Los Angeles Metro resumed the Tap-to-Exit program this week at North Hollywood (B Line) and Union stations (B and D Lines) after a four month pause while simultaneously launching it at the Pomona North Station.
This means that Metro riders will now need to use their TAP (Transit Access Pass) cards at faregates/validators when both entering and exiting any of these three stations. This past summer, newer, taller faregates were added in North Hollywood to prevent fare evasion.
Tap-to-exit programs have been utilized in other major transit systems around the world, including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA.
The program initially launched at the valley station in May 2024 with the aim of decreasing crime on Metro trains and buses. In just the first month, 15,000 unpaid rides were identified and paid for upon exit, resulting in an 11% increase in fare compliance.
Metro reported a 12% decrease in crime and 90% reduction in loitering at the station. They also found that throughout the B Line, which ends in North Hollywood, crime and other issues – including drug use, fights and graffiti – dropped by 40%.
The program was expanded in February to include Union Station, but it was paused by Metro in July after the LA Fire Department raised concerns about potential bottlenecks in emergency situations. Metro said they can now remotely open the gates in case of an emergency.
Metro also has another program called LIFE, to help low income riders, providing 20 free rides per month and unlimited rides for the first 90 days.
To learn more about LIFE and to see if you qualify, go to https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/life/