Fare collection will resume on LADOT’s popular DASH bus services beginning, Saturday, February 1, 2025. The reinstated fare will remain at the pre-pandemic rate of just 50¢, keeping DASH the most affordable public transit option in Los Angeles County.
This step ensures LADOT can continue providing frequent, reliable, and low-cost transportation to residents and visitors across the city. This applies to all routes with the exception of DASH Sylmar. Due to the emergency situation in Sylmar, DASH Sylmar will not charge fares until further notice.
All previous LADOT fare programs offering free rides on DASH will resume alongside the reinstatement of fares. Eligible riders include those with a 31-day LADOT Pass, Cityride members, LIFE Program participants, U-PASS holders, Metrolink ticket holders, and EZ Transit Pass holders. Additionally, LADOT is reinstating its popular DASH to Class program, providing free rides to students with a valid Metro Student Reduced Fare Pass or GoPass.
DASH currently serves 27 communities throughout Los Angeles, as well as Downtown LA, offering vital circulator bus routes that connect neighborhoods and destinations. Over the past several years, LADOT has made significant enhancements to its transit services, including increased service frequencies, new and expanded routes, extended service hours, and investments in electric buses and infrastructure.
“LADOT suspended fare collection on DASH at the onset of the pandemic to meet the critical travel needs of essential workers,” said Laura Rubio-Cornejo, LADOT General Manager. “Now, as we bring fares back, we can ensure the sustainability of existing DASH services and support the continued expansion of our transit offerings to better serve residents, workers, and visitors across Los Angeles.”
Revenues from the reinstated fares will support essential operational needs, including wage increases and safety measures for LADOT drivers. These increases are critical for retaining skilled employees, maintaining on-time performance, reducing missed trips, and ensuring a reliable and safe transit experience for riders.
The fare table below lists the various fare options available to DASH riders:
The City’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Adopted Budget reinstated fares in 2025. LADOT Transit conducted a comprehensive Fare Equity Analysis to evaluate whether reinstating fares would disproportionately impact individuals based on race, color, national origin, or income level, as outlined in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The analysis found no significant negative impacts, as DASH fares have historically been the lowest among fixed-route transit services in Los Angeles County. Additionally, LADOT Transit offers a variety of reduced, low, and free fare programs to mitigate any potential burden on minority or low-income riders.
For more information about DASH services and fare programs, visit ladottransit.com.
Source: Press Release
