L.A. Metro intensifies collaboration with WSS, offering complimentary, limitless transit journeys to over 17,000 students.
Expanded GoPass Program Offers Free Transit Rides to Over 16,000 Students
In a significant move to support student accessibility, the Los Angeles Metro's GoPass Program has expanded its sponsorship with retailer WSS. This expansion aims to provide free, unlimited transit rides to nearly 17,000 students enrolled in the Lynwood Unified and Inglewood Unified school districts for the 2025-26 school year [1][2].
The GoPass Program, already available to students at over 1,600 K-12 schools and community colleges in 133 participating school districts, offers students the opportunity to access free, unlimited rides on trains and buses on 18 other participating municipal transit operators. This initiative has been instrumental in enabling students to attend school consistently, participate in enrichment programs, and connect with resources across the region [3][4].
Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul expressed gratitude to WSS for supporting the GoPass Program, stating, "This partnership provides greater opportunities for our students." [5] Last school year, WSS sponsored GoPasses for the approximately 11,000 students at Lynwood Unified.
Los Angeles Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins stated that public transportation is a critical element contributing to student success. She emphasised that the GoPass Program ensures that students have the access they need to achieve [6]. Whittier City Councilmember and L.A. Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra also stressed the importance of public transit for students, stating that many students rely on it to get to school [7].
To activate their TAP cards, students can use the online GoPass portal or call a dedicated phone line. Participating schools distribute TAP cards and activation codes for students to use public transit without paying fares. Students also have the option of using a virtual TAP card on the TAP LA App [8].
Since 2021, more than half a million students have used GoPass to get around. The Los Angeles Community College District and Long Beach Community College District are also part of the participating school districts. Dutra added that the Metro GoPass ensures that students have the access they need to achieve [9].
Ms. Wiggins also mentioned that the team won't stop working to expand the GoPass Program until every student that needs a GoPass has one [10]. This expansion is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
[1] Students enrolled in GoPass have access to free, unlimited rides on trains and buses on 18 other participating municipal transit operators for the 2025-26 school year. [2] The retailer WSS is expanding its sponsorship of the L.A. Metro's GoPass Program. [3] Lynwood students took over 42,000 rides between July 2024 and May 2025 under the GoPass Program. [4] The Los Angeles Community College District and Long Beach Community College District are also part of the participating school districts. [5] Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul expressed gratitude to WSS for supporting the GoPass Program, stating that it provides greater opportunities for students to attend school consistently, participate in enrichment programs, and connect with resources across the region. [6] L.A. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins stated that public transportation is a critical element contributing to student success. [7] Whittier City Councilmember and L.A. Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra stated that many students rely on public transit to get to school. [8] Students can activate their TAP cards on the online GoPass portal or by phone. [9] Dutra added that the Metro GoPass ensures that students have the access they need to achieve. [10] Ms. Wiggins also mentioned that the team won't stop working to expand the GoPass Program until every student that needs a GoPass has one.
- The Los Angeles Metro's GoPass Program, in partnership with retailer WSS, aims to provide free, unlimited transit rides to nearly 17,000 students in the Lynwood Unified and Inglewood Unified school districts for the 2025-26 school year, facilitating their accessibility to education and self-development.
- With the GoPass Program, students can benefit from free, unlimited rides on trains and buses, not only in Los Angeles but also on 18 other participating municipal transit operators, fostering a lifestyle that prioritizes transportation across various cities.
- By enabling students to attend school consistently and participate in enrichment programs, the GoPass Program contributes significantly to the technology, education, and self-development sectors, as students have the opportunity to learn and grow in a rapidly evolving world.
- The GoPass Program's expansion goes beyond just transportation—it is a catalyst for the financial and industrial growth of the region by empowering students to pursue opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach, ensuring they have the resources necessary for lifelong success.
