Validator technology began testing at LA Union Station earlier this spring.
Metrolink is upgrading the agency’s fare payment options this summer with the anticipated June launch of a contactless payments pilot on the San Bernardino Line. This new technology will allow customers to pay for their trip by tapping a credit card, mobile wallet or wearable device at station validators before boarding and upon exit – no ticket or app required. This change is part of Metrolink’s broader effort to modernize fare payments and reduce barriers to riding.
During the six-month pilot period, which will overlap with this summer’s FIFA World Cup, travelers will be able to use contactless payments between Los Angeles and San Bernardino as well as on the Arrow service connecting riders to Redlands. Free transfers to other transit services or Metrolink lines, everyday discounts, and SoCal Explorer Rewards points will not be available to users at this time.
Metrolink fares are distance-based, and tapping at boarding and exit allows the system to calculate the correct fare. A daily maximum will apply to customers who forget to tap out or whose one-way travel exceeds the cost of a SoCal Day Pass. While traditional ticketing options remain in place, this additional payment method offers greater flexibility and aligns Metrolink with many popular transit systems around the globe.
The pilot also represents an important step toward creating a more connected regional transit network. As agencies across Southern California explore similar payment systems, contactless technology can simplify travel across multiple services, creating a seamless experience for riders. Metrolink will monitor customer feedback and usage patterns and will use this information to shape how we continue to evolve our fare systems in the years ahead.
As we prepare for increased demand in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, initiatives like contactless payments will make transit more intuitive, flexible and responsive to the needs of our growing region. By removing friction and expanding options, we are making it easier than ever to choose rail.