Unlocking Savings and Convenience: A Guide to Student TAP Card Benefits

For students navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles County, the Transit Access Pass (TAP) card offers a convenient and cost-effective way to utilize public transportation. This durable, reusable plastic card simplifies fare payment and opens the door to various benefits, making it an essential tool for students of all ages. Whether you're a K-12 student, a college undergraduate, or attending a vocational program, understanding the advantages of a student TAP card can significantly ease your daily commute.

What is a TAP Card?

TAP is a durable reusable plastic card that works as your bus pass. Load your TAP card with Stored Value (good on any transit agency) or with one of our many pass options for fast and seamless travel throughout Los Angeles County. Simply tap your card on the mobile validator as you enter the bus and look for the green screen to verify that your card is valid. TAP offers convenience and security.

Eligibility for Reduced Fare

K-12 Students

Students enrolled in schools within Los Angeles County can apply for a Reduced Fare TAP card. To qualify, students must meet minimum enrollment requirements, which can be verified through a computer printout from the school's official website, showing enrollment units and/or in-classroom hours. Applying is easy and can be done online any time during the current school term.

To get started, create a TAP account for each student, set a password, and submit a Reduced Fare TAP card application for K-12 students.

College and Vocational Students

College and vocational students also have opportunities to save on public transportation. While Big Blue Bus doesn't offer single-ride discounts for college students on TAP, many local universities participate in the U-Pass Program. By applying for a College/Vocational TAP card, students can qualify for reduced fares. Check if your school is part of the U-Pass program, as it is often the most economical choice if available. Metro is also partnering with a growing number of colleges to offer reduced fares to a broader range of college students.

Read also: Financial Guide: Student Cards

How to Apply

The application process generally involves creating a TAP account online and submitting the required documentation. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before applying.

Loading Your TAP Card

Once you have your TAP card, you can load it with either Stored Value or a pass.

Stored Value

Stored Value is a pay-per-ride option and is the most flexible way to pay your Big Blue Bus or other TAP participating agency fare.

Pass Options

EZ transit pass: A monthly-calendar pass that is loaded on your TAP card.
30-Day Pass: Valid for 30 consecutive days from the first tap. Expires at 3am on the day following expiration.
U-Pass: If your school participates in this program, U-Pass is the quickest and most economical choice.

Using Your TAP Card

Using your TAP card is simple. Tap your card on the validator/farebox or station turnstile. If the validator displays a green screen, your card is valid, and you can board the bus or train.

Benefits of Using a TAP Card

Cost Savings: Reduced fares for eligible students can significantly lower transportation costs.
Convenience: TAP cards expedite boarding time and can be used for transfers between Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Big Blue Bus, or other municipal bus lines.
Flexibility: Load your card with Stored Value for pay-per-ride flexibility or choose a pass for unlimited rides within a specific timeframe.
Security: TAP offers convenience and security.
Fare Capping: As of July 1, Metro put a cap on how much riders pay for bus and rail. It’s called fare capping. Which means the more you ride, the more you will save.
Transfers: A single transfer is permitted from one Big Blue Bus to another within a two-hour (2) window, when using a TAP card or mobile ticket.

Important Information

A TAP card costs $2 plus fare and includes transfers to Metro rail and bus.
TAP cards are specific to each user and are non-transferable. Each customer must have their own TAP card.
Senior and disabled customers are only able to receive discounts on TAP with a special personalized reduced-fare card. These TAP cards designed for Seniors and Disabled customers can be loaded with both Big Blue Bus passes and Stored Value.
If using cash, please have exact fare when you board the bus. Exact change is accepted on buses that do not have All-Door Boarding. Metro tokens are no longer accepted as payment.

GoPass Program

K-12/Adult School students with a GoPass get extended benefits. Your 2024-25 GoPass will expire on September 30, 2025. Make sure you get a 2025-26 activation code from your school to continue riding after September 30, 2025! The 2025-26 GoPass is valid July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. LAUSD students with questions about Schoology or GoPass, please call the GoPass LAUSD Hotline at 213-443-1300.

Additional Tips for Public Transportation

Make sure you know what bus line you'll be taking.
Be sure to note any special information regarding the route on the schedule, such as express or limited service.
Have enough cash on hand. Better yet, get a Transit Access Pass (TAP) online through the BruinTAP for Transit portal.
Hail the bus like you would hail a cab.
Once aboard, be sure to let the driver know you want to get off before you arrive at your destination.
Arrive for your bus at least five minutes before the schedule indicates and be prepared with an alternate plan in case you or the bus is delayed or canceled.

Where to Apply in Person

Blue: The Transit Store (Santa Monica): Eligible applicants may visit Blue: The Transit Store during the following regular business hours, to submit their completed Senior TAP Card application, along with the required documents (see below):Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pmEvery Other Friday: 12pm - 4pmSaturday & Sunday: ClosedPaper applications are also available at this location.
Metro Customer Center (Los Angeles): Eligible applicants may visit a Metro Customer Center, to submit their completed Senior TAP Card or Person with Disability TAP Card application, along with the required documents (see below).

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