Free Metro Rides For Santa Monica Students

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District approved a Los Angeles Metro initiative to bring kids to school more sustainably and affordably.

At their Nov. 18 meeting, the board of education approved the Metro's Fareless System Initiative to allow students to ride for free to and from school during the school week and for special trips on the Metro, Big Blue Bus, CulverCity Bus and LADOT Dash.

“We are pleased to announce this partnership with LA Metro that aligns with our Sustainability Plan goal of expanding student commuting practices and increasing student use of public transit and other alternative modes such as walking and biking to school,” said Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati in a news release. “This program will also reduce local traffic congestion and vehicle pollution in our communities.”

The district will give out TAP cards at school offices in mid-December, the board said in a news release.

The Fareless System Initiative offers free rides to K-12 students, community college students and low-income Los Angeles residents. according to the program's website.