Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Metro

Metro Board Changes Course on Senior Fares

Last week, Street Heat was the only media source of any kind to cover that Metro was considering raising the age necessary to receive a "senior discount" to 65. This week, Metro's board reversed course completely, not only rejecting the plan to raise the age to receive a discount on cash fares during rush hour, they lowered the age required to receive the off peak discount to age 62 with a unanimous vote. All senior fares now apply to riders aged 62 and over, including the off peak fare of 25 cents.

The motion to change the fare proposal was put forward by transit rider Antonio Villaraigosa, the real hero of the story is Board Member Bonnie Lowenthal, who resisted raising the age necessary for a "senior discount" in committee after it passed a separate committee with a unanimous vote.
The Board's change in attitude was met with applause in the room, including hand clapping of my own. (I believe you shouldn't raise fares without a public hearing whether it be by reducing a discount or ending a subsidized transfer.)
Despite the exhuberence, there was one major question left unasked. How does Metro plan on charging anyone less money while they're in a well-documented cash crunch?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Kevin de León, Agent of Council Chaos, Quietly Exits Stage Left

Disgraced Councilmember Kevin de León finally bows out, two years after his racist scandal roiled the city. Newcomer Ysabel Jurado, who handily defeated him in November, takes the reins of Council District 14 today.

December 10, 2024

SGV Connect Podcast: Leave Us Your Questions for an AMA with Foothill Transit’s Felicia Friesema

For our last podcast of the calendar year, SGV Connect is excited to announce an “Ask Me Anything” episode with Felicia Friesema the Director of Marketing and Communications for Foothill Transit.

December 10, 2024

La Verne Pedestrian Bridge Will Connect Metro A Line, Metrolink, and Fairplex

Officials from La Verne and the SGVCOG are excited about the bridge’s “elegant” design and connectivity for transit oriented development.

December 10, 2024

This Week In Livable Streets

Glendale Brand Boulevard project, L.A. Capital Plan, Metro Vermont Transit Corridor, and more

December 9, 2024
See all posts