ENTap2Ride A Faster, Easier Way to Pay for Your Ride
Enjoy fast, contactless boarding and a seamless travel experience on high-floor light rail trains. Tap in, ride on, and discover the convenience of effortless commuting.
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: Available Now
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.
*Note: Make sure to use the same contactless fare payment method—the same card or smart device—to transfer between buses.
Light Rail:
- Contactless fare payment is available at fare vending machines located at all light rail stations. However, during this phase, the 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 Transfers:
- The program will expand to include contactless payment to transfer seamlessly between buses and light rail trains.
How Tap2Ride Works
Buses and Paratransit Services
Light Rail
AVAILABLE NOW: Tap your contactless debit, credit card
or mobile wallet (Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American
Express) on a Tap2Ride device as you board.
PHASE 1: Use fare vending machines at light rail stations
to pay with your contactless card or mobile wallet.
PHASE 2: Tap2Ride will allow full integration for transfers.
Speed & Convenience
Tap your card and go—no fumbling for cash or tickets with contactless fare.
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.
Contactless Fare Payment
Transfer Fare
Make sure to use the same contactless fare payment method — the same card or smart device — to transfer between buses.
Discounted Fare 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. This process eliminates the need for in-person verification, so you can focus on your journey.
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 here: benefits.calitp.org
- 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.
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 California Department of Technology (CDT). This project aims to modernize fare payment systems and enhance the transit experience for all Californians.
California State Digital ID Framework
Tap2Ride uses the California Digital ID Framework, a secure, privacy-focused system that connects discounts eligibility and fare payments with your identity verification process to streamline a seamless rider experience.
* Note: Although seniors aged 62 and older are eligible to receive discount fare under SacRT’s approved fare structure, the age qualification for senior citizenship in the State of California is 65. The Tap2Ride system links into the federal Social Security Administration database to confirm eligibility.