Free La Metro: What's The Current Status?

is la metro still free

The LA Metro was free for all riders for almost two years during the pandemic, from March 2020 until January 10, 2022. This was to allow passengers to board without payment and enter via the rear door to maintain a safe distance from the driver. However, as of 2024, discounted passes and bigger discounts for eligible low-income passengers are available.

Characteristics Values
LA Metro Free Period March 2020 - January 10, 2022
Reason for Ending Free Fares LA Metro can no longer afford it
Base Fare $1.75
Monthly Transit Pass $100
Discounted Day Pass $3.50
Discounted Weekly Pass $12.50
Discounted 30-Day Pass $50
Discounted 30-Day LIFE Pass $26
Discounted 7-Day LIFE Pass $6.50

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The end of free fares will impact low-income riders the most

LA Metro fares resumed in January 2022, ending the nearly two-year period of free rides for LA residents. While this change affects all riders, it is the low-income riders who will feel it the most.

The return of fare collections will impact the 70% of LA Metro riders who have lower incomes. Many of these riders work as maids, restaurant workers, or freelance labourers, and will now have to budget for transportation on top of other expenses like medical bills, food, and rent. This is especially difficult in a time of higher inflation and a post-pandemic economy.

During the period of free fares, low-income riders were able to save money that could be used for other essential expenses. For example, some women used the money they saved on transportation to pay for family members' funerals or to buy groceries for their neighbours. Others were able to save for Wi-Fi so their children could attend online school.

The end of free fares will also impact the frequency with which low-income riders use public transportation. Some riders may choose to walk or find other means of transportation to save money. This could result in a decrease in ridership for LA Metro, particularly on buses.

To ease the transition, the LA Metro board approved several limited-time discounts for riders. These include half-off fares for passes and steeper discounts for members of the LIFE (Low Income Fare is Easy) program. However, some advocates argue that these discounts are not enough and that a universal fare-less system would be more beneficial for low-income riders.

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Discounts and passes offered by LA Metro

LA Metro offers a variety of discounts and passes for its riders. Firstly, senior citizens aged 62 and above, as well as those with Medicare or a disability, can enjoy discounts of up to 80% on regular Metro fares. Secondly, K-12 and community college students can ride for free after three rides in a day and 11 rides in a week. Additionally, students at participating GoPass schools are eligible for free rides.

Furthermore, LA Metro offers a Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides discounts on weekly and monthly transit passes. New LIFE enrollees receive a free 90-day pass, after which they can load the LIFE discount fare onto their TAP cards. The LIFE program also offers 20 free rides on any one of the participating transit agencies. To apply for the LIFE program, individuals can self-certify that they meet the income levels and apply online or through email, mail, or in-person drop-off locations.

In addition to these discounts, LA Metro also offers an Employer Pass Program and Transit Reduced Fare Opportunities, where colleges and universities can save up to 80% on regular Metro fares. The Metrolink Mobility-4-All program also provides a 50% discount on any Metrolink ticket or pass for riders with a valid California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

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The benefits of free public transportation

Free public transportation has been a reality in several cities and countries around the world, including Estonia, Luxembourg, Malta, and some cities in the US. While LA Metro offered free rides during the pandemic, it is not free anymore. Here are some of the benefits of free public transportation:

Economic Benefits

During the pandemic, families in Los Angeles saved up to $400 per month on transportation costs. This money was reinvested in healthcare, living expenses, and housing. Similarly, for every $10 million of transit investment, business sales increase by $30 million. Residential properties located near high-frequency transit services also see a boost in value, with properties being 42% more valuable on average.

Health Benefits

Transit users tend to walk more than those who drive, which is linked to a healthier lifestyle, lower mortality rates, and improved productivity at work.

Reduced Congestion and Pollution

Public transportation reduces road congestion and decreases gas consumption and pollution. In the US, public transit use results in a reduction of 865 million hours of travel time and 450 million gallons of gas burned.

Social Benefits

Public transportation can increase social connections and provide freedom and mobility for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. It also reduces household expenses, with each family that switches from a car to public transit saving over $10,000 per year.

Environmental Benefits

If more people use public transportation, there will be fewer cars on the road, reducing carbon emissions and helping to combat global warming.

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Public transit advocates argue against fare collection

As of 2024, LA Metro is no longer free, with fares resuming in early 2022. However, prior to this, the LA Metro was free during the pandemic, and public transit advocates argued for the continuation of this system.

Public transit advocates argue that removing the cost of fares relieves the financial burden on low-income residents, reducing inequality. Free fares ensure that low-income citizens can travel and keep their money in their pockets. This is especially important in light of rising rent and food prices, as well as utility bills. Advocates also argue that free fares should be a basic human right, drawing parallels with other services that everyone pays into, such as public health, schools, and libraries.

Additionally, removing fares can increase ridership and reduce congestion and motor emissions. This can have a positive environmental impact by reducing CO2 emissions and bringing us a step closer to avoiding potential climate catastrophes. Free fares can also reduce the dependence of transit agencies on fare collection, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Furthermore, advocates argue that public transport is not a luxury but a means for hard-working people to generate the income they need to survive. During the pandemic, free fares allowed people to save money on transportation costs, which could then be reinvested in healthcare, other living expenses, and staying housed during a time of crisis.

While there are concerns about the financial sustainability of free public transit, advocates believe that the benefits of making it free far outweigh the cost of losing out on revenue from tickets.

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The impact of the pandemic on public transit ridership

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on public transportation systems and their ridership worldwide. Many countries advised their citizens to use public transport only for essential travel. This, along with business closures, event cancellations, and social distancing regulations, caused a sharp decline in passenger numbers and revenues, hampering the ability of public transit systems to generate revenue.

In the US, public transport use in London declined by around 90% after the national coronavirus lockdown was implemented. By April 2020, Dublin Airport was only operating repatriation or supply flights, a reduction of more than 95% from the previous year. In China, the entire Wuhan Metro network was shut down along with all other public transport in the city to halt the spread of the virus.

However, some cities saw a quicker recovery in bus ridership compared to rail. For instance, in Los Angeles, bus ridership recovered faster than rail ridership and is projected to continue growing. Similarly, in New England, local bus ridership saw the smallest decline among the modes of public transit.

To cope with the financial strain, many transit systems reduced their services. For instance, Massachusetts' MBTA service cuts garnered substantial news coverage. Despite the relaxation of restrictions and a general resumption of economic activity, ridership remained low as of June 2021 but is anticipated to grow slowly as workers return to offices.

To offset revenue losses, public transit systems received substantial sums from COVID-19-related federal stimulus packages and the pending bipartisan infrastructure bill. These funds could enable transit systems to make changes necessary to maintain long-term financial viability and entice riders back to public transit.

In addition to financial challenges, public transit systems also had to implement several protective measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. These included obligatory mask-wearing, spacing out passengers, enhanced sanitation and disinfection, and rear-door-only boarding to reduce contact between drivers and passengers.

Frequently asked questions

No, as of January 2022, LA Metro is no longer free.

LA Metro says it can't afford to continue offering free rides. Bus and train fares make up about 15-20% of Metro's annual operating funds.

The base fare is $1.75 per ride and $100 for a monthly transit pass. However, there are discounts available for eligible low-income passengers and students.

Low-income passengers can apply for the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which offers discounted passes. A 30-day pass costs $26 (normally $76) and a 7-day pass costs $6.50 (normally $19.50).

Participating K-12 and community college students can ride for free with a TAP card after three rides in one day and 11 rides in a week.

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