How to Ride the Metro A Line: Step-by-Step Guide

 Author:David-Earl Russell, LA Metro

Excited to ride from the new A Line stations?

If it’s your first time, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

This simple step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to plan your trip, pay with TAP, and ride confidently.

If you prefer to watch a short video with all you need to know, tap the video below:

https://youtu.be/a8KnOqdRwDs?si=ndnOr07jrGeBUVu0

Here is the Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1. Plan Your Trip

Here are some tools you can use to find which train or bus routes can take you where you need to go:

•  Google Maps
•  Apple Maps
• Transit Trip Planning Website
  • Get the app from the Apple App Store
  • Get the app on Google Play

With all these options, enter the location you are starting from (such as your home address) and where you want to go. 

For Google Maps and Apple Maps, select "directions" and tap on the transit icon 🚍 to see your bus and rail options, with travel times and routes.

Step 2. Get a TAP Card or App

• You need a TAP card or the TAP app to pay.
• Buy a TAP card at a TAP vending machine in the station.
• You can also download the TAP app on your phone to pay that way.
• Remember: One-way transfers within 2 hours are free on Metro.

Click here for the detailed guide: How to Pay to Ride the Metro A Line.

Step 3. Arrive Early

• Get to your station about 10 minutes early. 

Check out our A Line Station Guides for each of the new A Line stations:

• Glendora Station Guide
• San Dimas Station Guide
• La Verne/Fairplex Station Guide
• Pomona North Station Guide

These guides tell you where the stations are, how to get to the stations (walking, biking, bus, and driving), parking information, and more.

Step 4. Tap to Enter

• When you approach the station, look for the turnstile.
• To pass through the turnstile, hold your TAP card or phone over the TAP dial on the right side of the turnstile (see image below for what this looks like).
• Walk through the turnstile to the left of the TAP dial.

The turnstile “TAP dial.”

Step 5. Wait Safely

• Stand behind the yellow safety line.
• Wait until the train makes a complete stop before boarding.
• If you see a Metro Ambassador, they are there to help. Ask them any questions you have. 

Metro Ambassadors are here to help.

Step 6. Board the Train

• Let other people exit the train first.
• Get on the train through any open doors.
• If you are taking a bike onto the train, look for and use the train doors with a yellow bike sticker next to them.
• Take a seat anywhere.
• Leave signed priority seats for seniors or people with disabilities
• If you stand, hold onto handrails or straps.
• Don’t block the doors.

Step 7. Ride to Your Stop

• Watch and listen for your stop.
• When getting ready to leave:
• Gather all your belongings.
• If the train is crowded, move closer to the doors before it arrives.

Step 8. If You Need Help

• If you have safety concerns or questions, ask a Metro Ambassador. Look for Metro staff on train platforms and onboard trains and buses.
• In an emergency:
• Call 911.
• Use the call button inside the train to reach the operator.
• At a station, use the emergency intercom on the platform.
• You can also report issues with the Transit Watch App.

• The LA Metro Transit Watch app, available in English and Spanish, allows riders to quickly report safety, maintenance, cleaning, or quality-of-life concerns. You're never alone with Metro Security just a call or text away.

• Find it on the Apple App Store.
• Find it on Google Play.

That’s it!

Follow these steps to plan, pay, board, and ride the Metro A Line safely and easily.