Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Metro extends free rides to wildfire victims. Here's how to sign up
A passenger waits for a Metro subway train during rush hour in Los Angeles.
(
David McNew
/
Getty Images
)
Metro’s existing free transit program will be extended to people who have been displaced in the ongoing wildfires, following a unanimous vote by the Metro Board on Thursday.
Wildfire victims now qualify for the Low Income Fare is Easy program, also known as LIFE, which offers 90 days of unlimited free Metro rides, followed by 20 free rides per month. It’s typically available for people who receive food stamps, Medi-Cal or other low-income assistance programs. If you've been affected by the fires, you have until June to sign up.
“To some, it may seem like a small benefit, but for many, it will be the exact kind of lifeline they need in this time of crisis,” said Lindsey Horvath, Metro board member and chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, ahead of the vote.
Support for LAist comes from
How to sign up
Metro will have staff available to help people sign up at Pasadena City College and Westwood Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If you can’t make it to an in-person sign up, you can request an application by emailing the International Institute for Los Angeles at lifeinfo@iilosangeles.org.
If you’re signing up in person, all you need to do is show up, no specific paperwork is needed. If you apply online, you’ll need your ID, according to a Metro communications staffer.
Details of the program
Enrollees will get a preloaded TAP card they can use immediately on Metro, as well as other regional transit systems that participate, including Pasadena Transit and Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus.
Metro has waived fares for all of its users since Jan. 8. Fares will resume on Monday.
Support for LAist comes from
Fire resources and tips
Check out LAist's wildfire recovery guide
If you have to evacuate:
- Why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
- How to get packed up
- How to leave your house
- What evacuation terms mean and how to sign up for alerts
Navigating fire conditions:
- How to drive in high winds and fire danger
- How to prep for power outages
- How to navigate poor air quality
How to help yourself and others:
- Resources for fire victims, evacuees and first responders
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
- How to help find lost pets
How to start the recovery process:
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- How to make an insurance claim
- How to safely clean up wildfire ash
What to do for your kids:
- How to talk to children about wildfires and losing a home
- What parents should know about wildfire air quality
Prepare for the next disaster:
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility. -
UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research.
Best of LAist