Low Income Fare is Easy - LIFE

Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE)

The Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program provides monthly fare subsidy benefits to eligible riders for transit pass purchases. 

How It Works

  • Qualifying customers must re-enroll once a year.
  • To redeem LIFE subsidies, you can take your LIFE-registered TAP card to Culver City City Hall, the Transportation Department Facilities, any TAP vendor or visit the Tap website 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. Apply for a reduced-fare TAP card.
  • 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).

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

Regular Rider

Regular 7-Day Pass (up to 4 per month)
30-Day Pass EZ Transit Pass OR
FREE 20-Ride Regional Pass*

Regular 7-Day Pass - $6.00 (up to four/mo)
30-Day Pass - $24
EZ Transit Pass - $24 (base fare)

Student K-12

30-Day/Monthly Pass

30-Day Youth Pass - $10

College/Vocational

30-Day/Monthly Pass

30-Day Pass - $13

Senior/Disabled/Medicare

Regular 7-Day Pass (1 per month)
S/D/M 30-Day Pass S/D/M EZ Transit Pass OR
FREE 20-Ride Regional Pass

S/D/M 30-Day Pass - $8
S/D/M EZ Transit Pass - $8 (base fare)

*20-Ride Regional Pass can be used for travel on Culver CityBus, 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/$41,700

4 people/$59,550

2 people/$47,650

5 people/$64,350

3 people/$53,600

6 people/$69,100

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 in English or download the application in Spanish.

2.     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) 

3.     Submit your completed application and required documents via: 

Emaillifeinfo@famecorporations.org

Mail:

FAME
1968 W. Adams Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 870-8567

In-person

West Los Angeles Family Source/Latino Resource Organization 
1645 Corinth Ave. #112
Los Angeles, CA 90025 
(424) 293-8297

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 9am - 6pm; Friday 9am - 5pm (enrollment on Monday and Wednesdays only)
Note: Open to City of Los Angeles residents only. 

Venice Community Housing
200 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-4100

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (enrollment by appointment only offered from 10am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm daily)

Where to Buy Passes

  • Load a discounted pass on your LIFE-registered TAP card at:
  • Culver City City Hall, the Transportation Department Facilities, any TAP vendor or visit the Tap website to load your fare option.
  • Any TAP vendor - Locate a TAP retailer near you.
  • Or online at  the Tap website.

Request More Information

Request more information about the LIFE program online or call (213) 922-237.

Metro Life Program