The Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s (LADOT) Transit Group will offer free DASH fares for riders with Metro seven-day or 30-day passes. The pilot program runs through Dec. 31 and was made possible by a 2016 cap and trade grant from the state’s Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP).

“Metro riders have had to pay the regular DASH fare of 50 cents when paying cash or 35 cents when using a TAP card with LADOT Transit’s electronic incentive fare,” said Corinne Ralph, chief of the LADOT Transit Group. “By securing the LCTOP grant, LADOT Transit is removing that fare barrier to allow riders to transfer for free to LADOT’s DASH services. This will provide a seamless transfer between Metro and DASH services that will not only increase the use of transit by existing riders, it will also lure new riders to both services.”

The LCTOP provides operating and capital for transit agencies through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created using California’s Cap and Trade Auction proceeds. Cap and trade is a market-based mechanism to lower greenhouse gas emissions. California is the first state with a comprehensive cap and trade program. The rules apply to electric power plants and fuel distributors that emit 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year or more. The emission allowances are auctioned quarterly to generate funding for the grants.

According to LADOT assistant general manager Jay Kim, the grant will most directly benefit low income riders.

“Our DASH services are very unique in that they are the essential transportation service for many low income and minority populations in the city of Los Angeles,” Kim said. “The LCTOP grant from Caltrans provides us with $663,949 to demonstrate the potential of removing this fare barrier for these populations, while improving mobility and air quality for all Angelenos.”

LADOT Transit is the largest municipal transit service provider in Los Angeles County. It operates commuter buses and DASH buses, as well as mobility services for seniors and disabled individuals.

“LADOT Transit and Metro have collaborated on a public education effort to make riders aware of the benefit of this demonstration,” Kim added. “We estimate that LADOT will generate 1.8 million additional rides justifying the demonstration as well as the need for a permanent solution to this fare barrier.”

For information, visit www.ladottransit.com.