Coming to L.A. Transit in 2018: Smartphone Fare Payment

Los Angeles is planning to join the ranks of cities that will allow transit fare payment by smartphone app. The scope of benefits offered by app-based fare payment is still under development.

1 minute read

January 7, 2018, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Metro Gold Line

Bruce C. Murray / Shutterstock

"Metro riders may soon have a new way to pay for trips on Los Angeles trains, buses, and shuttles: through a smartphone app," reports Elijah Chiland.

According to Metro spokesperson Rick Jager, cited in the article, Metro is planning on releasing the mobile payment app in Fall 2018. The new app could include additional "perks," such as "incentives for users choosing to ride public transit on smoggy days or a system by which riders could earn points or 'medallions' when paying for trips."

The article includes more detail about how Metro L.A.'s forthcoming mobile payment app might work. Denver and Portland have also recently allowed mobile ticketing payment.

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