Tap2Ride
Paying to ride just got easier with contactless payments with a Credit/Debit Card or a Mobile Device!
Riders can now use Tap2Ride - a secure contactless payment system available on Fixed Route Buses. No application or account needed!
HOW TO USE TAP2RIDE
- Look for the yellow payment device at the front of the bus when you board.
- Tap your contactless method over the pay symbol.
- Wait for the green "GO!"screen, your fare is paid.
Accepted Payment Methods
Tap2Ride:
- Bank Cards: Contactless Visa, Mastercard, & Discover (No Amex yet)
- Mobile Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay
Traditional Methods:
- Cash (Exact Change)
- VCbuspass & Single Ride Tickets
- Valid Free Fare Programs
FARES
Full Fare | $2.00 |
Reduced Fare (65+/Disabled/Medicare)* | $0.50 |
*For reduced fares on Tap2Ride, you must register your card first.
Fare Capping (Pay-As-You-Go)
Fare capping is a discount that ensures you never pay more than a 31-Day Regional Pass, no matter how many times you ride.
How it works:
1. Pay for each trip as you go. Card registration is ONLY needed for those who qualify for reduced fares.
2. Once you reach the Cap Limit (see below) within 31 days, the rest of your rides are FREE.
Monthly Cap Limit: $50.00
Reduced Fare Monthly Cap Limit: $25
3. Crucial Rule: You MUST use the exact same card/device for every tap to track your progress.
TRANSFERS (VALID FOR 2 HOURS)
Just tap the same card on the second bus. The reader will recognize your previous trip and automatically give you the ride for FREE.
This works on City of Thousand Oaks buses AND all other Ventura County regional services such as VCTC InterCity Buses, Gold Coast Transit, Moorpark Transit, Valley Express, and Simi Valley Transit.
TAP2RIDE FAQ's
- “Pay as you go” monthly caps (ride free after hitting $50 limit within 31 days)
- No exact change or special cards needed
- 1 Free Transfer (within 2 hours)
No. At this time, each rider must pay with their own contactless-enabled bank card or payment-enabled device.
Note: If you have both a physical card and a digital wallet version of that same card, they count as separate payment methods. This means you can use them for different riders - but each person must tap their own card or device.
No. Using Tap2Ride is the same as standard, one-way fares. Monthly fare cap discounts are available when you use the same debit/credit card to pay.
Yes. Tap-to-pay transactions are processed through the same secure networks used for all other Visa, Mastercard, and Discover transactions. Contactless cards are built on secure EMV® Chip technology, which has proven effective at reducing counterfeit fraud. Just like inserting your card, each EMV® contactless transaction delivers a dynamic, one-time code to the payment reader that protects payment information and authorizes the transaction with a single tap.
Fares are grouped and charged in one lump sum at the end of each day. Charges will appear as ‘CITY OF TO TAP TO RIDE.’
Depending on your bank’s processing time, you’ll typically see the final charge appear within 1 to 2 business days after you travel.
To view your recent rides on City of Thousand Oaks transit buses and see what you were charged, visit our Customer Transactions Inquiry Page or check your bank card statement.
If you believe a charge is incorrect, please wait until the final charge for the day appears on your statement. For questions or to dispute a charge, contact our customer support team at (805) 375-5467 or [email protected].
Yes! Tap2Ride is available on all Ventura County regional services, including Moorpark City Transit, VCTC Intercity, Camarillo Area Transit, Simi Valley Transit, Gold Coast Transit, and Valley Express.
Hours and Contact Information
Transportation Center:
Monday - Friday: 4:45 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Phone
(805) 375-5467
Phone Hours
Weekdays: 4:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Weekends: 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tell Us How We Did!
For complaints or commendations, please click here.
Holidays:
Modified Service Hours
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
No Service
Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
Payment Reader Tap2Ride
Payment readers are yellow devices at the front of City of Thousand Oaks buses that let you pay your fare with a tap of your contactless debit/credit card or device.
