Metro made GoPass permanent, then reported 40 million student boardings

From pilot to permanent program

Metro launched GoPass in October 2021 and made the program permanent in April 2024, after a two-and-a-half-year pilot. On August 15, 2024, it reported that more than 400,000 students had registered and that students had recorded over 40 million boardings. The boarding total counts trips, so students who rode repeatedly contributed multiple boardings. [1]

At the time of that announcement, all Los Angeles Unified School District schools offered GoPass, along with schools in 124 additional participating districts and networks, including public districts, charter networks and community colleges. Metro described the pass as providing free rides on Metro buses and trains to K–12 and community college students. [1]

Getting and activating a pass

The program works through participating schools: they distribute TAP cards and activation codes, and students activate the cards online or by phone. Metro said students could use GoPass for travel to school, extracurricular activities and work. The August 2024 announcement also described virtual TAP cards through the TAP LA app. [1]

Metro’s current program information says students at participating K–12 and adult schools and community colleges can ride Metro buses and trains with GoPass. The current process calls for registering a school-issued card, waiting one hour for processing, then tapping within 14 days to complete activation. For the 2026–27 pass, K–12 and adult school students can ride Metro and other participating agencies through September 30, 2027; community college students are directed to confirm pass dates with their campus. [2]

Where the pass works

Metro’s August 2024 list included its own buses and rail, along with participating services such as Foothill Transit, Long Beach Transit, Pasadena Transit and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. The current program page has an updated participating-agency list and says GoPass is not valid on Metrolink or Commuter Express. Students need an active pass and a participating school to use the program. [1] [2]