Metro GoPass Program Gives LA Community College Students Free Bus, Train Rides Through End Of 2022
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — LA Community College Students can now get a free ride on all Metro buses and trains.
Metro and the Los Angeles Community College District launched the GoPass program Tuesday to give students a free pass on public transit in order to get to class. Under the program, LACCD students will be able to ride all Metro-operated buses and trains for free through the end of next year.
"For years, students have told us that transportation is a significant burden impacting their ability to attend and access our colleges," Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez said in a statement.
According to the LA Community College District, 68% of its student body comes from a low-income background, amore than 51% lives below the poverty line. A recent survey of students found that 55% of those who responded were experiencing housing insecurity, and 63% reported food insecurity.
"For these students, a fareless public transit pass could be life-changing and could be the difference between them spending money on food, or spending it on transit to get to school and complete their degree," Metro officials said in a statement.
The LA Community College District is the first and largest to join Metro's GoPass program. It also provides fareless transit to students in elementary, middle, and high schools.