Los Angeles Metro bus fares were raised for most riders on Monday, Sept. 15.
One-way trips were increased from $1.50 to $1.75. Fares for seniors and disabled passengers went from from 55 cents to 75 cents. Monthly passes also saw an increase from $75 to $100. However, one-way kindergarten-through-12th-grade student-fares stayed the same at $1.
Some LA Metro riders are concerned about the fare increase. “I take the bus four days a week,” said Pierce College student Andrea Ortega. “By the end of the year that extra change really adds up.”
But there are ways riders can save money on bus fare, according to a Los Angeles Metro Information Contact Center representative.
“Metro.net will give you more details,” she said. “You can get discount coupon passes such as rider relief or purchasing a reusable Transit Access Pass (TAP) card.”
With the Metro fare increase, passengers who pay with a TAP card are now eligible to ride for a two-hour free transfer period for a one-way trip.
“I am definitely going to look into buying a TAP card,” said Pierce student Naomi Pinto. “The two free hours will definitely help.
Despite the fare increase, Pinto still thinks the bus is a great way to move about LA. “Riding the bus is the best alternative with all the traffic,” she said. “Its annoying at times, but if I had it any other way there would be a hole burned through my wallet with gas prices.”