A fare-assistance program intended to provide wildfire survivors with free or subsidized access to transportation was extended through January 2026, Metro announced Thursday.
In a unanimous vote, Metro’s Board of Directors directed staff to extend its Wildfire Recovery Modified LIFE program, noting that the agency continues to see “robust utilization” of the initiative after it was implemented in January.
The board also directed staff to seek aFTA waiver from the Federal Transit Administration to allow Metro to continue offering the modified program. Staff are expected to report to the board in January with a 12-month summary of the program as well.
“Today’s unanimous vote to extend the Wildfire Recovery Modified LIFE Enrollment program reflects our Metro Board’s steadfast commitment to standing with those whose lives were upended by the devastating wildfires earlier this year,” Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board 2nd Vice Chair Kathryn Barger said.
“Recovery from a disaster of this magnitude doesn’t end after a few months,” she added. “Families are still rebuilding, still trying to regain stability, and still need reliable access to transit to reach work, school, medical care, and other critical services.”
In the aftermath of January’s devastating wildfires, the Board of Directors approved an emergency motion introduced by Supervisors Barger, Janice Hahn, Lindsey Horvath, Hilda Solis, as well as L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Whittier Councilman Fernando Dutra, who are all sitting-members of the board.
The motion allowed the agency to enroll wildfire survivors into the Low-Income Fare is Easy program. Launched in 2019, the program provides low-income riders with an initial 90-day free transit pass followed by ongoing monthly discounts, e.g., 20 free rides per month loaded directly onto their TAP cards.
The program is available on Metro buses and trains, and a network of participating local transit agencies.
Metro Board 1st Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker during Thursday’s meeting took a moment to express her gratitude for Barger’s work. She also spoke on behalf of Bass, who was absent.
“She (Bass) wanted me to acknowledge the collective response from the city of Los Angeles and our surrounding jurisdictions,” Dupont-Walker said. “Together, we’ve worked swiftly to ensure that those impacted by recent fires could continue to access jobs, school and essential services during this very difficult time.”
“This moment underscores the importance of transportation as a lifeline, especially in times of crisis, Dupont-Walker added.