Tapp Pay FAQ

Valid as of May 15, 2021

Tapp Pay

Additional questions?
If you did not find the answer to your question here, contact RTA Customer Service 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (937) 425-8300.
Are receipts available for Tapp Pay purchases?
Receipts are available and sent from ‘ @email’, after loading funds onto your Tapp Pay account on Transit to the email provided. If you...
Are security protections in place to protect my personal information?
Yes. Tapp Pay is fully certified and compliant with Payment Card Industry Standards (PCI-DSS). All payment communications are fully encrypted via...
Are there any fees for using Tapp Pay?
NO. However, you may incur data usage fees via your cellular service provider for use of the application. RTA is not responsible for any mobile...
Are there refunds?
No. Funds loaded to your account are non-refundable and have no cash or credit value.
Can I move my Tapp Pay account from one device to another?
Yes, download the app to the new device and sign in to your account. Please note that your account can be active only on one device at a time.
Can I pay for more than one person with Tapp Pay? Does each customer need their own Tapp Pay account?
In order for fare capping to work, RTA requires that each customer has their own payment method. The only exception to this is for children aged 12...
Can I set up my Tapp Pay account to add funds automatically when my balance is running low?
At this time, we don't have the option to auto load an account.
Can I switch my Tapp Pay account value from one email to another? Or from the card to a phone account?
You can permanently transfer your balance from one email account to a new email account. Please contact RTA Customer Service at (937) 425-8300 for...
Do children traveling with me that are age 12 and under need fare?
No. However, if the children are age 12 and under but over 60 inches tall, you or the child are required to show proof of age.
Do I need a debit or credit card to use Tapp Pay?
No. You can add value to your Tapp Pay card or phone account with cash by visiting a payment kiosk or any retail location. A list of these locations...
Do I need to set up an account to be able to use Tapp Pay?
For card accounts, NO. However, the benefit of creating an account for your card is that should it ever be lost or stolen, the value in your account...
Does Tapp Pay replace existing payment methods for RTA services?
Yes, RTA will begin phasing out its existing payment system through the fare box, and customers will be exclusively using Tapp Pay to pay fare by the...
How can I check my Tapp Pay account balance?
You can check your balance by tapping the gear icon in the Transit app, or by calling RTA Call Center at (937) 425-8300. For cards, you can check your...
How does the driver know I have valid fare?
When you scan Tapp Pay on the payment reader, the driver will monitor the screen as you scan to verify it is a valid boarding.
I received an error message: “No tickets available for sale” or “Unable to Purchase Tickets”, what do I do?
This is caused by either the account or the smart phone being locked out from Tapp Pay, due to either security or fraud concerns. Contact RTA Customer...
I'm eligible for reduced fares. Can I use Tapp Pay?
Yes, when receiving your Tapp Pay card from the payment kiosk, you can select “Reduced” fare. In addition, when you create an account online for your...
If I am a Connect Paratransit customer traveling on a route bus, do I need fare?
No, you simply show your valid Connect Paratransit identification card and board at no charge. There is no need for you to tap your Tapp Pay card or...
Is there a minimum amount I can add to my Tapp pay account? Is there a maximum amount?
The minimum that may be added to your Tapp Pay account varies by whether you are using a card or phone to access Tapp Pay. With exception to Tapp Pay...
What happens if I forget my password?
If you select ‘Forgot Password’ during the login process, the email account that you are using will receive a link from ‘Katie from Transit’ with a...
What happens if I lose my smart phone or buy a new one?
If you need to change your smart phone (lost, theft, upgrade), you can transfer any valid, unused funds in your account to that phone if you have...
What happens if I lose my Tapp Pay card?
RTA is not responsible for lost or stolen cards. However, if you registered your card by creating an account at www.iriderta.org/tapp-payhub, call RTA...
What happens if my smart phone becomes inoperable (i.e. battery dead) prior to being able to use Tapp Pay?
Customers prior to boarding the vehicle, are responsible for providing a valid form of payment, ensuring an appropriate account balance, and having a...
What happens to my already purchased daily, weekly, or monthly pass in Tapp Pay?
These passes will continue to exist and can be used as long as they are valid. No new purchases of these fare types will be possible. It is strongly...
What is RTA Tapp Pay?
Tapp Pay allows you to load value and pay for RTA fare with a reloadable card or your smartphone from within the Transit app. Tapp Pay cards are...
What should I do if I lose my phone?
Your Tapp Pay account is not tied to your phone, once a new phone is logged in your account will move to your new device. In order to protect your...
What's fare capping?
Fare capping is available using Tapp Pay. Customers will be limited, or capped, in the amount they pay within a given timeframe once they have ridden...
When traveling on Connect Paratransit, does my Personal Care Attendant need fare?
No.
Where do I use my card or phone on an RTA vehicle?
When you board the vehicle, scan the mobile bar code on your phone on the oval shaped payment reader located at the front of the vehicle. When...
Why am I prompted for my CVV every time I purchase a pass?
This is a security measure to protect you in the event of a lost or stolen smart phone.
Why is my account showing my balance is negative?
RTA offers a “one more ride feature,” meaning your account can go negative by one or possibly two trips in order to ensure you are not stranded and...
Will my Tapp Pay account still work if I lose cellular or WiFi connectivity when boarding the vehicle?
Yes. Tapp Pay doesn’t require cellular or WiFi connectivity to activate and you will be able to show and display from the Transit app when boarding...
Will Tapp Pay remind me when my balance runs low?
When you board and scan your Tapp Pay barcode on the payment reader, it will provide two different types of messages which indicate that you need to...
Will Tapp Pay store my debit or credit card details?
No, but you have an option to store your debit or credit card details for future transactions. No payment details are stored on the device, but rather...

