When it comes to transit, TAP is the answer.

What is a TAP card?

The Transit Access Pass or "TAP" card is a reloadable microchip-imbedded, plastic fare card that you can use month after month to ride Culver CityBus.. Simply tap the card on the farebox when you board. In addition, your TAP card, when loaded with the right fares or passes, is valid on other participating public transit systems. Your TAP card stores your account balance and pass information. There is no need for a new TAP card each month because your cash is loaded onto your existing TAP card every time.

Where else can I use my TAP card?

Your TAP card will work on all Culver CityBus routes, on all METRO bus and rail lines, Santa Clarita Transit, Montebello Transit, Norwalk Transit, and Foothill Transit. Over the next two years, more municipal transit operators will accept TAP as well. TAP can store different types of passes, zone stamps and an account balance to make travel easy for all riders throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Why the move to TAP?

Aside from connecting more of L.A. County's bus and rail lines under one payment method...

It's SMART – Your TAP card actually remembers how much money you have stored on it.
It's SIMPLE – With TAP, all you do is tap the farebox upon boarding the bus and go.
It's SECURE – Sign up for free Balance Protection and your TAP card can be replaced if you lose it. You don't need to carry cash.

Where can I get a TAP card?

You can purchase your TAP card online or at a TAP Sales Location

For extended TAP sales hours and locations, please visit www.culvercitybus.com.

How do I use TAP?

It's easy! Simply tap your card on the Culver CityBus farebox. You will hear a "beep" and a message will tell you that your fare has been paid and deducted from your card. You are now free to board. Fast and easy. Remember to add either a cash amount or a valid pass to your TAP card before boarding – it will up take up to 2 days for your new fares and passes to register on your TAP card, so plan ahead.

What is a cash purse?

A cash purse, also called stored-value, is basically cash. You can load money in a specific dollar amount on your TAP card. It's like buying a gift certificate. When you board the bus, your fare is deduced from your balance leaving the remaining value on the card. No more fumbling for exact change or bills when you board the bus. Just tap and go! You can reload your cash purse at City Hall or the Transportation Facility.

How do I add value to my TAP card?

You will be able to load cash onto your TAP card at City Hall and the Transportation Facility.

What if I accidentally tap my card twice on the farebox target?

Don't worry. The system was designed to not deduct two fares in a short period of time, just in case it gets tapped twice. If you would like to use your cash purse to pay for a second person, you will need to let the driver know so that they may instruct the farebox to deduct a second payment.

Can I let others use my TAP card?

No. You are the only person authorized to use your TAP card.

How do I transfer from one Culver CityBus to another using a TAP card?

Simply tap your TAP card on the farebox. The base fare will be deducted from your card. When you board the next City of Santa Clarita Transit bus, simply tap your TAP card again and the farebox will recognize the local transfer and not deduct another base fare.

How do I transfer to other transit systems using a TAP card?

When transferring from Culver CityBus to another transit system, tap your TAP card to pay the base fare. Ask the driver for an Inter-Agency transfer and tap your card again to pay for the transfer. The driver will then give you a paper transfer. If you do not have cash loaded onto your TAP card, ask the driver for an Inter-Agency transfer and drop the correct fare into the farebox. The driver will then give you a paper transfer.

How do I transfer from a municipal line to Metro?

Simply tap when you board. Your TAP card is valid on any bus or train operated by Metro as long as a valid pass or cash is loaded on your TAP card.

What is Balance Protection?

Balance Protection lets you report and replace a lost or stolen TAP card. Once reported, your card will be replaced for a small fee with its remaining balance or pass information intact. To activate Balance Protection on your card, call 1-800-TAPTOGO or sign up online at taptogo.net.

How do I sign up for Balance Protection?

If you bought your TAP card online at www.taptogo.net, you are already enrolled. If you bought your card at City Hall or the Transportation Facility, call 866-TAPTOGO or sign up online at www.taptogo.net to sign up for Balance Protection.

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Report your lost or stolen card online or call 1.866.TAPTOGO. If you are signed up for Balance Protection, we will restore your card balance and/or pass information, and mail you a new card for a $2 fee. If you are not signed up for Balance Protection, we cannot replace your lost cash or pass, but you can obtain a new card for a $2 fee.

How do I know how much cash I have left on my card?

When you tap your card on the farebox, a message will be displayed on the screen showing you the fare amount that was taken off and your remaining balance. Don't worry if you miss it, you can press the button to the right, tap your card and your available cash will show on the screen.

How should I care for my TAP card?

Treat it like a credit or debit card. Do not bend, puncture, wash or leave the card in the sun.

Can my card demagnetize in my wallet if it is next to my credit cards?

No. These cards are sturdy. You can keep your TAP card with your other credit cards and it will not be demagnetized.

How long will my TAP card last?

The TAP card itself is designed to last about 3 years; eventually, you'll need a replacement card.

Can I put an EZ transit pass on my TAP card?

Right now, no. But, we are part of a group of transit operators working to make this EZ transit pass available on TAP. Be on the lookout for information about EZ transit pass going to TAP in the future.