Los Angeles Metro opened a new office in Van Nuys, where San Fernando Valley residents can access resources available through its LIFE program, which offers free and reduced fares to low-income riders.
Metro held an open house for its new office on Saturday, Feb. 7, where it gave away free TAP cards to attendees. The Van Nuys office is only the third physical space built for the LIFE program, and currently the only one in the San Fernando Valley. The other two are located in El Monte and South LA.
The office is there to help residents who need assistance with signing up for the LIFE program and accessing its resources.
The program has been in existence since 2019 to help low-income Metro riders by providing reduced fares. Once you sign up and are approved for the program, you will receive a 90-day unlimited rides pass. Afterwards, you can add 20 free regional rides to your TAP card each month.
Metro riders can qualify for the LIFE program if they’re already enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a reduced lunch program, Social Security Disability or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
If not, they can still qualify if they live in LA County and their household income falls under certain limits: for instance, $53,000 or less for one person or $60,600 for two people.
You must be at least 18 years old to sign up; otherwise, you must enroll with an adult head of household.
The Van Nuys office is located at 14546 Hamlin St., Suite 105. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For building access, call (818) 527-4464.
For more information on the LIFE program and its eligibility, visit https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/life/.