City Council Agenda Report
June 4, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: James C. Parker, Executive Director of Regional Transportation Theresa Clark, Transit Administration Officer
SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – LOW INCOME FARE IS EASY (LIFE)
PROGRAM
Background:
The Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Program was approved by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) Board of Directors in May 2017 to provide financial assistance to low-income and transit dependent riders of Los Angeles County. The LIFE Program provides various subsidy options including 20 free rides per month, discounted 7- day/weekly Metro pass, discounted 30-day or monthly pass, and discounted EZ transit county- wide pass. Agencies including Norwalk Transit System (NTS), Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA), Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus, Foothill Transit, Gardena Municipal Bus Lines (GTrans), Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Long Beach Transit, Montebello Bus Lines, Pasadena Transit, Santa Clarita Transit and Torrance Transit. Riders that are new to the program will get a 90-day pass valid for base fare only for unlimited free rides.
The LIFE Program benefits can be loaded onto a Transit Access Pass (TAP) card at any participating vendor location, online or by phone. In addition, as a Reduced-Fare TAP cardholder, additional savings with the LIFE Program may apply based upon eligibility.
Individuals may apply by self-certifying that they meet the LIFE Program income levels.
NTS must execute an agreement with Metro in order for NTS to receive reimbursement payment from Metro through the regional TAP monthly settlement process. Each month, Metro will calculate all LIFE media purchases to determine the reimbursement total to NTS per the LIFE reimbursement schedule. The proposed LIFE agreement allows for a five-year term, eliminating the need to go through the agreement approval and signature process on an annual basis.
City Council
MOU – Low Income Fare is Easy Program
June 4, 2024
Page No. 2
8 6
6 Fiscal Impact:
Reimbursement received from the sale of LIFE media transit purchases will be credited to the Transit Department’s revenue account.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for continued participation in the Low Income Fare is Easy Program and reimbursement for program ridership effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Attachments:
1. MOU - Life Program
2. Attachment A - Norwalk Transit Fare Structure
3. Attachment B - LIFE Reimbursement Schedule