LOS ANGELES – Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, is making it easier for new, occasional, and visiting riders to use the system with the launch of contactless payments on the San Bernardino Line and Arrow service. Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now simply tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting. The six-month pilot program offers a convenient, pay-as-you-go option that eliminates the need to visit a ticket machine or download the Metrolink Mobile App to utilize the service.

This marks a significant step in modernizing fare payments and advancing a more seamless regional transportation experience ahead of increased travel demand during FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches and festivities, beginning tomorrow and running through July 19. Contactless users will also have the option of tapping onto LA Metro’s transit system, including special bus service to Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) on game days. The county agency rolled out its own contactless payments system last month.

“The timing of this pilot couldn’t be better, as Southern California prepares to welcome the world over the next 39 days,” said Metrolink Board Director and Mayor of Pomona Tim Sandoval. “The San Bernardino Line and Arrow extension to Redlands serve one of Metrolink’s highest-ridership corridors, and contactless payments will make it easier and more convenient for locals and visitors along the line to join in the excitement of this generational event, whether attending matches in Los Angeles or heading to official fan events, including one next month at the Fairplex in Pomona.”

This pilot program was developed with support from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and is part of a broader strategy to make mass transit a more competitive choice for travelers. Innovations like contactless payments, which have been shown to meaningfully increase public transit use and reduce vehicle miles traveled, are critical to meeting the state’s ambitious climate and mobility goals and complement ongoing efforts to drive equity, efficiency, and sustainability at the state and local levels.

“Contactless payments through the California Integrated Travel Project will simplify the rider experience and make transit an easier option, helping reduce congestion in heavily traveled regions like Southern California,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “With millions of trips expected during FIFA World Cup 2026, making investments in regional systems like Metrolink is more important than ever.”

During the pilot, contactless payments will operate on a distance-based, pay-as-you-go model. Customers will be charged based on the stations where they tap on and off, rather than purchasing traditional fare products. Day Passes, Flex Passes, and Monthly Passes are not available through the contactless payment option. Discounts, free transfers and loyalty points are also not currently supported during the pilot. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Metrolink fares are distance-based, with riders charged only for the distance they travel. To provide cost certainty, contactless payment users will never pay more than the price of a SoCal Day Pass in a single day, with daily fare caps set at $15 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. If riders forget to tap out, they will be charged $10.50, the maximum one-way fare for the San Bernardino Line. Customers must also use the same credit card, debit card, mobile wallet or wearable device at validators on both ends of travel. For example, if a rider uses a physical credit card at boarding, they must close the loop by tapping out with that same physical card upon arrival. Combining different payment methods within a single journey will register as two separate, unfinished trips, resulting in two charges of the one-way maximum of $10.50.

Metrolink will use customer feedback and operational data gathered throughout the pilot period to evaluate future enhancements, supporting a better, more intuitive user experience. For additional information and to learn more about contactless payments, schedules, and fares, visit metrolinktrains.com/contactless.