[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20do%20I%20pay%20for%20my%20child%27s%20HOP%20Card%20with%20TriMet%3F%20I%20want%20to%20know%20how%20I%20can%20add%20money%20to%20it."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to add money (\u201cload funds\u201d) to your child\u2019s Hop Fastpass\u00ae (Hop) card with TriMet, so they\u2019ll have fare ready whenever they ride. I\u2019ll walk through what the Hop system is, how Youth fares work, and all the ways you can load money (including minimum amounts).  \n\n---\n\n## What is the Hop system & Youth fares\n\n- TriMet\u2019s Hop Fastpass (\u201cHop\u201d) is the electronic fare card system used for buses, MAX Light Rail, WES Commuter Rail, and Portland Streetcar. ([trimet.org](https://trimet.org/fares/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Youth fares apply to riders ages 7\u201317. Children age 6 and under ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger. Youth fares cost **$1.40** per ride for 2\u00bd hours. ([trimet.org](https://trimet.org/fares/?utm_source=openai))  \n- To get the Youth fare, your child needs either a **plastic Hop card** with Youth fare loaded, or a **virtual Hop card** in their phone\u2019s wallet with Youth selected. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417258456731-Traveling-with-kids?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Ways to add money to the Hop card\n\nYou have several ways to load fare onto a Hop card\u2014both for a plastic (physical) card or, if applicable, a virtual card. Below are all the options:\n\n| Method | What to Know |\n|---|---|\n| **Online** | Go to **myhopcard.com**. You can load funds using a credit/debit card. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417259593115-How-do-I-load-money-to-my-Hop-card?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Hop app** | Use the Hop (Fastpass) mobile app. It lets you reload, manage virtual cards, see balances, etc. ([trimet.org](https://trimet.org/hop/virtualcard?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **By phone** | Call 1-844-MYHOPCARD (1-844-694-6722). You can add money this way. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417259593115-How-do-I-load-money-to-my-Hop-card?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Hop vending machines** | At MAX or WES stations. You can buy a new Hop card or reload an existing one. Machines accept cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay), depending on the station. ([trimet.org](https://trimet.org/fares/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Retail stores** | Hundreds of grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies participate (e.g. Fred Meyer, Safeway, New Seasons). You can pay with cash or card. Sometimes reloads happen at checkout lanes or store customer service counters. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417259593115-How-do-I-load-money-to-my-Hop-card?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **TriMet Customer Support / Transit Offices** | At the TriMet Customer Support Center at Pioneer Courthouse Square and other service offices. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417259593115-How-do-I-load-money-to-my-Hop-card?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## Minimum load, auto-reload & virtual cards\n\n- **Minimum amount**: The minimum you can load depends on where you load it. Usually it\u2019s **$5 minimum**, except at the Pioneer Courthouse Square Customer Support Center and at vending machines. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417259593115-How-do-I-load-money-to-my-Hop-card?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Virtual Hop cards**: If you use a virtual Hop card (on a phone), you can reload via the Hop app or website, using saved payment methods like credit/debit card or mobile wallet. ([trimet.org](https://trimet.org/hop/virtualcard?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Auto-Load**: You can enable Auto-Load once the card is registered. When your balance drops below a threshold (usually $5), the system automatically adds funds from a linked payment method. ([support.trimet.org](https://support.trimet.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417259593115-How-do-I-load-money-to-my-Hop-card?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What you\u2019ll need\n\n- Hop card (plastic) or virtual Hop card for your child, with Youth fare selected.  \n- A payment method (credit/debit, cash if using stores or machines that accept cash).  \n- If you plan to use online or app loading, register the card first. This also gives you protections (like recovering balance if card is lost). ([trimet.org](https://trimet.org/lift/pdf/usinghop.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which way you want to use (plastic card, phone, store, etc.), I can walk you through loading step-by-step."
    }
]