L.A. DOT joins area smart card system

This new expansion makes Los Angeles the largest regional smart card operation in the U.S., according to Jane Matsumoto, deputy executive officer at Metro.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

July 30, 2012

1 min to read

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is the newest member of the regional TAP smart card system in Los Angeles County designed and delivered by Cubic Transportation Systems Inc., a business segment of San Diego-based Cubic Corp.

The TAP system is an initiative of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), which developed and manages the regional automated transit revenue collection system. LADOT is the 12th transit operator in the region to join TAP and is the second largest bus operator on TAP, after Metro.

The DOT runs the DASH and Commuter Express Transit bus fleets serving the downtown Los Angeles area and outlying major urban centers.

LADOT is an integral participant in the TAP system and the region, operating over 300 vehicles, and bringing the total number of vehicles in the region on TAP to 4,435. This new expansion makes Los Angeles the largest regional smart card operation in the U.S., according to Jane Matsumoto, deputy executive officer at Metro.

Cubic integrated the onboard smart card validators independently from the cash collecting fare boxes that allow LADOT customers to “tap and go.” Value stored on the card can be used on LADOT buses as well as other TAP-enabled buses run by Metro and other agencies in the Los Angeles region allowing patrons to use one card for completely seamless travel.

Topics:Cubic expansion fare collection Los Angeles transit programs smart cards Bus

More Bus

Bus•by Staff•April 16, 2026

MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network

The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.

A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.

Bus•by Staff•April 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Bus•by Alex Roman•April 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Management•April 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Management•April 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Management•by Staff•April 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Bus•by Staff•April 1, 2026

Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities

Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Bus•by Staff•March 31, 2026

ENC Named 'Partner of Choice' to Support Philadelphia SEPTA’s $43M FTA Grant

SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.

Cover photo for Bus Tech Talk with Cecil Blandon

Management•by Alex Roman•March 27, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.

View All →