Riders across the Sacramento region now have a faster, easier way to pay for public transit. As of today, April 1, 2025, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has officially launched Tap2Ride, a new contactless fare payment system designed to streamline the experience of using buses, light rail, and paratransit services throughout the region.
With Tap2Ride now active, passengers can pay their fare by simply tapping a contactless debit or credit card, or a mobile wallet, on Tap2Ride readers installed on SacRT buses and SacRT GO paratransit vehicles. Supported payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li called the launch a significant step forward in the agency’s modernization efforts. “Tap2Ride is a major step in our mission to deliver innovative, efficient, and user-friendly transit services,” said Li. “We’re removing barriers to access, improving rider experience, and making fare payment faster and more secure.”
Tap2Ride is being introduced in two phases. Phase 1, now live, includes active Tap2Ride devices on all SacRT buses and paratransit services. Riders can also use contactless cards or wallets at fare vending machines at light rail stations. However, during this initial phase, the system does not yet support transfer discounts between bus and light rail. Those using both systems on the same trip will need to pay separate fares until the full integration arrives later this year.
Phase 2 of the rollout, expected in late 2025, will introduce Tap2Ride readers directly at light rail stations, enabling seamless fare transfers and fare capping across all modes. When completed, the system will allow riders to transfer between bus and light rail within a 90-minute window, with discounted transfer fees and fare caps, similar to the current Connect Card and ZipPass systems.
One of Tap2Ride’s standout features is its integration with Cal-ITP (California Integrated Travel Project), which allows eligible riders—including veterans, seniors aged 65 and older, and Medicare cardholders—to register for automatic 50% fare discounts. To access the reduced fares, participants register their payment method through benefits.calitp.org, selecting Sacramento Regional Transit District as their provider. The system securely verifies eligibility through databases like the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, linking it directly to the contactless card used to pay fares.
The new system also aligns with the California Digital ID Framework, emphasizing security and privacy in discount verification. SacRT has noted that while it traditionally offers discounted fares to those 62 and older, the Tap2Ride program follows the State of California’s standard of 65 and up for senior verification through the Cal-ITP system.
For many, the greatest appeal of Tap2Ride is its simplicity. There’s no need to carry cash, pre-load a transit card, or stop at a vending machine. Just tap and ride. If a rider uses the same contactless method across multiple trips in a day, future integration will allow for daily fare capping—ensuring they don’t pay more than necessary for multiple rides.
Riders who prefer to continue using the Connect Card or SacRT’s ZipPass app can still do so. The Tap2Ride rollout is designed to provide more flexibility and options, not to replace existing systems.
SacRT has said customer service representatives and street ambassadors will be available throughout April to assist riders with the new system and help those who qualify for discounts get signed up.
As the region continues to evolve its transit infrastructure, the launch of Tap2Ride marks a notable shift toward modern, tech-forward transportation. SacRT officials believe the system will not only improve rider experience but also reduce boarding times, increase reliability, and encourage more residents to choose transit as a convenient daily option.
More information, including FAQs and instructions on registering for discounted fares, can be found on the SacRT website at www.sacrt.com.
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