Bus Service

Are bicycles allowed on buses?
Every RTA bus has easy-to-use bike racks available all year round. Bicycles are welcome at no additional charge. Click here for more information.
Does RTA go to the Dayton Airport?
Yes. RTA has service to Dayton International Airport on Route 43 three times daily.
Does RTA provide service to Beavercreek?
Yes. Route 1 has stops at WSU and along Pentagon Rd, a major area which has shopping, education and health access.
How do I get service in my area?
RTA’s planning team assesses our service areas throughout the year. If you want RTA to provide scheduled service to an area that does not receive...
What bus goes out to The Greene Shopping Center?
Routes 11 and 12.
Where can I park and ride RTA?
There are 33 park and ride lots so people who do not live close to a bus stop may park their car in a lighted, maintained lot and ride the bus to work...
Why doesn't RTA provide door to door service at the Dayton Mall?
Dayton Mall is private property and has not given approval to RTA to provide service to the door of the mall because of the size of our fixed route...

Bus Stops

I have been using the same bus stop for a long time and it has been removed. Why?
RTA’s planning team assesses our service areas throughout the year. A stop may be removed or relocated because it may be to close to an existing stop...

Careers with RTA

How do I apply for a job posting?
You may apply for a posted job by visiting Careers or stopping by 600 Longworth Street, Dayton and completing an online application on the Kiosk.
How do I view what jobs are available for me?
Careers list current jobs open at RTA. You can stop by 600 Longworth Street, Dayton or call 937-425-8400 to check available positions.
I can get on the internet, but I don't have an e-mail address. Why do I need one?
You need an email address when applying for a job posting at i-riderta.org. An e-mail address serves as another way of contacting you. At times...
I don't have a computer at home. Where can I apply for jobs at RTA?
You can apply for a job with RTA by going to 600 Longworth Avenue between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Who can I contact with problems when I am applying?
You can contact Human Resources at 425-8400 or e-mail @email.

Customer Service

How can riders have a say in the way things are done at RTA?
By becoming a member of the Customer Advocacy Group (CAG). The agency encourages applications from any transit customer or organization interested in...
How do I complain or comment on something that happened to me on an RTA bus or at an RTA facility?
Here is your opportunity to praise us or speak us. If you need to complain or comment, this is your link: Customer Support (937) 425-8300.
How do I contact RTA departments?
Here is the list of key contacts and phone numbers: Fixed route information (937) 425-8300 Lost & Found (937) 425-8300 Paratransit reservations &...
How do I send you a complaint about service I have received?
Comments and Concerns Feedback will allow you to provide detailed information to our customer support team. Also, you may call our Customer Service...
Is there any way a new rider or someone with an impairment can learn to ride RTA?
RTA mobility travel trainers regularly work with groups or individuals to reduce the stress of learning to ride the bus. If you are new to the...
What are the hours of the RTA Customer Service Line?
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What happens to lost and found items?
Lost and found items collected during a scheduled route are held in an RTA storage area for a scheduled period of time based on the item lost (a...
What is the number to the RTA Customer Service Line?
RTA Customer Service Line: 937-425-8300.

