The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) launched the regional Transit Access Pass (TAP) card on iPhone and Apple Watch. The new and safer way to pay transit fares allow Metro and 25 TAP transit agencies in L.A. County to offer easy, contactless bus and rail fare payment to riders.

With TAP card on iPhone and Apple Watch, riders can now hold their device near the TAP dial upon boarding a bus or train and fare is validated immediately. There’s no need to use Face ID, Touch ID, or wake the device.

The launch makes public transit traveling easier and safer because you can now buy fares and pay for your ride using only your iPhone or Apple Watch — in just seconds. Riders can also quickly add stored value directly from Apple Wallet or in the TAP mobile app with Apple Pay and riders no longer have to use or touch a TAP vending machine or purchase a TAP card from a vendor.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this new feature offers a great option for essential workers, honors social distancing with no bus operator interaction needed by the rider, and works on all TAP participating agencies, whether riders board at the front or at rear doors,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington.

Adding a TAP card to your iPhone or Apple Watch is easy. Either add the card directly through Apple Wallet and load stored value or download the TAP mobile app for easy account management, regional trip planning, and access to all passes, including Metro Bike Share. The TAP app also supports Reduced Fare, Low Income Fare is Easy, and cash paying customers. And, riders can transfer an existing physical TAP card to their iPhone or Apple Watch via the TAP app.