With nearly one million travelers depending on L.A. Metro every single weekday, there’s no doubt that local public transportation is an essential part of daily life in the city. If you’re one of those commuters, then it’s essential to check eligibility requirements for Metro’s LIFE (Low Income Fare is Easy) Program, which offers qualifying low-income residents a free 90-day pass followed by 20 free rides every month. Frequent riders could save a few dozen dollars per month—more on that below.
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Who is eligible for the LIFE Program?
If you meet any of the following requirements and are at least 18 years old, then you are eligible for L.A. Metro’s LIFE discount. LIFE stands for “Low Income Fare is Easy.”
You qualify if you’re currently enrolled in any of the following social protection programs:
- CalFresh
- EBT
- Medi-Cal
- A reduced lunch program
- SNAP
- Social Security
- Social Security Disability
- TANF
OR, you live in L.A. County and your household income falls within these limits:
- 1 person: $53,000 or less
- 2 people: $60,600 or less
- 3 people: $68,150 or less
- 4 people: $75,750 or less
- 5 people: $81,800 or less
- 6 people: $87,850 or less
- 7 people: $93,900 or less
How does the LIFE Program work?
If your application is accepted, then your TAP card will first be loaded with a free 90-day pass to use on participating transit systems. After the 90 days, L.A. Metro will grant you 20 free regional rides per month. If you use all 20 rides, you can pay for additional rides by adding “Stored Value” to your TAP card.
Each ride on L.A. Metro normally costs $1.75, but all riders pay with a fare-capping system, meaning that they stop charging you after you hit a certain number of rides in a given period. You’ll never pay more than $5 per day or $18 per week.
For example, if you take Metro twice a day every day for 4 weeks (56 rides total), the usual fare-capping system would result in about $72 spent per month. With the LIFE discount, you would only pay for 36 of those rides, or about $46—a $26 savings.
How do I apply for the LIFE Program?
To apply for the LIFE Program on L.A. Metro, you must submit an application with photo ID. The application form requests information about your household and additional members. You can certify your eligibility in one of two ways:
- Present proof of enrollment in Medi-Cal, EBT, Social Security award, other public benefit proof, check stub, or tax return
- Self-certify your eligibility on the application if you have no proof of income. By checking that box, you agree that you may be asked for proof of income in the future, and if you cannot provide it, then your LIFE Program benefits may be terminated.
You may submit your completed application online, or at L.A. Metro Customer Centers, the Big Blue Bus Transit Store, FAME on West Adams Blvd, or IILA in El Monte. Metro also hosts in-person sign-up events throughout the city.
The application is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Armenian, and Russian.
Where can I learn more?
You can learn more and get started on your LIFE Program application with the following resources: