County launches new Tap2Ride transit payment system
– The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, and the city of San Luis Obispo Transit will launch a new contactless payment system designed to simplify transit use across San Luis Obispo County.
The system, called Tap2Ride, allows riders to pay fares by tapping a contactless debit or credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, as well as Apple Wallet and Google Pay. Officials said the system is part of the California Integrated Travel Project, a statewide effort to modernize transit payments and improve user experience.
“With Tap2Ride, transit operators are working together to make it easier than ever to use public transit in San Luis Obispo County. This system removes barriers, simplifies payment, and helps more people choose transit for everyday trips,” said Peter Rodgers, executive director of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments.
Jennifer Rice, deputy director of mobility services for the city of San Luis Obispo, said the system is intended to improve accessibility and convenience.
“We’re thrilled to roll out the Tap2Ride payment system in partnership with RTA, making transit more convenient and accessible for everyone in our community,” Rice said.
The system includes tap-and-go fare payment without the need for exact change or pre-purchased passes, multiple payment options including cards and mobile devices, automatic fare capping to ensure riders do not pay more than the cost of a daily, multi-day, or monthly pass when using the same payment method, and faster boarding to reduce wait times.
Payment readers have been installed on buses operated by the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority and the city of San Luis Obispo Transit. Riders will tap once when boarding to pay fares.
Existing payment methods, including cash, bus passes, and mobile ticketing, will remain available. Discount fares will continue for eligible riders, including adults 65 and older, and Medicare cardholders through the California Integrated Travel Project benefits program.
“Tap2Ride makes trips more convenient and makes transit an easier option for locals and visitors. By giving riders the ability to tap and ride using the cards they already carry, RTA is removing barriers and creating a welcoming and inclusive transit experience,” said Geoff Straw, executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority.
The program is funded through Senate Bill 125 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which aims to increase ridership and improve transit service.
Tap2Ride is scheduled to become available on public transit in San Luis Obispo County beginning April 6.
