With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
The update is there is no update — delays continue for Metro subsidy experiment
A man rides the Metro K Line on its first day open to the public in 2022.
(
Raquel Natalicchio
/
For LAist
)
Topline:
Metro said it would have a better answer by last week for when people who have been waiting on a portion of an $1,800 transportation stipend could begin using the money. LAist checked in this week, and Metro said there was no change in status of the program.
What’s the program? Two thousand people were selected for the second phase of the Metro Mobility Wallet program, which offers $1,800 for participants to spend on rail, bus rides and other kinds of transportation, including rideshares. The money is slated to come in two tranches of $900. It’s a pilot program that Metro and the L.A. Department of Transportation launched in 2022. Researchers said the first phase helped participants balance their budget and reduced social isolation.
Phase 2 delays: Participants had been informed of their selection in the fall, but as of Wednesday, they haven’t received the first tranche of $900. LAist first reported on delays with Phase 2 of the pilot program two weeks ago. At the time, Metro told LAist that it would have a “more robust answer” last week on when the funds will begin flowing. When asked this week for an update, Metro said there was no change in status.
Support for LAist comes from
Jimmy Can, one of the participants in Phase 2, said he’s lost hope.
“To tell you the truth, I kind of gave up on it ever working,” Can said in an email to LAist on Tuesday.
What’s causing the delay? Metro’s Avital Shavit said the bank its vendor is working with has to “clear some compliance testing” before the funds can begin to flow. “These delays that we’re having were unexpected,” said Shavit, the senior director of Metro’s office of strategic innovation.
What Metro is doing to help: Metro said it’s continuing to regularly update participants on the status of the Mobility Wallet. Metro’s vendor, TruCash, sent an email to participants Wednesday that did not include an estimated date of when the issues will be resolved. Metro is directing people who need transportation assistance to its existing low-income assistance program LIFE.
“We’re disappointed because our priority is to get these funds to people who can benefit from them,” Mark Vallianatos, the executive officer of Metro’s innovation office, told LAist earlier this month.
Go deeper: Read LAist’s story from April 9 for more details on the delays besetting the program
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist