The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, and City of San Luis Obispo Transit, are collectively launching Tap2Ride, a new contactless payment system designed to simplify how riders pay for public transit across San Luis Obispo County.
“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 SLOCOG Executive Director, Peter Rodgers.
Tap2Ride allows riders to pay their fare by simply tapping a contactless debit or credit card, accepting Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, along with Apple Wallet and Google Pay. The new system is part of California’s statewide transit modernization effort through Cal-ITP (California Integrated Travel Project), which aims to create a seamless and more user-friendly transit experience across regions.
“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,” said Deputy Director of Mobility Services for the City of San Luis Obispo, Jennifer Rice.
Tap2Ride introduces several new features designed to benefit riders:
- Tap and go convenience — no need for exact change or pre-purchased passes
- Flexible payment options — use cards, phones, or existing transit tools
- Automatic fare capping — riders never pay more than the cost of a daily, multi-day, or monthly pass when using the same payment method
- Faster boarding — reducing wait times and improving service reliability
Payment readers have been installed on both RTA and SLO Transit buses throughout the county. Riders simply tap once when boarding to pay the transit fare. All existing payment options will remain on buses, and discount fares will continue to be available for eligible riders, including adults 65 plus and Medicare cardholders through Cal-ITP Benefits.
“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 RTA Executive Director, Geoff Straw.
The Cal-ITP Tap2Ride program is funded through the Senate Bill (SB) 125 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) which was created to grow transit ridership and improve rider experience.
Tap2Ride is anticipated to be available on public transit in San Luis Obispo County beginning Monday, April 6th, 2026. All existing payment options, including cash, bus passes, and mobile ticketing, will continue to be accepted.
This new system represents a significant step forward in improving access to transit, supporting regional mobility goals, and creating a more connected transportation network across San Luis Obispo County. Residents are invited to visit the Tap2Ride website for more information about how to access and use the Tap2Ride system.
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