Metro's Bill Pay Options and How They Work

Metro — the transit agency serving the Los Angeles area — lets you pay your bill through their website, by phone, or in person at customer service centers. The online method is fastest and available 24 hours. Phone payment takes about 10 minutes and connects you to a live representative. In-person payment at a Metro customer center requires a trip but lets you ask questions face-to-face and resolve issues on the spot.

Metro bills cover transit passes, TAP card balances, and outstanding fares. The payment methods Metro accepts depend on which bill type you have and which payment channel you choose. Understanding what each route requires and how long it takes helps you pick the one that fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Metro's online bill pay portal at metro.net is open 24 hours and accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers.
  • Phone payment through Metro's customer service line (323-GO-METRO or 323-466-3876) connects you to a representative who can answer questions while you pay.
  • In-person payment at a Metro customer service center accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card, and lets you resolve billing disputes when ready.
  • Online and phone payments usually post to your account within one to two business days; in-person cash payments post the same day.
  • If you pay by mail, include your account number and allow five to seven business days for the check to arrive and post.

Paying Online Through Metro's Website

Go to metro.net and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Account" section in the top navigation. You will need your Metro account number, which appears on your bill or in your TAP card account if you registered it online. Enter your account number, then the amount you want to pay.

Metro's online portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as debit cards. You can also pay directly from a checking or savings account using your routing number and account number. The system will ask you to confirm the amount and your payment method before processing. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

Payments made before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time usually post within one business day. Payments made after midnight may not process until the next business day. Metro does not charge a fee for online bill pay, though your bank or card issuer may charge a fee if you use a credit card (some treat it as a cash advance).

Paying by Phone With a Metro Representative

Call Metro's customer service line at 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876). The line is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay.

Have your debit card or credit card ready. Metro accepts the same card types as the online portal — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The representative will walk you through the payment, read back the amount to confirm, and give you a confirmation number. Write down or remember this number in case you need to reference the payment later.

Phone payments also post within one to two business days. This method is useful if you have questions about your bill, want to set up a payment plan, or prefer talking to a person. Wait times vary depending on call volume, especially near bill due dates.

Paying in Person at a Metro Customer Service Center

Metro operates customer service centers at Union Station (downtown Los Angeles), the Metro Customer Center at 1 Gateway Plaza (also downtown), and several other locations. Check metro.net for the full list of centers and their hours, which vary by location. Most are open weekdays during business hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Bring your bill or account number and your payment method. Metro accepts cash, personal check, debit card, and credit card at in-person locations. If you pay by check, make it out to "Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority" or "LACMTA." Cash payments post the same day; card and check payments post within one to two business days.

In-person payment is the best option if you want to dispute a charge, ask about a payment plan, or need help understanding your bill. Representatives can often resolve issues on the spot and may be able to waive late fees or set up a payment arrangement if you explain your situation.

Paying by Mail

Write a check or money order payable to "Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority" or "LACMTA." Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address listed on your bill — this is usually the Metro billing office address, which you can also find on metro.net.

Mail payment takes five to seven business days to arrive, plus one to two business days to post once Metro receives it. This means your payment may not show up in your account for up to nine days. If your bill is due soon, mail is the slowest option. Use mail only if you do not have access to online, phone, or in-person payment, or if you prefer paying by check.

What Happens If Your Payment Is Late

Metro bills typically have a due date printed on the statement. If you miss the due date, Metro may charge a late fee, which varies depending on your bill type and the amount owed. Late fees are usually a percentage of the balance or a flat amount — check your bill or call customer service to find out what applies to you.

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact Metro customer service before the important date. Representatives can sometimes set up a payment plan, extend the due date, or waive a late fee if you explain your situation. Calling ahead is much better than paying late and dealing with fees afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so my bill pays itself each month?

Metro does not currently offer automatic recurring payments through their website or phone system. You must make each payment manually. However, some banks let you set up automatic bill pay on their end — contact your bank to see if they can send a payment to Metro automatically each month.

What if I pay online but the payment does not show up in my account?

Wait one to two business days for the payment to post. If it does not appear after two business days, call Metro customer service with your confirmation number. They can look up the payment and confirm it was received. If the payment was never processed, they can help you resubmit it.

Can I pay someone else's Metro bill?

Yes, if you know their account number. You can pay online or by phone using their account number instead of your own. In person, bring the account number and your payment method. Metro does not require you to be the account holder to make a payment.

Is there a fee for paying my Metro bill online?

Metro does not charge a fee for online bill pay. However, your credit card issuer may charge a fee if they treat the payment as a cash advance rather than a purchase. Debit cards and bank account transfers typically have no fee. Check with your bank or card issuer if you are unsure.

What should I do if I think my Metro bill is wrong?

Call Metro customer service or visit a customer service center in person before you pay. Bring your bill and any receipts or documentation related to the charge. Representatives can review the bill, explain the charges, and correct errors. Disputing in person often resolves the issue faster than calling.