SacRT is set to introduce two major advancements in 2025: the Tap2Ride contactless payment system and a Veterans Discount Fare Pilot Program. These innovations will make transit fare payments more convenient while offering eligible veterans a 50% discount on Basic fares. 

Contactless Payment System: SacRT’s "Tap2Ride" system will simplify fare payments across our bus and light rail services, allowing riders to pay quickly with a contactless debit or credit card. The system integrates with The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) Benefits and web app, designed to securely verify discount eligibility for veterans and seniors (aged 65+). The app links discounts directly to a rider’s payment card, eliminating the need for in-person verification, simplifying the experience for eligible riders. 

Veterans Discount Fare Pilot Program: This pilot program offers discount fare for eligible veterans using contactless payments on SacRT buses and light rail. Veterans can begin early registration now at, with the discount program formally launching in early 2025. 

Military veterans can begin the pre-registration process now at the state website benefits.calitp.org, click the "Choose Your Provider" button. The state website is connected to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs database for easy eligibility verification.  

Benefits of Tap2Ride & Veterans Discount Program: 

• Enhanced Convenience: Riders can simply tap their payment card to ride, making transit fare purchases faster and easier. 

• Accessible Fare Discounts: Verified veterans and seniors (*aged 65+) can link their discount directly to their card, streamlining access to reduced fares. 

• Reduced Administrative Steps: The Cal-ITP web app simplifies discount eligibility verification, eliminating the need for in-person processing. 

The new “Tap2Ride” program aims to make fare payment easier, faster, and more accessible for all riders, allowing them to pay for bus and light rail fares with just a tap of their credit or debit cards that are pre-registered through the Digital ID Framework. SacRT riders who prefer to continue using their existing fare payment methods such as Connect Card or ZipPass will have that option as well.  

About Cal-ITP   The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) is a statewide initiative designed to modernize transit fare payment systems and improve the rider experience. Administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California State Transportation Agency, and the Department of Technology, Cal-ITP aims to create a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable transit system for all Californians.  

About Digital ID  The California Department of Technology (CDT) is responsible for the development, implementation, administration, and management of the California Digital ID Framework. The Framework is a collection of data, technology infrastructure, digital services, and governance that allows for secure, privacy-preserving, consent-based use of digital identities across California. The Digital ID Framework is designed to verify identity and prove eligibility for individuals in California using a single credential, a Digital ID.

* Note: although seniors aged 62 and older are eligible to receive discount fare under SacRT’s approved fare structure, the age qualification for senior citizenship in the State of California is 65. The Tap2Ride system links into the federal Social Security Administration database to confirm eligibility.