TAPpity TAP TAP

Two things bother me about riding the train. 

1. You need a paper ticker for each fare you purchase
2. Having to carry a token or exact change (or take out credit cards at shady dark stations with no security)

I thought about buying a pass, but I don't use it enough to make that worthwhile. And all my reading about the TAP told me that it was only a semi-permanent replacement for paper passes, and when trying to purchase online, your only option is monthly passes.

So I asked a customer at the shop when I saw hers, "Why don't they offer a TAP where you put money on, and it comes out each time you tap?" She's from Chicago, and we reminisce a moment about their real transit system, as opposed to LA's... and she tells me that drivers often say, if hers didn't validate on the first tap, "Maybe you don't have enough money on it?"

I decided to dig deeper and the following is an exchange that took place between myself and the TAP customer service:

I want to buy a TAP card and keep a balance on it that will be debited each time I tap and ride. Is this possible? When I go to buy one, it only allows me to add a monthly pass, and I do not want that.

Dear Customer,

Cash value is available on TAP, however, you may only add cash value on to your card at the following transit centers: Foothill, Norwalk, Gardena, Antelope Valley, Culver City, Santa Clarita and the Montebello Bus Line. No additional information has been released about cash value online.

Thank you for contacting the Regional TAP Service Center

Thank you for the quick response. I have an additional question; when the TAP card is used in this capacity at the Metro train stations, are you still required to take a paper ticket?

Dear Customer,

No, If you have a valid pass on your TAP card and validate your card, you do not print out a paper ticket.

Thank you,

Regional TAP Service Center

866-TAPTOGO (866-827-8646)

http://www.taptogo.net/

I understand that, but in this case it will not have a pass, but rather a value added that will be debited at each fare. So will I still need to obtain a paper ticket if a TAP is used to purcahse individual fares?

Dear Customer,

No, you do not have to print out a ticket, the validator will automatically deduct the proper fare(1.25) from your card. In case a Sheriff request to check your card, the last transaction will post on the card, it will notify them when and where you paid.

Thank you,

Regional TAP Service Center

866-TAPTOGO (866-827-8646)

http://www.taptogo.net/

Problem solved. I purchased it today with a $20 balance from the Norwalk Transit Center. There was no charge for the card either, whereas it is $2 online...