Metrolink Launches Contactless Payment Pilot Program

LOS ANGELES, CA — As Los Angeles prepares to host World Cup matches, Metrolink Wednesday launched a contactless fare payment pilot program intended to make it easier for visitors to use Southern California's transit network during the tournament.

The six-month pilot allows passengers to pay fares by tapping a credit card, debit card, mobile wallet or wearable device instead of purchasing tickets through a vending machine or mobile app.

Metrolink officials said the new payment option is designed to streamline travel during the World Cup, which begins Thursday and runs through July 19. Riders using the system also can connect with Metro's transit network, including special bus service to SoFi Stadium on match days.

"The timing of this pilot couldn't be better, as Southern California prepares to welcome the world over the next 39 days," Metrolink Board Director and Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval said in a statement.

The contactless payment option is currently available on Metrolink's San Bernardino Line and the Arrow rail service. Riders traveling between Los Angeles and Redlands can use the tap-on, tap-off system at participating stations.

Under the pilot program, fares are based on the distance traveled rather than traditional fare products. Day passes, monthly passes, discounts, free transfers and loyalty programs are not available through the contactless payment option, officials said.

Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Metrolink said riders using contactless payments will never pay more than the cost of a SoCal Day Pass in a single day. Daily fare caps are set at $15 on weekdays and $10 on weekends.

Customers who fail to tap out at the end of their trip will be charged $10.50, the maximum one-way fare on the San Bernardino Line. Riders also must use the same payment method when tapping on and off to avoid being charged for multiple incomplete trips.

The pilot was developed with support from the Southern California Association of Governments and the California State Transportation Agency as part of efforts to encourage transit use and improve regional mobility, officials said.

Metrolink operates a six-county passenger rail network with 67 stations in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties.

City News Service