Monday, February 3, 2025

Metro Expands Transit Program to Help Wildfire Victims

[photo credit: Metro]

Program offers free rides through modified LIFE regional subsidy eligibility requirements

Metro has expanded its Low Income Fare Is Easy (LIFE) program to provide free public transit access for residents affected by recent wildfires. The initiative modifies existing eligibility requirements to include wildfire victims as part of the regional subsidy program, which operates across multiple transit agencies including Pasadena Transit, according to Joaquin T. Siques, Pasadena’s Director of Transportation.

Under the modified program, enrolled participants receive a preloaded TAP card with a free pass valid for the first 90 days on all participating transit agencies, including Metro and Pasadena Transit.

Following this initial period, participants automatically receive 20 free regional rides monthly for the remaining duration of the program, which currently extends to six months. These rides can be used on any participating agency including Pasadena Transit.

Registration can be completed online or in person.

Current program details and in-person enrollment locations are available at https://www.metro.net/fireresponse/.

For a complete list of participating LIFE agencies, residents can visit https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/life/.

Additionally, Pasadena Dial-A-Ride has implemented complementary measures for fire-affected residents. Current members displaced by the fire can access free fares. Residents within the service area affected by the fire who are not current members but are displaced within the service area can contact Pasadena Dial-A-Ride at (626) 744-4094 to learn about service access options.