Fare collection on Metro buses will resume on Jan. 10 after being discontinued during the pandemic. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Metro is reminding riders that fare collection will resume on buses throughout Los Angeles County on Monday, Jan. 10.

Metro suspended fare collection and implemented rear door boarding-only during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mask wearing will continue to be required on Metro buses and trains and front door boarding-only will also resume on Jan. 10.

Metro is also providing discounted fares to people who qualify through the Low Income Fare is Easy program, also known as LIFE.  The program offers discounts that can be applied toward the purchase of weekly and monthly transit passes on Metro and any transit agencies participating in the LIFE program, or 20 free rides from any one of the participating transit agencies. People can apply by visiting taptogo.net/LIFE_Application_step1 and self-certifying that they meet LIFE program income levels. Those who are new to the program will receive a free 90-day pass valid on Jan. 10. After the free pass expires, riders can load the LIFE discount fare onto a TAP card. For information, visit metro.net/riding/life.

To prepare for the resumption of fare collections, West Hollywood is encouraging qualifying seniors and residents with disabilities to apply for the city’s subsidized Senior/Disabled Bus Pass Program. The city provides free bus passes to West Hollywood residents who are eligible for Metro’s Senior/Disabled Reduced Fare TAP Card. Regularly, a 30-day pass for people participating in Metro’s Senior/Disabled reduced fare program costs $20. However, West Hollywood residents can receive a 30-day Metro pass or $20 in stored value at no cost. The city covers 100% of the bus pass cost for eligible residents. For information, visit weho.org/services/public-transportation-transit-options/bus-pass-subsidy.