Making Contactless Fare Payments on BBB

Save with Contactless Fare Payments!

Contactless is the safer, faster, and more convenient and economical way to pay your fare. Customers who make contactless payments with a TAP card or mobile ticket can ride BBB for just $1.10 one-way, which includes two (2) hours of free BBB to BBB transfers.

There are two (2) ways to make contactless fare payments on Big Blue Bus:

• TAP
• Mobile Ticket

Need help deciding which contactless option is best for you?

Let's talk about it! Make an appointment to see us at Blue: The Transit Store, or call Customer Service at (310) 451-5444. We'll explain how contactless payments work on Big Blue Bus, and help you get on your way without cash. Schedule your appointment now at: santamonica.gov/appointment.

TAP

TAP eliminates the burden of carrying exact change, by offering a single, durable and reusable card that works as your transit pass.

TAP cards are secure and smart, and can be loaded with Stored Value (valid on any TAP-participating transit agency) or a Big Blue Bus pass for seamless travel throughout the Westside and LA County.

What’s Stored Value?

Stored Value is a specified amount of money that you load onto your TAP card. (It's similar to how you might load cash onto a prepaid gift or debit card, except this card pays for your transit rides!) When boarding a bus or train, simply use your pre-loaded card to pay your fare - the cost of the ride is automatically calculated and deducted from the balance on your card.

Stored Value is accepted on 26 TAP-participating transit agencies in LA County, including Big Blue Bus, Metro, Culver CityBus, and Foothill Transit. For a complete list of agencies that accept TAP, visit: taptogo.net/TAPAgencies

How do I pay with Stored Value on Big Blue Bus?

That’s easy! As soon as you board the bus, look for the validator on your right-hand side (it’s a small black box with a blue circle that reads “TAP”). Hold your TAP card on or near the validator, until the screen on the validator turns green; if a red screen appears, that means you need to load your card with Stored Value, or a Big Blue Bus pass.

Need to transfer to a different agency to complete your trip? No problem! Use your Stored Value on your TAP card to transfer between agencies for just $0.50 (or $0.25 for Senior/Disabled/Medicare customers) -- you can read more about transfers here: bigbluebus.com/fares/interagency-transfers

Note: Youth and S/D/M customers must apply to receive a Reduced Fare TAP card, in order to receive a discounted rate on Big Blue Bus. Applications can be completed in-person or online, and eligible applicants typically receive their personalized card in the mail within 8 weeks. For more details, visit: bigbluebus.com/fares

How do I load Stored Value on my Card?

You can load Stored Value on your TAP card in several convenient ways:

Try the TAP app

You can now pay your fare on TAP using your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device instead of a physical card! Use the app to buy Stored Value and Big Blue Bus passes from anywhere, and pay on board with your mobile device. For more details, visit: taptogo.net/tap-app

Get free rides every month with the LIFE program

LA County residents may be eligible to receive 20 free rides on Big Blue Bus every month, through the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program. The LIFE program provides fare subsidies to low-income individuals that may be applied toward (1) the purchase of passes on Big Blue Bus (or any LIFE-participating transit agency), or (2) a free 20-Ride Regional Pass on TAP.

To learn more about the LIFE program, including eligibility and how to apply, visit: bigbluebus.com/life

Mobile Ticket

Mobile tickets offer an easy, convenient, and contactless fare payment option for Big Blue Bus customers. Tickets can be purchased through Transit (our official app), Token Transit, and coming soon other third-party apps available for iOS and Android smartphones. Big Blue Bus Single Rides and passes can be purchased in the app for immediate use or stored for future trips.

How do I pay with a mobile ticket on Big Blue Bus?

As the bus approaches, activate your mobile ticket in the app (note that an internet connection is required to purchase a mobile ticket). Once onboard, follow instructions in the app to validate your ticket with the validator (a small white and blue box located next to the farebox that reads “TT”), or by showing your ticket to the Operator.

Note: Big Blue Bus’s mobile tickets are designed to be clearly visible beyond 6-feet, making it easy for Operators to visually validate tickets at a safe distance.

If using the validator, it will beep to verify your ticket is valid, and your phone will flash green (Regular ticket) or blue (Reduced Fare ticket). If the validator does not beep, your ticket may be invalid, or you may be required to show your ticket to the Operator.

Watch how to buy and pay your fare with the Transit app:

Reduced Fare Mobile Tickets for Youth & S/D/M

Youth and S/D/M riders must visit Blue: Transit Store to verify eligibility for mobile ticket pass purchases, using one of the following valid forms of identification:

For more details about mobile tickets, visit: bigbluebus.com/eticket