MTA, Municipal Bus Operators Launch ‘Regional EZpass,’ a First-Of-Its-Kind Regional Transit Pass for L.A. County

MTA, Municipal Bus Operators Launch ‘Regional EZpass,’ a First-Of-Its-Kind Regional Transit Pass for L.A. County

L.A. County Metropolitan Transporation Authority EZpass

September ‘Regional EZpass’ Goes on Sale August 25

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/–The MTA and municipal bus operators today took a huge step toward providing bus and rail riders with seamless transit service throughout Los Angeles County with the launch of the Regional EZpass, the county’s first regional transit pass program.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and 11 municipal bus operators in Los Angeles County launched the Regional EZpass, the county’s first regional transit pass. The Regional EZpass enables riders who regularly use buses and trains of two or more of the participating agencies to use a single monthly pass. The Regional EZpass makes for a more seamless transit experience for riders of multiple systems by eliminating the need for additional passes, transfers or cash fare payments. (PRNewsFoto)[JL] LOS ANGELES, CA USA 08/13/2002

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020813/LATU090)

Beginning September 2002, transit riders will have the option of using the monthly Regional EZpass for unlimited travel on the Metro Bus and Rail systems, including the Metro Red, Blue and Green lines, and on the fixed route systems of 11 municipal bus operators. The September Regional EZpass will be available August 25 at most Metro Pass sales outlets and other outlets countywide.

“The Regional EZpass will provide riders who regularly use two or more of the 12 participating bus and rail systems with a common ‘currency’ that will simplify their commutes,” said Hal Bernson, MTA Board Chair. “Riders of multiple systems no longer will be forced to carry extra cash or purchase additional transit passes and we believe the added simplicity will encourage thousands of other commuters to try public transit.”

“The Regional EZpass also will speed boardings and eliminate the need for transfers and tickets,” Bernson added.

The Regional EZpass will be priced at $58 for a regular monthly pass, $29 for seniors, and $29 for the disabled (with appropriate identification including either an MTA Disabled ID card, Medicare card, LACTOA card or DMV placard). The Regional EZpass does not replace the individual transit operator passes which will continue to be available.

The Regional EZpass will entitle the pass holder to unlimited local travel on all MTA buses and trains and on the fixed route bus systems of the following municipal transit operators: Culver City Municipal Bus Lines, Foothill Transit, Montebello Bus Lines, Gardena Municipal Bus Lines, Commerce Municipal Bus Lines, Long Beach Transit, Norwalk Transit, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, Santa Clarita Transit and LADOT (Los Angeles Department of Transportation). The 12 transit systems operate a total of 386 bus lines and serve nearly 31,000 bus stops.

The multi-operator task force that developed the Regional EZpass will encourage the future participation of other local transit providers, Metrolink and other counties. The cost of the program for fiscal year 2003 will be approximately $2 million, which will be paid from Proposition A and C local transit sales tax funds.

The Regional EZpass represents the first major phase of a universal fare system (UFS). Within three years, MTA will debut an electronic smart card that will be accepted by the aforementioned transit providers, Metrolink and paratransit service providers.