The Point: With help of state grant, Metrolink promotes equitable rail access systemwide
Residents with California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards can now have greater access to affordable passenger rail with Metrolink’s new discounted fare program. In an effort to promote equitable access to jobs, educational opportunities, and destinations across southern California, Metrolink is offering a 50% discount on all tickets and passes for CalFresh recipients with valid EBT cards.
Traveling from the Jurupa Valley/Pedley Station to Los Angeles Union Station to visit family? This weekday roundtrip typically costs $24.50 during peak commute times but now is $12.25 for EBT cardholders. Riding from the Riverside-Downtown Station to the Irvine Station for work? A 5-Day Flex Pass usually is $94.50; with the EBT discount, the cost drops to $47.25.
Discounts are also available on one-way, 7-Day, 10-Day Flex, and monthly passes. Metrolink tickets include free transfers to connecting services such as Riverside Transit Agency, Omnitrans, OCTA, and LA Metro buses and light rail.
Riders can redeem the discount at any Metrolink station ticket vending machine. The California EBT card is only required to validate the discount. Funds will not be deducted from the EBT card. An alternative form of payment will be required to complete the discounted fare ticket purchase.
The discount is made possible through a grant from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program administered by Caltrans. More than 148,000 households in Riverside County were participating in the CalFresh program as of July 2022, demonstrating the impact that Metrolink’s program can have for our county’s residents. Riders can enjoy the benefits of the EBT discount until August 31, 2023, or until grant funds are depleted.
RCTC is committed to ensuring that all transportation mobility options are accessible and affordable for everyone. RCTC supports equitable solutions for commuters throughout Riverside County and beyond. RCTC will continue to explore programs like these with Metrolink and other regional partners to offer additional discounts with grant funds and other creative funding solutions.
To learn more about this program, visit the Metrolink website. For information on how to apply for the CalFresh program, with benefits ranging from affordable groceries to nutrition education and employment training, visit https://www.getcalfresh.org/.