Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MARCH 18, 2021
Subject
SUBJECT: FARELESS SYSTEM INITIATIVE UPDATE
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE status report on Fareless System Initiative Update
Issue
ISSUE
On August 27, 2020, Metro CEO Phil Washington announced the formation of the Fareless System Initiative (FSI) Task Force to identify challenges and offer recommendations on how best Metro can implement fareless transit for all riders on Metro buses and trains. This report serves as the second update to the Metro Board of Directors on the Fareless System Initiative.
Background
BACKGROUND
Prior to the pandemic induced decline in transit ridership, almost 70% of Metro customers were either very low or extremely low income1. Removing the financial barrier posed by transit fares is a significant step in improving the equity of access to Metro's transit system. Additionally, a fareless system will also contribute to the post COVID-19 economic recovery in Los Angeles County, support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, attract riders back to the system, and lessen both fare related disputes and the costs associated with fare collection and enforcement.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The 19-member FSI Task Force has been working with Metro staff throughout the agency, and with local and municipal transit operators, to identify the challenges of implementing a fareless system. As a result of this effort, the Task Force has identified a leading concept for a fareless pilot. The leading concept is a Metro-only 18-month phased pilot that would begin in January 2022 with low-income riders and expand to all K-12 students in August 2022. Throughout the study period, the Task Force has held regular meetings with a Regional Ad Hoc Committee that included representatives from other transit operators throughout the region. Additional Ad Hoc Committee Meetings will be held to coordinate with regional transit ...
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