When it comes to transit, TAP is the answer.

What is a TAP card?

The Transit Access Pass or "TAP" card is a reloadable microchip-imbedded, plastic fare card that you can use month after month to ride City of Santa Clarita Transit local and commuter services. Simply tap the card on the farebox when you board. In addition, your TAP card, when loaded with the right fares or passes, is valid on other participating public transit systems. Your TAP card stores your pass information and account balance. There is no need for a new TAP card each month because your monthly pass or cash is loaded onto your existing TAP card every time.

Where else can I use my TAP card?

Your TAP card will work on all City of Santa Clarita Transit routes, on all METRO bus and rail lines, Culver Citybus, Norwalk Transit, and Foothill Transit. Over the next two years, more municipal transit operators will accept TAP as well. TAP can store different types of passes, zone stamps and an account balance to make travel easy for all riders throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Why the move to TAP?

Aside from connecting more of L.A. County's bus and rail lines under one payment method...

It's SMART – Your TAP card actually remembers how much money you have stored on it.
It's SIMPLE – With TAP, all you do is tap the farebox upon boarding the bus and go.
It's SECURE – Sign up for free Balance Protection and your TAP card can be replaced if you lose it. You don't need to carry cash.

When will the City of Santa Clarita Transit fareboxes accept TAP?

Beginning July 1, 2009, City of Santa Clarita Transit will begin accepting TAP. While we will be phasing in our full compliment of bus passes over the next year or so, we will be selling and honoring cash and Santa Clarita local service full fare and reduced fare monthly passes first.

Where can I get a TAP card?

Beginning June 15, 2009, you can purchase and/or load your TAP card at the following locations:

City of Santa Clarita City Hall, 1st Floor Cashier 23920 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 294-1287 7:30am-5:30pm M-Th, 8:00am-5:00pm F ACCEPTS CASH, CHECK, OR CHARGE CHECK ONLY	City of Santa Clarita Transit Maintenance Facility 28250 Constellation Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 294-1287 8:00am-5:00pm M-F ACCEPTS CASH OR CHECK ONLY
Saugus Drugs & Hallmark 27641 Bouquet Canyon Rd Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (661) 296-3980 8:00am-8:00pm M-F 9:00am-5:00pm Sat. 10:00am-3:00pm Sun. ACCEPTS CASH OR CHECK ONLY	Santa Clarita Aquatic Center 20850 Centre Pointe Pkwy Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (661) 250-3700 Please call for updated hours of operation as they vary during the summer and winter season. ACCEPTS CASH, AND CHECK

For extended TAP sales hours and locations, please visit www.santaclaritatransit.com.

How do I use TAP?

It's easy! Simply tap your card on the City of Santa Clarita farebox. You will hear a "beep" and a message will tell you that your fare has been paid and deducted from your card. You are now free to board. Fast and easy. Remember to add either a cash amount or a valid pass to your TAP card before boarding – it will up take up to 2 days for your new fares and passes to register on your TAP card, so plan ahead.

What is a cash purse?

A cash purse, also called stored-value, is basically cash. You can load money in a specific dollar amount on your TAP card. It's like buying a gift certificate. When you board the bus, your fare is deduced from your balance leaving the remaining value on the card. No more fumbling for exact change or bills when you board the bus. Just tap and go! You can reload your cash purse at City Hall or the Transit Maintenance Facility.

Can I put a monthly pass on my TAP card?

Yes, you will be able to put a monthly pass on your card. In the beginning, only local monthly will be available. As we progress, more passes may be available. In the meantime, we will still be selling paper passes until they are available on TAP as well.

How do I add another pass and/or value to my TAP card?

You will be able to load your Santa Clarita pass or cash at City Hall and the Transit Maintenance Facility.

What if I accidentally tap my card twice on the farebox target?

Don't worry. The system was designed to not deduct two fares in a short period of time, just in case it gets tapped twice. If you would like to use your cash purse to pay for a second person, you will need to let the driver know so that they may instruct the farebox to deduct a second payment.

Can I let others use my TAP card?

No. You are the only person authorized to use your TAP card.

How do I transfer to other transit systems using a TAP card?

When transferring from City of Santa Clarita Transit to another transit system, tap your TAP card to pay the base fare. Ask the driver for an Inter-Agency transfer and tap your card again to pay for the transfer. The driver will then give you a paper transfer. If you do not have cash loaded onto your TAP card, ask the driver for an Inter-Agency transfer and drop the correct fare into the farebox. The driver will then give you a paper transfer.

How do I transfer from a municipal line to Metro?

Simply tap when you board. Your TAP card is valid on any bus or train operated by Metro as long as a valid pass or cash is loaded on your TAP card.

What is Balance Protection?

Balance Protection lets you report and replace a lost or stolen TAP card. Once reported, your card will be replaced for a small fee with its remaining balance or pass information intact. To activate Balance Protection on your card, call 1-800-TAPTOGO or sign up online at taptogo.net.

How do I sign up for Balance Protection?

If you bought your TAP card online at www.taptogo.net, you are already enrolled. If you bought your card at City Hall or the Transit Maintenance Facility, call 866-TAPTOGO or sign up online at www.taptogo.net to sign up for Balance Protection.

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Report your lost or stolen card online or call 1.866.TAPTOGO. If you are signed up for Balance Protection, we will restore your card balance and/or pass information, and mail you a new card for a $2 fee. If you are not signed up for Balance Protection, we cannot replace your lost cash or pass, but you can obtain a new card for a $2 fee.

How do I know how much cash I have left on my card?

When you tap your card on the farebox, a message will be displayed on the screen showing you the fare amount that was taken off and your remaining balance. Don't worry if you miss it, you can press the button to the right, tap your card and your available cash will show on the screen.

How should I care for my TAP card?

Treat it like a credit or debit card. Do not bend, puncture, wash or leave the card in the sun.

Can my card demagnetize in my wallet if it is next to my credit cards?

No. These cards are sturdy. You can keep your TAP card with your other credit cards and it will not be demagnetized.

How long will my TAP card last?

The TAP card itself is designed to last about 3 years; eventually, you'll need a replacement card.

Can I put an EZ transit pass on my TAP card?

Right now, no. But, we are part of a group of transit operators working to make this EZ transit pass available on TAP. Be on the lookout for information about EZ transit pass going to TAP in the future.

I purchased a TAP card and loaded cash stored value and/or a transit pass. I no longer need it, can I get a refund?

Cardholder's are not entitled to a refund of Transit Stored Value balance, pass products, or Transit Stored Rides. In addition, Transit Stored Value balance, pass products, or Transit Stored Rides cannot be refunded or exchanged for an alternate product. Sales are final. Please see TAP Cardholder License Agreement.

What are the terms and conditions for using my TAP card?

Your first use of the TAP card signifies your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed in this TAP Cardholder License Agreement.