Dive Brief:
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) is moving closer to eliminating fares for students and low-income riders, an effort that could make bus and train rides free for more than 70% of Los Angeles passengers.

The L.A. Metro Board of Directors voted unanimously last month to explore a 23-month pilot that would give free fares to K-12 students, community college students and riders who make less than $35,000 a year. A final decision on the pilot will come after the board receives a financial report on the potential impact of the program.

If approved, Los Angeles would join several other cities that have recently offered free fares to certain riders. Agencies in Kansas City, Boston, Seattle and Richmond, Virginia, have offered free fares to some riders, and other systems, including Washington, D.C., are exploring it.
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