Building on the success of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) TAP-to-Exit Pilot at its North Hollywood B Line station, Metro is expanding the program to all 10 end-of-line stations, beginning with the E-Line’s Downtown Santa Monica station.

Due to its effectiveness in limiting unauthorized use, TAP-to-Exit is a common fare compliance practice around the world and in major transit systems across the nation, including Bay Area Rapid Transit, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority.

Data Leads to Expansion

Data from Metro’s three contracted law enforcement partners revealed that up to 94% of individuals arrested on the system for violent crime do not possess valid fare or even a TAP card, which is required to ride on Metro trains and buses.

By expanding the Tap-to-Exit program, Metro aims to prevent unauthorized use and maintain a safe environment for everyone.

The TAP-to-Exit pilot received positive feedback from Metro riders. 

In less than two months, the North Hollywood station pilot transformed behavior along the 14 B-Line stations with reported crime and other issues (fights, drug use, and graffiti) having dropped by more than 40% on the Transit Watch app.

In an ongoing survey of North Hollywood riders, 91percent stated that this pilot made the station feel cleaner and 86% stated that this pilot has made them feel safer. 

Tap-to-Exit in Phases

The expanded TAP-to-Exit program will be implemented with an emphasis on an education-first approach.

Outreach began earlier this month, including distribution of 25,000 multilingual brochures, comprehensive coverage of Metro Ambassadors, and TAP Blue Shirts to assist with loading fares, as well as representatives from Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program to enroll on the spot income-qualified riders.

The education period will last until the second week of September, after which citations could be issued for those who evade fare. Those who didn’t tap to begin their trip will automatically have the fare taken from their TAP card when they tap out.