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LIFE

The LIFE Program provides monthly fare subsidy benefits to eligible riders for transit pass purchases.

How It Works

  1. Free pass for first 90 days - Once approved, a 90-day pass for unlimited free rides will be added automatically to your TAP card and can be used on any participating transit system. Plus, you’ll be able to purchase fare products on participating transit systems at a reduced cost.
  2. Get 20 free rides every month - After your first 90 days, you can add 20 free regional rides onto your TAP card every month at your local TAP vendor, online at taptogo.net or by calling 866.827.8646.
  3. Save with fare capping - After 20 rides have been used, you can pay for each ride by adding Stored Value to your TAP card. Ride for free after three rides in one day and 11 rides in a week.
  • To redeem LIFE subsidies, you can take your LIFE-registered TAP card to Blue: The Transit Store, any TAP vendor or visit taptogo.net to load your fare option.
  • Eligible riders include adult Regular riders, Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M), K-12 students, and College/Vocational students who are pre-qualified by a participating community-based agency. Reduced-Fare customers (i.e. S/D/M, K-12 students, and College/Vocations students) need to present a reduced-fare TAP card. To apply for a reduced-fare TAP card, visit taptogo.net/reducedfares.
  • Because EZ transit passes are available for advanced purchase (i.e. May passes go on sale April 25), LIFE benefits must be used to buy an EZ pass for the same month as the pass (i.e. a May benefit can only be used to purchase a May EZ transit pass).
  • Helpful tip: Register your TAP card for balance protection (additional step).

Míralo en español.

What can I buy with my LIFE subsidy?

A purchase made using your LIFE subsidy must equal or exceed the benefit's value. You can load one of the following options each month on your LIFE-registered TAP card:

LIFE Subsidy Rider Category

Subsidies can be used to buy discounted passes or load a 20-Ride Regional Pass

 Cost of pass after subsidy Coupons cannot be used to buy

Regular Rider

 Regular 7-Day Pass (up to 4 per month) 
Regular 30-Day Pass
Regular EZ Transit Pass OR 
FREE 20-Ride Regional Pass* 		Regular 7-Day Pass - $10 (per pass)
Regular 30-Day Pass - $31
Regular EZ Transit Pass - $86		 Regular Day Pass
Stored Value on TAP

Student K-12

Regular EZ Transit Pass OR 
FREE 20-Ride Regional Pass*

 Regular EZ Transit Pass - $100 Regular Day Pass
Regular 7-Day Pass
Stored Value on TAP

College/Vocational

Regular EZ Transit Pass OR
FREE 20-Ride Regional Pass*

 Regular EZ Transit Pass - $97 Regular Day Pass
Regular 7-Day Pass
Regular 30-Day Pass 
Stored Value on TAP 

Senior/Disabled/Medicare

S/D/M 30-Day Pass
S/D/M EZ Transit Pass OR
FREE 20-Ride Regional Pass*
S/D/M 30-Day Pass - $19
S/D/M EZ Transit Pass - $34		 S/D/M Day Pass
Stored Value on TAP

*20-Ride Regional Pass can be used for travel on Big Blue Bus, Metro Bus and Rail, and any other TAP-participating agency. 

**College/Vocational Students, including those enrolled at Santa Monica College, UCLA, and Loyola Marymount University, may enjoy a greater discount through the purchase of a U-Pass from your school. Visit your school's website for more details.

Eligibility Guidelines

LIFE coupons are available to Los Angeles County residents whose household income levels meet the following Federal HUD guidelines: 

Current Household/Maximum Annual Income  

1 person/$58,300 4 people/$83,300
2 people/$66,650 5 people/$89,950
3 people/$74,950 6 people/$96,600

Children over 5 years old whose parents qualify are automatically also eligible to receive LIFE benefits.

Note: Residents of incorporated cities in Los Angeles County, K-12 students, and College/Vocational students already receiving subsidies for LA Metro transportation passes are not eligible to receive the LIFE fare benefit subsidy.

Types of Subsidies

Coupon Category

Current Value

Regular Rider

$24

Student K-12

$10
College/Vocational $13

Senior/Disabled/Medicare

$8

How to Apply

  1. Download the application or apply online at: metro.net/life.
  1. Complete the application and gather the following required documents:

    • Valid government-issued picture identification
    • Proof of income (i.e. check stub, Medi-Cal, Lifeline, public benefit card, tax return or free/reduced lunch)
    • Valid TAP card - this becomes your LIFE-registered TAP card.
    • Email address (optional; for update purposes only) 
  1. Submit your completed application and required documents via:

Email: lifeinfo@iilosangelesorg

In-person: 
Blue: The Transit Store
1444 4th St., 
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451 - 5444
Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Every Other Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: Closed

IILA Southwest Office
3870 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 229,
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 870-8567
IILA Northwest Office
14546 Hamlin St, Suite 105
Van Nuys, CA 91411
(818) 527-4464
IILA Southeast Office
9060 Telstar Ave, Suite 223
El Monte, CA 91731
(818) 244-2550

Where to Buy Passes

Load a discounted pass on your LIFE-registered TAP card at: