Traffic & Transit
Santa Monica, Malibu Students Now Get Free Metro And Bus Rides
The SMMUSD School Board approved the Fareless System Initiative for free metro and bus rides for students.
SANTA MONICA, CA — Students in Santa Monica and Malibu now get free metro and bus rides, district officials announced Monday.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education approved the LA Metro Fareless System Initiative for student riders during its meeting Nov. 18.
The program provides free rides on Metro and Big Blue Bus to and from school and for trips after school and on weekends.
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"The cost of the program is $3 per student through July of 2022 for free and unlimited rides, at nearly a $28,000 cost to the district," according to the district.
The program aims to help cut down on vehicles at schools, near campuses and promote alternative modes of transportation such as public transit.
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“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,” Superintendent Ben Drati, Ph.D., said in a statement. “This program will also reduce local traffic congestion and vehicle pollution in our communities.”
TAP cards will be available for students at their schools starting the week of Dec. 13.
Parents can stay tuned for information from their school site. Students will be required to register the card to begin participating in this program.
TAP cards must be presented for free rides. Participating local transit agencies include LA Metro, Big Blue Bus, CulverCity Bus and LADOT Dash.
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