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Published on January 23, 2025
Los Angeles Metro Offers Free Rides to Wildfire Victims in Unanimous Board DecisionSource: The Port of Authority at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a move of solidarity and practical support for those affected by the recent spate of wildfires, the Los Metro Board of Directors has voted unanimously to offer free rides on the Metro to residents displaced by the disaster, as reported by the County of Los Angeles. The new initiative will extend the LIFE reduced fare program, usually reserved for low-income riders, to include individuals hit by the fires.

One key aspect of the motion is the authorization for Metro's CEO, Stephanie Wiggins, to adjust the eligibility for the LIFE program to incorporate wildfire victims for a minimum of six months. This change will enable displaced residents, to not have to worry about the cost of public transportation as they attempt to rebuild their lives. Janice Hahn stressed the importance of immediate support, "This is an all hands on deck moment for Los Angeles County and we are putting Metro resources to work as we respond to these wildfires, support survivors, and plan for recovery,” according to a statement made by Los Angeles County.

Recognizing transportation as a critical part of post-disaster recovery, Metro Board Member Kathryn Barger asserted the significance of having the Metro Board involved in county-wide efforts to support those affected. "Thousands of residents are now without a reliable means of transportation and our Metro system may play a crucial role as an option for residents to get to work and to our Disaster Recovery Centers to access support," Barger stated, as per Los Angeles County.

With at least 19 Metro employees in the dire position of having lost their homes and a further 46 displaced, the motion doesn't just extend to residents but also to Metro employees. They can avail themselves of financial or other forms of assistance and are considered for cost recovery from disaster assistance programs. “The devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades fires has left lives lost, homes destroyed, and thousands displaced,” Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath said, as noted by the County of Los Angeles.