What to Know
- The app allows Metro riders to hail shared rides to or from the Artesia, El Monte and North Hollywood stations.
- Riders who are registered with Metro's low-income fare program, LIFE, can ride for free, while other riders can pay through TAP cards.
- The yearlong pilot is funded in part by a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration.
Metro is launching a yearlong pilot project to offer shared, on-demand rides to and from three of its stations, it was announced on Monday.
The program was developed in partnership with the company Via, and will allow users to summon rides with Via's smartphone app or by calling Via.
"This innovative pilot program will give riders another glimpse into L.A.'s comprehensive future transportation system. Many Metro users face a challenge getting from home to station and vice versa," county Supervisor and Metro board Chair Sheila Kuehl said. "They need a quick, easy, and inexpensive door-to-door solution and this new pilot is one to consider."
The app allows Metro riders to hail shared rides to or from the Artesia, El Monte and North Hollywood stations. Riders who are registered with Metro's low-income fare program, LIFE, can ride for free, while riders who input TAP cards during account creation will ride for $1.75, and riders without TAP cards can ride for $3.75.
"Via's technology is redefining mobility across the globe and we are thrilled to partner with L.A. Metro, an innovation-forward agency, to provide residents with a convenient and affordable transportation alternative," said Daniel Ramot, CEO and co-founder of Via. "Via's powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm is the solution to solving the first/last mile challenge and seamlessly connects customers with these three transit hubs in their communities."
The pilot is funded in part by a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration for its Mobility on Demand Sandbox Demonstration program, Metro officials said.
