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Transportation

Why Los Angeles Might Make Transit Free

As ridership falls during the pandemic, L.A.’s Metro is considering eliminating bus and train fares. But critics fear the budget and service cuts that might also be en route.  

If Metro service went fare-free, Los Angeles would run the largest free transit system in the world. 

If Metro service went fare-free, Los Angeles would run the largest free transit system in the world. 

Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon
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With ridership hovering around 50% of pre-pandemic days, the transit agency serving the most populous county in the U.S. is considering a radical change: eliminating bus and rail fares.

In a board meeting on Aug. 27, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Phil Washington announced a new internal task force to study options for a fare-free system, calling the step a “moral obligation” to meet the needs of riders during the pandemic.