Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Statement on Strengthening Metro’s Discount Fare Program

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, as a member of the LA Metro board, I voted to allow K-14 students to ride for free. This is a promising step but more must be done for our low-income riders. This is why I am proud to share that as we continue to fight for a fareless system, the Metro board unanimously voted in support of my motion to take action in making public transportation affordable for residents who rely on it the most. My motion includes the following key components to help strengthen Metro’s discount fare program:

- Ensures the process of enrollment for the discount program is as easy as filling out a postcard and receiving your discount on the same day.
- Makes transit free for three months to everyone who enrolls in the low-income discount fare program.
- Aims to double the number of enrollees (so that the majority of qualifying riders are enrolled) before the end of next year.
- And most importantly, it delays the resumption of fares on buses until January 10, when LA Metro is able to implement sweeping improvements to the low-income discount fare program.

It’s not just our students who need support with paying for the bus or train. We know that 70 percent of Metro riders are low-income and that we have an economic imperative, now more than ever, to address the high cost of transportation. This motion provides actionable steps for making our transit system more accessible. To learn more about Metro’s discount program called LIFE (Low Income Fare is Easy) click here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThursday, September 23, 2021

Media ContactLenée Richards (213) 709-9334lrichards@bos.lacounty.gov