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Tap to Pay on COTA

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    Move your way tap to pay

    Now Accepting

    You can now tap your smartphone, smartwatch or card to ride COTA. Whether you prefer cash, passes or digital payments, tap to pay is just one more way to ride COTA.

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    Board the Bus

    Look for the tap-to-pay symbol on the validator to your right.

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    Choose Your Payment

    Smartphone: Open Apple Pay®, Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay® and hold near the validator.
    Smartwatch: Double-click your side button (Apple Watch) or hold near the validator
    Card: Look for the tap-to-pay symbol on your credit or debit card.

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    Tap and Go

    Hold your device or card near the validator until you see the green checkmark and hear the confirmation sound.

    That’s it! Your two-hour transfer window starts automatically.

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    Fast & Easy

    No more searching for exact change or worrying about your wallet.

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    Secure

    Your payment information stays protected with advanced encryption.

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    Automatic Transfers

    Two-hour transfer windows apply automatically — just tap again when boarding and you won’t be charged if it’s within the two-hour window.

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    New, Yet Familiar

    Tap to pay is the same payment method you use at coffee shops, stores and restaurants.

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    Lowest Fare Guaranteed

    Tap to pay automatically applies fare capping, ensuring you never pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per calendar month on the same card.

    What payment methods are accepted?

    Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay digital wallets connected to a Visa or Mastercard.

    How does fare capping work?

    Fare capping ensures you never pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per calendar month. Fare capping is automatically applied when you tap in when boarding, but only when the same card or digital wallet is used. If multiple cards are used, or if the same card is used to pay with both a digital wallet and a physical card, fare capping will not be applied.

    Can I pay for a travel companion (child, spouse, etc.) using the same credit or debit card?

    No, due to fare capping, the credit or debit card may only be used for one customer. Smartcard family accounts are available for customers who would like to charge a single payment method for travel companions.

    Will customers who qualify for reduced fares still be able to receive their discount?

    Yes, customers already enrolled in the Reduced Fare Program can have their entitlement connected to the payment method associated with their digital account.

    Are transfers included with tap payment?

    Yes, two-hour transfers automatically apply after tapping. Customers will need to tap their payment method again when boarding, but will not be charged.

    Do Apple/Google/Samsung Pay digital wallets work without Wi-Fi?

    Yes, digital wallets work without a Wi-Fi connection, allowing customers with limited data plans to pay even without Wi-Fi.

    Is there a credit card transaction fee?

    No, there are no additional fees when you tap to pay. The fare charged on the validator is exactly the published COTA fare, with no service or processing fees added. We cover all processing fees so you never pay more than the standard bus fare.

    Can customers link a Day Pass or 31-Day Pass to their tap-to-pay method?

    Linking a pass is not necessary because tap to pay automatically applies fare capping, so you never pay more than $4.50 per day or $62 per calendar month.

    Will receipts be provided if requested?

    Printed receipts are not available on board the vehicle. Customers must contact the COTA Customer Care team to request a receipt. Customers who regularly need receipts should consider using the Transit app.

    What should I do if I was charged more than once?

    Contact COTA’s Customer Care team to resolve any payment disputes.