Hahn, Horvath, and Barger put forward Metro motion to support fire survivors and recovery

Los Angeles, CA （January 16, 2025） – Today, Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn in partnership with Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced a proposal aimed at using Metro resources to support displaced wildfire victims as well as recovery efforts.  If approved next week, residents displaced by the wildfires would qualify for Metro’s reduced fare program.

“Metro has resources we should put to work as we respond to these wildfires, get help to victims, and plan for recovery,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “That will mean not only supporting our employees who have been displaced, but also expanding the LIFE program so fire victims can ride Metro for free.  When recovery efforts get underway, Metro has resources that can help – whether that is our fleet, our personnel’s expertise, or Metro’s dozens of properties and vacant lots.”

The proposal put forward today by Hahn, Horvath, and Barger authorizes Metro’s CEO Stephanie Wiggins to modify the eligibility of the LIFE reduced fare program for at least six months to include individuals displaced by wildfires as well as mobilize outreach teams to evacuation centers and resource centers to assist wildfire survivors in registering for these programs. Learn more about the Metro LIFE program here.

“As we work to bring every resource to our residents impacted by the wildfires—including Metro employees—it’s important that our Metro Board is also at the table,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “Thousands of residents are now without a reliable means of transportation and our Metro system may play a crucial role as an option for residents to get to work and to our Disaster Recovery Centers to access support. It’s our duty to uplift our residents and employees when they need it most.”

“The devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades fires has left lives lost, homes destroyed, and thousands displaced,” said Third District Supervisor and Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. “This motion ensures we are leveraging every resource available to provide impacted residents and Metro employees access to reduced fare programs, disaster assistance, and direct outreach and support. These recovery efforts are vital to helping our communities rebuild with the urgency and care they deserve.”

The motion also would authorize the CEO to identify and provide financial or other forms of assistance that are eligible for cost recovery from disaster assistance programs to Metro employees who have lost their homes in the wildfires or have been displaced as a result of the wildfires.  As of today, at least 19 Metro employees have reported losing their homes in the wildfires and at least 46 have been displaced.

Lastly, the motion would authorize Metro to work with impacted jurisdictions to identify ways that Metro may aid in recovery efforts– including, but not limited to its fleet, services, expertise, and properties.

This motion will be considered next Thursday at the full Metro Board meeting. During today’s Executive Management Committee Meeting Supervisor Hilda Solis joined the motion as a co-author and supporter.