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With summer approaching and gasoline prices at an all-time high, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announces that now is the perfect time to try bus, rail or Metro Bike Share options to discover how much money and time can be saved compared to driving.
Friday, June 17, is the Annual National Dump the Pump Day which is celebrated across the nation as a way to reduce driving by hopping on board public transit.
With over 105 miles of Metro Rail lines in operation and over 2,000 Metro buses rolling throughout the region, not to mention Metrolink, vanpools, Metro Bike Share, Metro Mirco Transit and other ride share options available, it’s a perfect opportunity for the public to dump the pump and ride public transit and other travel alternatives.
Metro Micro is an on-demand shared ride service using vans for short trips within designated service zones in Los Angeles County. The technology behind this service allows riders to plan entire trips – both Metro Micro and their bus or train ride – in real-time using a single mobile app, internet browser or Metro’s call center. Riders are able to pay for the service by using their TAP card and TAP account or with a debit, credit or prepaid credit card. For more information, visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/microtransit.
Metro Bike Share offers a two-wheeled solution to high gas prices every day. With just $1.75, users can check-out a bike for 30 minutes to make short trips and get to where they need to go within the Metro Bike share service areas. Monthly passes are $17 and annual passes are $150. With current gas prices where they are, an annual Bike Share pass is the equivalent of filling up your tank just twice a year. Users also have the opportunity to receive further savings if they qualify for LIFE and reduced fares. Go to metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/bikeshare for more details.
Metro also reminds the public to take advantage of the agency’s half-price transit passes. Metro’s deeply discounted promotional pass fares are still in force.
Metro’s regular 1-Day, 7-Day and 30-Day passes have been discounted a whopping 50 percent. Pass fares are now: $3.50 for a Day Pass; $12.50 for a Weekly Pass; $50 for a 30-Day Pass.
Discounted pass fares are available for purchase at all Metro TAP vending machines, Metro Customer Centers, TAP retail vendors throughout L.A. County and on taptogo.net.
What’s more, Metro continues to offer even steeper discounts for eligible low-income riders who enroll in the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) regional transportation assistance program. The discount on a pass for LIFE participants is currently:
- $24 off a 30-day pass, additionally reducing the promotional fare to $26, less than $1 per day for unlimited rides on Metro.
- $6 off the current weekly pass for a total promotional cost of $6.50.
Metro encourages all riders who are qualified but not yet signed up to act now and take full advantage of this low-income fare assistance program. Discounts translate to less than a dollar a day for unlimited rides on the Metro Bus and Rail System. Low-income riders interested in participating in the program should visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/life for information on eligibility.
Enrolling in the LIFE Program is simple and it now only take a few minutes to complete. The application can be filled out online at http://metroexemplstg.wpengine.com/life or http://www.taptogo.net/life. Applications are available in both English and Spanish. Applications can also be emailed to Metro or delivered to a Metro Customer Center. For more information on how to apply, visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/fares.
To obtain more information about all of Metro’s available discounted fare programs, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/fares.
Riding public transit is an extremely economical way to save money, particularly when gas prices are at record highs. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) if your household owns more than one car, you can choose to ride together or use public transit and save up to $10,000 in gas money every year.
In addition, public transportation helps communities grow and prosper. For example, every $1 invested in public transportation, results in $4 gained in economic returns, according to studies.
APTA first launched the National Dump the Pump Day in 2006 to encourage the use of public transit over solo driving to save time and money.
Metro reminds all riders that face masks are still required on public transit as per federal law.
Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.
Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
