A traveler looks at a 2026 FIFA World Cup poster at Los Angeles Union Station, the United States, on May 28, 2026. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
LOS ANGELES, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.
LA Metro officials said the new technologies are designed to create a more connected, convenient and user-friendly transit system for both residents and international visitors.
The new fare payment system allows riders to tap contactless credit or debit cards, digital wallets, or wearable devices at Metro fare gates and bus validators. Customers can also pay fares for up to four additional passengers using a single card.
LA Metro said the payment system is available across Metro services and participating regional transit agencies, helping reduce waiting times and speed up boarding.
At the same time, LA Metro introduced the first version of its Official LA Metro mobile app, which provides trip planning for Metro bus and rail services with real-time information and service updates.
LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said the new systems are intended to create a more seamless transit experience for both daily riders and visitors traveling to Los Angeles for major international events. ■
People walk past 2026 FIFA World Cup posters at Los Angeles Union Station, the United States, on May 28, 2026. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
A woman uses mobile payment on her phone to pass through the fare gate at Los Angeles Union Station, the United States, on May 28, 2026. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
People walk past a 2026 FIFA World Cup poster at Los Angeles Union Station, the United States, on May 28, 2026. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
A staff member shows 2026 FIFA World Cup TAP Card Collection at Los Angeles Union Station, the United States, on May 28, 2026. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
Photo taken on May 28, 2026 shows 2026 FIFA World Cup posters on the building of Los Angeles Union Station, the United States. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) on Thursday launched a new official mobile app and contactless fare payment system across Los Angeles County ahead of major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)