**L.A. Metro Offers Free Rides as Wildfires Rage**
LA Metro has made a bold move to assist residents during the ongoing wildfires that are wreaking havoc in parts of the county by suspending fare collection on all trains and buses until Sunday. This decision comes as a relief to many who are facing challenges due to the fires, providing them with much-needed transportation support during this difficult time.
**Supporting Residents in Need**
Earlier this week, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn took the initiative to authorize the agency to stop collecting fares across its entire system. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, officials have extended this generous offer through the weekend to ensure that residents have the means to travel, including to shelters and evacuation centers.
**Navigating the Challenges**
In addition to offering free rides, Metro has taken proactive steps to assist passengers by creating a map that highlights evacuation and resource centers located near its bus and rail routes. This initiative aims to help riders easily access essential services and support during this crisis.
**Service Alerts and Updates**
However, it’s important for riders to be aware of the current service alerts and changes in routes due to the wildfires and wind impact. Here are some key updates to keep in mind:
– A LINE: Bus shuttles are replacing trains between the Southwest Museum and Fillmore stations due to wind damage to overhead wires. This disruption will continue into Saturday, so passengers should plan for additional travel time, especially if heading to or from the San Gabriel Valley.
– LINE 134: This route has been canceled due to the fire in the Palisades area.
– LINES 180 and 217: Buses are detouring between Los Feliz Boulevard/San Fernando and Vermont/Prospect due to downed power lines. The alternate route includes Sunset, Alvarado, Glendale, Rowena, Hyperion, Glendale, and San Fernando.
– LINES 660 and 662: There will be no service north of Washington Boulevard in the Pasadena and Altadena areas due to the wildfires.
– LINE 296: Buses will detour to the 5 Freeway between Los Feliz Boulevard and Western Avenue.
– LINE 602: This route has been canceled due to the fire in the Palisades area.
– LINE 690: Buses traveling in both directions will use the 210 Freeway between Foothill/Arroyo and Paxton/McLay.
– METRO MICRO: Service north of Woodbury Road, New York Drive, and Sierra Madre Boulevard in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre has been suspended. However, service has been restored in specific areas, including the Rose Bowl area, Lincoln Boulevard south of Montana Street, Montana Street and south between the 210 Freeway and Los Robles Avenue, Elizabeth Street and south between Los Robles Avenue and Hill Avenue, and New York Drive and south between Hill Avenue and Altadena Drive.
For more detailed information on service alerts and updates, please visit [Metro Alerts](https://alerts.metro.net/).
**Conclusion**
In times of crisis, it is heartening to see organizations like L.A. Metro stepping up to support their community by providing essential services such as free transportation. This initiative not only helps residents navigate the challenges posed by the wildfires but also showcases the importance of coming together to support one another in times of need.
As we face these difficult circumstances, let’s remember to show kindness and compassion towards one another, lending a helping hand wherever possible. Together, we can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger as a community. Stay safe and take care.