Tejal Somvanshi
LADOT just rolled out its all-electric LAnow ride-sharing service in South Los Angeles, offering residents free rides through June 30, 2026. The new service area covers the zone between Figueroa St., Slauson Ave., Long Beach Ave., and Washington Blvd., connecting riders to key spots like LA Trade-Technical College, USC, Expo Park, BMO Stadium, and the South LA Wetlands.
The electric shuttle vans run weekdays from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, linking neighborhoods to five DASH routes and Metro’s A and E lines. Booking works through a simple app, with pick-up points never more than a few blocks away from any location in the zone.
“This expansion will provide more Angelenos with reliable and affordable, all-electric on-demand local shared ride services. With this launch, riders in the area will get one year free of service,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the June 17 announcement.
How It Works: Booking Your Ride
LAnow isn’t your typical fixed-route bus service. Instead, it works on-demand through an app you can download from the App Store or Google Play. Once you book a trip, you’ll meet the shuttle at a designated pick-up point within the service area.
The service operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM (excluding holidays), using a fully electric fleet of shuttle vans—part of LADOT’s commitment to clean energy transportation.
Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. emphasized the service’s accessibility: “LAnow will fill a critical transit gap in Council District 9, offering flexible, on-demand service for everyone. Whether you’re a student heading to LA Trade-Technical College, a family visiting the museums in Exposition Park, or a senior looking for fresh air at the South LA Wetlands, LAnow makes it easier to get where you need to go.”
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Beyond Just Rides: The Bigger Picture
What makes this launch special isn’t just the free rides (though that’s definitely a plus). The program is funded through a $13.8 million Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), with LADOT adding $4 million in local matching funds.
The total Universal Basic Mobility pilot budget is approximately $21.78 million and includes several connected initiatives beyond just the shuttle service. The program aligns with LADOT’s broader mobility goals while meeting CARB’s requirements for clean transportation services in disadvantaged communities.
“This new service demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable transit services that support the needs of communities,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “LAnow’s weekday service uses flexible routes and affordable pricing to connect residents to services allowing riders to access jobs, amenities, and recreation opportunities in the community.”
Building on Success
South LA is the second area to get LAnow service, following a successful pilot on the Westside serving Palms, Mar Vista, Venice, and Del Rey. That initial program saw 4,053 app downloads and 2,894 user accounts created in its first six months, according to LADOT’s equity analysis.
The South LA expansion is part of a broader Universal Basic Mobility initiative that also includes:
- Mobility Wallet integration with Phase I serving 1,000 participants and Phase II expanding to 2,000 additional participants (1,000 in South LA and 1,000 countywide) with $1,800 in transit credits via prepaid cards
- Electric bike lending libraries launched April 16, 2024 (“South Central Power Up”) with maintenance training and riding safety programs
- Green jobs training elements supported by UC Davis, LACI, and other community partners
Carbon-Cutting Commutes
The all-electric shuttle fleet follows CARB’s Climate Investments guidelines, with CARB methodology projecting reductions of hundreds of metric tons of CO₂ annually from the program. This environmental benefit comes alongside the practical transportation advantages for residents.
The best part? It’s completely free through June 30, 2026, thanks to the STEP grant funding.
Ready to Ride?
To get started with LAnow in South LA:
- Download the LAnow app from the App Store or Google Play
- Book your trip within the service area
- Meet the shuttle at your designated pick-up point
For more information, call the LADOT Transit Customer Service Center at 818-493-6211 (Monday-Friday, 6 AM-7 PM) or visit ladottransit.com/lanow.
About LADOT Transit Services: LADOT provides Commuter Express, DASH neighborhood circulators, LAnow on-demand shuttles, and Cityride paratransit across Los Angeles, making it the second-largest transit provider in LA County.
