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Most LA Metro Riders Could Ride For Free Starting Next Year Under New Pilot Plan

https://laist.com/2021/02/26/los_ang...nsit_pilot.php

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- L.A. Metro CEO Phillip Washington launched a task force in September to study how the county's transit agency could transition to a fare-free system. Under the leading concept presented to Metro's board of directors Thursday, the agency would launch a two-phase pilot program in January 2022. --- The first phase would allow low-income riders to ride Metro's buses and trains for free. The transit agency reports that about 70% of its current riders earn less than $35,000 annually and would qualify for free fares under the current proposal. Metro staff projects free transit "would save riders up to $1,200 each annually." Then in August 2022, fareless transit would extend to all K-12 students in the county. --- Under the current model being studied, free fares would be offered on Metro's bus and train lines. Municipal transit operators, Metrolink, Access Services, and Metro bikeshare and microtransit programs would not be included. The pilot would run to June 2023, then Metro leaders could decide to continue or expand free transit to more riders and services.

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