TUSD votes to continue Metro Go Pass after sharp board debate over cost and equity

The Torrance Unified School District board voted to continue participating in the Los Angeles Metro Go Pass program for the 2024–25 school year after a protracted debate over cost, usage and equity.

District staff reported about 2,346 registered users and roughly 46,925 boardings on Go Pass cards to date. Staff and Metro presented an analysis indicating the district-paid, unlimited Go Pass arrangement produced an estimated $22,000 savings compared with the cost of the individual cash fares for the boardings taken so far; staff said the district’s contract cost for the program is about $62,000 for the year and that the program structure is set by Metro.

Board members were divided. Member Han expressed fiscal concern that only a minority of students used the pass (staff said the registered-user number is about 12% of the district’s student population when adult users are included) and argued the district should consider directing funds toward programs with more visible need (such as underfunded band programs). Other board members and student speakers pushed back, arguing that the pass increases mobility, equity and climate benefits and that broader publicity and distribution could raise utilization in future years.

After discussion the board made a motion and voted to continue participation in the Metro Go Pass program for 2024–25. Staff said they will work to improve communications, distribute passes earlier (July 1 start was discussed) and coordinate with school sites on marketing and replacement cards. The board asked staff to continue tracking ridership, costs and savings and to report back with updated utilization data.

Provenance: staff briefing and board debate (transcript SEG 4446 onward); final motion and recorded support at SEG 5300–5306.