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Tap2Ride – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions 

  1. What is Tap2Ride? 
    Tap2Ride is a contactless fare payment system that allows riders to pay for bus, light rail, and paratransit services using a contactless debit or credit card. 
  1. How does Tap2Ride work? 
    Simply tap your contactless debit or credit card on a Tap2Ride device when boarding a bus or SacRT GO paratransit vehicle. For light rail, use your contactless card at a fare vending machine to purchase a ticket. 
  1. Where can I use Tap2Ride? 
  • On buses and SacRT GO paratransit vehicles (Tap2Ride devices onboard) 
  • At fare vending machines at light rail stations 
  • Future expansion (late 2025) will include Tap2Ride devices at all light rail stations for direct contactless payment and transfer between light rail trains and buses.  
  1. When will Tap2Ride be fully available on light rail? 
    Phase 2, expected in late 2025, will introduce Tap2Ride devices at all light rail stations, allowing for seamless bus-to-light rail transfers. 
  1. Can I still pay with cash, Connect Card, or ZipPass? 
    Yes, Tap2Ride is an additional payment option. Riders can continue using cash, Connect Card, or ZipPass. 

Payment & Transfers 

  1. What types of payment cards can I use for Tap2Ride? 
    Any contactless debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) is accepted. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also supported. 
  1. Can I use my phone or smartwatch to pay? 
    Yes, you can use mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. 
  1. Do I need to register my card before using Tap2Ride? 
    No registration is required unless you are applying for a discounted fare. 
  1. How do transfers work with Tap2Ride? 
  • Currently (Phase 1): Transfers between bus and light rail are NOT available with Tap2Ride. But riders can use Tap2Ride to transfer between buses. 
  • Future (Phase 2 in late 2025): Tap2Ride devices at light rail stations will allow automatic fare transfers. 
  1. Why don’t transfers between bus and light rail work right now? 
    The technology needed to track transfers across different modes of transit will be implemented in Phase 2. 
  1. What happens if I forget to tap when transferring between buses? 
    Your transfer may not be recognized, and you may be charged another full fare. Always tap the same contactless card when boarding. 
  1. Can I add multiple people to my Tap2Ride payment? 
    No, each rider must use their own contactless payment method. Tap2Ride does not support multiple passengers on one card. 

Discounted Fares 

  1. Who qualifies for discounted fares with Tap2Ride? 
  • Seniors (65+) 
  • Veterans 
  • Persons with Disabilities (Medicare cardholders) 
  1. How do I apply for the discounted Tap2Ride fare? 
    Apply online at benefits.calitp.org and select “Sacramento Regional Transit District.” 
  1. Why is the senior discount age 65 instead of 62? 
    While SacRT offers discounts to seniors 62+, Tap2Ride is linked to the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP), which uses federal Social Security Administration data, where senior eligibility starts at age 65. 
  1. Do I need to apply for a discounted fare in person? 
    No. The application process is fully online, eliminating the need for in-person verification. 
  1. How long does it take for my discounted fare to activate? 
    Once approved, your discount should be linked to your contactless payment card within a few days. 
  1. How do I know if my discount is applied when I tap? 
    The Tap2Ride system will automatically charge the reduced fare if your contactless card is registered for a discount.