LOS ANGELES – Applications for the second pilot phase of the Mobility Wallet Pilot Program are open now for qualifying South Los Angeles residents who currently face barriers to opportunities because of lack of access to transportation. Under Mayor Bass’ leadership as Metro Board Chair, Metro expanded access to transportation by offering free rides for Kindergarten-12th Grade students and community college students on a permanent basis and enrolled more than 300,000 riders in its discounted program for low-income riders. Metro ridership continues to increase and is bouncing back to pre-pandemic ridership levels.
“As we urgently work to ensure that our transit system is safe for riders, we also must continue to expand access and reach to the communities that need it most," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "I commend LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins for leading this important work.”
“LADOT is proud to continue advancing mobility equality with a new round of Mobility Wallets as part of our Universal Basic Mobility pilot program,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “Mobility Wallets empower individuals to choose the transportation solutions that work best for them. We’re excited to double participation in South LA - LADOT’s UBM pilot area – and expand this opportunity to residents across the county.”
“Transportation is the #2 household expense behind housing for LA County families,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with LADOT on the Mobility Wallet. This innovative tool helps people become more mobile and levels the playing field for jobs and opportunity.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the Mobility Wallet Subsidy Program?
Mobility Wallets provide subsidies that can be used for transportation services including public transit, rideshare, micro-mobility, taxis, and purchases at bike shops. Phase I of the Mobility Wallets program provided 1,000 low-income residents in the South LA area a prepaid debit card with $150 per month to spend on transportation needs. Phase II of the Mobility Wallet program will identify 1,000 new, low-income residents within the South LA pilot zone, as well as an additional 1,000 low-income residents across LA County to receive the Mobility Wallet subsidy.
Who is eligible? How can Angelenos apply?
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years old, live in L.A. County and did not participate in the first phase of the program. The annual household income requirement is based on Metro’s LIFE (Low Income Fare is Easy) program The application and full details, including income requirements, can be found at metro.net/mobilitywallet1. Applications are open now through August 31, 2024. Participants will be randomly selected from all eligible applicants and must be submitted by August 31, 2024.
What are the results so far?
Phase I, which ran from May 2023 to April 2024, garnered positive feedback from participants, who praised the program’s flexibility and reported that it made it easier to get to work, school, doctor’s appointments, and to explore Los Angeles. Participants in Phase I purchased over 140,000 trips with their mobility wallets, including 80,800 public transit rides; 60,700 rideshare trips; 2,600 scooter or bike share rides; and 169 bike shop purchases.