Doing Business with RTA

Does RTA ever supply speakers for meetings at my business or organization?
Yes, RTA’s Speaker’s Bureau is designed to both foster transit use and provide other interesting speakers for local businesses or organizations. Our...
How can I do business with RTA if I have a service or product the agency might need?
The Procurement Department makes every effort to seek qualified businesses to purchase goods and/or services. It is RTA’s policy not to discriminate...
What if my business would like to support an RTA event?
RTA always looks for opportunities to partner with local businesses and organizations. Sponsors are an important foundation for the agency’s...

Fares and Passes

Can I purchase any pass at the Transit Vending Machines (TVM) located in the transit centers?
Yes. You can purchase: 31 Day; 7 Day; Day; Reduced Fare Day; Senior; and Disabled passes at any TVM.
Do you accept credit/debit cards for pass purchases?
It depends on the location that you visit to purchase your pass. Some accept credit/debit cards while others accept only cash. It is best to call the...
How do I get an RTA bus pass?
RTA bus passes can be purchased at retail outlets throughout Montgomery County. To find a location near you, please visit Fares and Passes or call 937...
I am certified to ride Paratransit. Can I ride fixed route free?
Yes. Please be prepared to show the operator your valid paratransit ID when you board.
I would like to know what form and/or process an individual with a disability would need to complete in order to get a reduced rate bus pass.
You must complete a paratransit application and get certification through the RTA Certification Center. For details and to apply, call the center at...

Financials

Are there any other types of programs used by RTA to raise revenue?
RTA has an innovative agreement with a vendor to sell on-bus audio advertising that generates revenue for the authority. Using the GPS system on buses...
Doesn’t my fare pay for the services RTA provides?
Your fare pays about 14% of the total amount needed to operate the agency. The Montgomery County Sales tax funds more than 50%; State of Ohio funds...
How big is RTA’s operating budget this year?
RTA’s 2018 operating budget is $66 million and is based upon keeping service, fares and costs at current levels.
How is RTA funded?
RTA receives funding from several sources: Montgomery County sales tax; Fares; the State of Ohio; the federal government.

General

Can anyone attend an RTA board meeting or board committee meeting?
Yes. All regular meetings of the Board of Trustees and committee meetings are open to the public. RTA has developed policy regarding public...
What does RTA do to provide amenities in its service area communities?
Each year, RTA uses a portion of its Federal transit funds for community transit stop enhancements, which is allowed by the Federal Transit...
Where do RTA riders go on the bus?
Sixty-two percent of RTA riders go to or from work; 15% ride to shop or attend social gatherings; 13% ride to schools, colleges, or universities. The...
Who is responsible for governing the RTA?
RTA is a public agency under Ohio law governed by nine trustees. Board members are appointed by Montgomery County, Dayton and Kettering.

Safety Concerns

How can I get a copy of the Facilities Code of Conduct?
Download a pdf version of Facilities Code of Conduct.
How can I get a copy of the Rule of the Road?
Download a PDF version of Rules of the Road.
There are a lot of students on my bus who are loud. What do I do?
Please notify your driver if a student or any passenger is loud or unruly. Our drivers are trained to handle safety and security issues. RTA has a...

Schedules, Maps and Alerts

How do I read a schedule?
Determine the direction of your trip and the day you will travel. The schedules are separated into Weekday, Saturday and Sunday service. Find the...
Where can I get a schedule for my bus?
Schedules can be picked up at any RTA Transit Center and at more than 80 locations, including hospitals, social service agencies and employment...

Seniors & Persons with Disabilities

Are there any routes designed to help senior citizens in the Dayton area?
The RTA has three bus routes designed to fit the special needs of seniors. Senior EZ Ride service provides a simple, recognizable and safe...
Can I ride a big bus if I’m in a wheelchair?
Absolutely. Every RTA fixed route bus accommodates at least two wheelchairs. Each bus accommodates at least two spaces designed for customers who use...
Can I take my dog on the bus?
Animals that are not service animals may ride on RTA if they are properly contained during the trip. Pet Carriers must be the same type used in...
How do I check on my recertification application?
You can call the Certification Center at 937-425-8444.
I am a senior with special needs. How do I become certified to receive door-to-door service?
RTA offers Paratransit service, a curb-to-curb transit service, to certified individuals with disabilities who are functionally unable to use regular...
I am certified to receive Paratransit services. Can I ride fixed route free?
Yes. Please be prepared to show the operator your valid paratransit ID when you board.
It is true that I can ride free on the big bus if I am a certified Paratransit customer?
Yes. Paratransit is the most expensive transit service we provide at RTA. In an effort to save money for our customers and the agency, RTA offers free...