitive experience, whether you’re a daily rider or visiting Los Angeles for the first time. It also positions us for the future, not only as we prepare to welcome the world for major events including the FIFA World Cup 2026™, but also as we continue to serve the millions of people who depend on us every day.”

While credit and debit payments are currently available for full-fare customers, Metro plans to expand the option to reduced-fare riders in early 2027. For those customers who prefer to use cash, they can continue to load funds onto TAP cards and use the system as they do today.

The LA Metro app is free to use, ad-free, and built with universal design standards and will significantly improve access to transit information while supporting a more connected and customer-focused system.

These advancements are part of Metro’s broader capital and technology improvement program aimed at increasing capacity, enhancing accessibility, and delivering a world-class transit experience.

For personalized trip planning by phone, customers can call 323-G0-METRO. For more information about credit and debit payments, fare capping, or where to load cash onto a TAP card, customers can visit taptogo.net or contact TAP Customer Service at 866-TAPTOGO (866.827.8646).

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility systemwide. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses. The latest October 2025 customer experience survey showed that customer satisfaction has risen to 87%.