If You’re Using Uber & Lyft In California, You’re Paying Too Much
I get it…
We’re all conditioned and have it programmed in our minds to go directly to our Uber and Lyft app upon arriving at LAX to make our way to our hotels, other times we’ll summon a ride to get from Point A to Point B because not everyone in Los Angeles has a vehicle.
At the end of the day, everyone has their own reasons to why they use these popular rideshare services, but there’s one rideshare service in California that’s been overlooked that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars within a year.
On December 13th of 2020 (during the pandemic), an undermarketed rideshare service called Metro Micro launched. It operates in 8 different zones within California — and your first ride is only $1:
- Watts/Compton: Monday-Friday, 5am-11pm, Saturday-Sunday, 5:30am-9:30pm
- LAX/Inglewood: Monday-Sunday, 5am-9pm
- North Hollywood/Burbank: Monday-Friday, 6am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-10pm
- El Monte: Monday-Friday, 6am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-10pm
- Highland Park/Eagle Rock/Glendale: Monday-Sunday, 5:30am-10pm
- Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre: Monday-Sunday, 5:30am-10pm
- Northwest San Fernando Valley: Monday-Sunday, 5:30am-10pm
- UCLA/Westwood/VA Medical Center: Monday-Friday, 9 am-9 pm
There is a few things to know though. The caveats:
- It’s available locally — meaning if you’re traveling within Northwest San Fernando Valley, you can only travel to destinations within that zone. You can’t however ride from LAX to UCLA, they simply don’t allow it.
- If you’re looking to fly out of LAX, there are no rides available. Only available for incoming flights.
- Each region has specific operating times. Make sure to look into their operating times before attempting to book.
- Failure to pay the proper fare is a violation of Section 640 Penal Code and may result in a fine up to $250 and 48 hours community service.
- Although it’s advertised it’s $1 for rides, it can fluctuate as time goes on, but regardless, it’s still way cheaper than booking with Lyft, Uber or a taxi service.
- They don’t accept cash or check as valid payment methods.
The pros:
- You can get two free rides by going to their website and selecting “Claim Free Rides”
- They have apps for both Android and Apple, but if you don’t have a smartphone, you can simply call 323.GO.METRO and summon a ride by phone, or you can even book it on their website: https://book.metro-micro.net/
- If you’re part of the LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) Program, you can qualify for reduced rates. To apply you can click here.
- Service animals are welcome (but they must be in an enclosed carrier)
- Accessibility-friendly options are available (wheelchair, etc.) For seniors or those with disablities, fare rates are as low as $0.75 for a one-way ride or $20 for a 30-day pass.
- Your bike can be brought along as well, going in the front rack of the vehicle.
- College/Vocational students can opt-in to pay $43 for a 30-day pass. 1-Way is $1.75.
If you’re looking to give it a try, you can signup within the mobile app or their website. You can add a credit card to your Metro Micro account and pay when you book your ride. As an alternative payment method, you can select TAP card and pay with your TAP card when you board the vehicle. For more info, you can visit here on how to pay and get started.
