[Source: William Kim]
On December 19, 2018, Transit Access Pass (TAP) coupons were handed out to many low-income individuals and families at the Korea Daily, which helped them to reduce their money spent on public transportation.
According to Wikipedia, a TAP coupon is defined as “a form of electronic ticketing payment method used on most public transport services within Los Angeles County, California” To use the Metro, one cannot pay cash, therefore, one needs a TAP card to get on subways and other forms of local transportation. Depending on the receiver’s age and condition also differentiates the amount of money in the coupon. Only groups allowed to apply for the tickets online are seniors and those with disabilities and senior coupon ages vary depending on the agency one may go through.
At the volunteer site, which was in the basement gallery of the Korea Daily, low-income individuals or families filled out an application if it was their first time receiving the coupons. Applications required the information of ‘head of household’ and other family members. Required information included a home address, phone number, legal name, income, and the number of people in the household.
Seniors who wanted to apply for the ticket had to upload a recently taken profile photo without wearing any kinds of accessories. They also needed to mail the application if they are not doing it by himself or herself.
People with disabilities needed documented evidence of their disability. Acceptable cards included a Medicare card, disabled Veterans ID, an official letter from a special education teacher (in case of a student), or a letter of benefit award. If one had a qualifying medical disability under Social Security, the disability was classified then certified by a medical professional, and the documentation had to be attached to the application.
College students needed to show their current school enrollment. A current contract or agreement had to be between the applicant and his or her school stating the total number of classroom hours, current registration form or enrollment certificate, or an official letter from school verifying enrollment. Elementary, middle, and high school students also needed proof of their enrollment, which included report cards, a student ID, or class schedule.
Freshman Mina Lee, who attends John Marshall High School was in attendance and said, “I got to meet different people from different backgrounds, and I really enjoyed that. I was really glad I could speak Korean, English, and Spanish. It felt really good how I was able to help people with something I can do.”
TAP coupons only last for six months and new ones get offered from June to July. For more information about these coupons, visit https://www.taptogo.net and Enjoy your ride!
Minseo Park, Grade 10
Crescenta Valley High School
