The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority—a.k.a. Metro—is extending its support of those affected by the area’s recent string of wildfires. “Metro is here to support Los Angeles County as we navigate the road to recovery together and will continue to do everything in our power to help our region rebuild stronger than ever,” the agency states on its website.
Metro previously had suspended all fares in the height of the crisis. That remains in effect through this Sunday, January 26. But on January 27, fare collection is scheduled to resume, which is where this new action comes in. Yesterday, the Metro Board unanimously voted to expand the eligibility requirements for its LIFE (Low Income Fare is Easy) program to include fire victims.
If you’ve been directly impacted by the fires—whether you lost your home, job or other economic opportunity—you can apply for the program, which will give you a pass that’s good for unlimited free rides on any participating transit system for 90 days. In addition to Metro, this includes options like LADOT, Pasadena Transit and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. After the 90 days, you’ll still get 20 free regional rides added to your TAP card every month for the next three months. In total, the benefits are good for six months from the date of enrollment.
You can enroll online by going here. If you qualify, you’ll receive a 30-day digital pass automatically and be sent a pre-loaded TAP card in the mail. You can also apply in person at select locations in Westwood and Pasadena in the coming days (check this Metro page for up-to-date details). There’s currently no deadline for enrolling.
Metro fares are reasonable to begin with—they’re capped at $5 a day and $18 a week—but hopefully this program gives victims one less thing to worry about.
Keep in mind, some Metro routes are still being directly impacted by the fires. All rail lines are running normally, but Bus Line 134 is canceled due to the Palisades Fire, and Line 602’s route (Westwood–Pacific Palisades) has been modified. As a result of the Eaton Fire, Bus Lines 660 and 662, as well as Metro Micro—the agency’s on-demand rideshare service—have suspended service in northern Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. You can consult this map for the latest closures and use Metro’s trip planner to plan your route to your destination.
The city continues to show love for those whose lives have been upended by the fires, including dozens of restaurants that are still offering free meals to evacuees and first responders. If you want to donate or volunteer your time, check out our guide on how to get involved.