SacRT’s Tap2Ride program offers a contactless fare payment system designed to simplify your transit experience. Riders can enjoy a faster, more convenient way to pay for bus, light rail, and paratransit services.

To ensure a smooth implementation, the Tap2Ride program is rolling out in two phases:

Phase 1: Starts Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Tap2Ride devices will be installed on buses and SacRT GO paratransit vehicles in March 2025, with the program officially launching on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

• Buses and SacRT GO Paratransit Services: Riders can use contactless debit or credit cards and mobile wallets on Tap2Ride devices installed on buses and SacRT GO shuttles to pay fares and transfer seamlessly between buses.
• Light Rail Stations: Contactless fare payment is available at fare vending machines located at all light rail stations. However, during this phase, fare transfer benefits between bus and light rail (90-minute window, 25-cent transfer fee, and unlimited rides between bus and light rail for the day) are not valid using contactless payment.

Phase 2: Expected in Late 2025

• New Tap2Ride Devices at Light Rail Stations: The program will expand to include new contactless fare payment devices at all light rail stations. Once this phase is complete, riders will be able to use contactless payment to transfer seamlessly between buses and light rail trains.

How Tap2Ride Works

On Buses and Paratransit Services: Tap your contactless debit or credit card or mobile wallet (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express) on a Tap2Ride device as you board.

On Light Rail: Use fare vending machines at light rail stations to pay with your contactless card or mobile wallet (Phase 1). Once Phase 2 launches, Tap2Ride devices at stations will allow full integration for transfers.

Important: To transfer between buses, be sure to use the same contactless payment method—the same card or smart device—throughout your trip.

Discounted Fares for Eligible Riders

Tap2Ride offers built-in support for fare discounts, making transit more affordable for:

• Seniors (65+ years old)
• Veterans
• Persons with Disabilities (Medicare cardholders)

Discounts are securely linked to your contactless payment card through the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) web tool/app. This process eliminates the need for in-person verification, so you can focus on your journey.

[Apply For Discounted Fare]

Benefits of Tap2Ride

✔ Speed and Convenience: Tap your card and go—no fumbling for cash or tickets.
✔ Secure Discount Verification: Easily link your payment card to your discount eligibility through the Cal-ITP web app.
✔ Flexibility: Riders can continue using other payment options, such as the Connect Card or ZipPass, if preferred.

How to Register for Tap2Ride Discounted Fare Payment

Eligible veterans, seniors (65+), and Medicare cardholders can receive a 50% discount on basic fares as part of Tap2Ride.

Register online at benefits.calitp.org and select "Sacramento Regional Transit District" as your provider.

• Veterans are verified through the Department of Veterans Affairs database.
• Seniors (65+) and Medicare cardholders will verify their identity using a state-issued ID through Login.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tap2Ride

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About Tap2Ride and Cal-ITP

The Tap2Ride system is part of the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP), a statewide initiative led by Caltrans, the California State Transportation Agency, and the Department of Technology. This project aims to modernize fare payment systems and enhance the transit experience for all Californians.

California Digital ID Framework

Tap2Ride uses the California Digital ID Framework, a secure, privacy-focused system that ensures discounts and fare payments are directly linked to your verified identity for a seamless and secure experience.

Note: While SacRT offers discounted fares to seniors aged 62 and older, Tap2Ride follows the State of California’s official senior age qualification of 65. The Tap2Ride system links into the federal Social Security Administration database to confirm eligibility.