Reducing the cost and hassle of commuting to work through an employee assistance program is a perk our university provides, offering Bruins financial savings, reduced stress and promoting sustainability. One such benefit is UCLA Transportation’s Tier 1 Transit Pass Program, a solution for commuting to and from campus.
Envisioned as an employee recruitment and retention incentive for UCLA's essential workers, this transit pass subsidy is based on salary. Modeled after health insurance coverage priced by income level, the Tier 1 program offers a free quarterly pass to employees earning up to $68,000. Factoring in ownership, maintenance, gas and parking, commuting by car is a serious financial commitment, making a no-cost transit pass that provides unlimited rides across L.A, County a valuable alternative.
The Tier 1 transit pass gives eligible employees access to fare-free trips on L.A. Metro bus, rail, Metro Micro (an on-demand rideshare service), Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, Long Beach Transit, LADOT Commuter Express, Antelope Valley Transit Authority and Santa Clarita Transit.
Initially rolled out in Winter 2023 to UCLA Administration’s operational and service units, the program has expanded to other departments, with UCLA Library and the Emeriti/Retirees Relations Center introducing Tier 1 to their employees. Hundreds of staff members from Housing & Hospitality and Facilities Management have already benefited from the program. UCLA Transportation hopes to onboard more eligible participants, as the pass is a win-win for all involved.
Employees acquire a free way to work, and departments gain a retention and recruitment tool, as well as a more content employee who doesn’t have to worry about how they’ll arrive on campus. In a survey of current pass holders, the top reason listed for participating was having no other option and being transit dependent, demonstrating that Tier 1 provides critical access and mobility.
Campus and the surrounding communities also benefit. Taking transit instead of driving curbs both traffic congestion and air pollution.
Learn more about the program on UCLA Transportation’s website. Qualifying individuals can register for the pass through the BruinTAP transit portal and will be automatically eligible to order the Commuter All-Access Pass at no cost.
