LA Metro Expands Fairer Fare System to More Stations
Metro adds TAP-to-Exit requirement at Pomona North, North Hollywood, Union Station
Metro Expands TAP-to-Exit to Three LA Stations
Metro riders at three Los Angeles stations now must tap their TAP cards twice per trip following expansions announced November 17. The TAP-to-Exit program reached Pomona North Station and restarted at North Hollywood and Union Station, requiring passengers to tap when entering and exiting to ensure accurate distance-based fares. Metro officials said the expansion continues the agency's push to implement the system at all end-of-line stations by year's end.
Distance-Based Fare System Rolls Out Gradually
The TAP-to-Exit program calculates fares based on how far riders travel rather than charging a flat rate for all trips. Metro initially launched the system at select end-of-line stations and has been gradually expanding throughout 2025, with Union Station's B and D Lines added February 18. Transit agencies nationwide have increasingly adopted distance-based fare systems to ensure riders pay proportionally to their actual usage. Officials said the approach makes fare payment more equitable across Metro's extensive rail network.
Three Stations Now Require Exit Taps
Pomona North Station joins the TAP-to-Exit network as a new location, while North Hollywood and Union Station see the program reinstated after previous implementations. Metro didn't specify why the system needed restarting at those two stations or whether technical issues caused earlier interruptions. The agency said passengers must remember to tap both when boarding and leaving trains at these locations. Officials warned that riders who forget to tap out may be charged maximum fares for their trips.
System-Wide Rollout Targeted for Late 2025
Metro plans to implement TAP-to-Exit at all end-of-line stations by December 2025, though officials haven't released a detailed timeline showing which stations will be added next. The agency said the expansion represents a significant milestone in modernizing fare collection across Greater Los Angeles. Transit officials didn't provide cost estimates for installing the necessary equipment at remaining stations. The system requires additional card readers at station exits and backend technology to calculate distance-based fares accurately.
Riders Must Adapt to Two-Tap Requirement
Passengers using Pomona North, North Hollywood, and Union Station should remember to tap their TAP cards when exiting to avoid maximum fare charges. Metro officials said the change improves fare accuracy and ensures riders pay only for the distance they travel. The agency didn't specify whether station staff will be available to assist riders adjusting to the new requirement. Moovit provides real-time updates for Metro rail lines and can help riders plan trips across the expanding TAP-to-Exit network.
