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Linea, a zero-knowledge layer-2 network built on Ethereum, has announced it will now cover layer-2 gas fees for users bridging assets from the Ethereum mainnet. This initiative aims to simplify the onboarding process for users and make transactions more accessible. However, there are specific limitations to this offer, which excludes certain high-gas transactions, USDC transfers, and layer-1 fees.

What Is Linea?

Linea is a layer-2 blockchain network developed by Consensys, the company behind popular Ethereum tools such as MetaMask and Infura. Designed to help developers scale Ethereum applications, Linea focuses on offering lower transaction costs and faster processing times by utilizing zero-knowledge rollup technology. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to reduce the friction associated with Ethereum’s high gas fees.

Details of the Gas Fee Coverage

Linea’s gas fee waiver applies exclusively to Ethereum-to-Linea transfers conducted through its native bridge. Users can bypass layer-2 gas fees without needing to claim rewards or calculate gas manually. However, there are a few key restrictions to note:

  • The waiver applies only to layer-1 to layer-2 transactions.
  • It does not cover transactions requiring more than 250,000 gas.
  • USDC transfers through Circle’s CCTP are excluded from the offer.
  • Users are still responsible for Ethereum mainnet gas fees, which typically range from $2 to $20 depending on network congestion.

The 250,000 gas limit means the covered layer-2 fee could amount to approximately $20-$45, based on prevailing rates. This initiative is part of Linea’s broader strategy to enhance user experience by reducing barriers to entry for new users in the cryptocurrency space.

What Does This Mean for Users?

For users bridging assets to Linea, this gas fee coverage simplifies the process and reduces costs. However, it’s important to factor in the Ethereum mainnet gas fees, which remain the user’s responsibility. This offer is particularly beneficial for those conducting smaller, straightforward transactions that fall under the 250,000 gas limit.

Linea’s Development and Future Plans

In April, Linea’s head of product indicated that the team is delaying its token launch until market conditions become more favorable. Earlier in the year, former marketing lead Christopher Kocurek shared with the Discord community that Consensys executives and the board were targeting a token generation event (TGE) in the second quarter of 2025. However, there have been no further updates on this front since Kocurek left the company to join a startup.

Key Takeaways

Linea’s decision to cover layer-2 gas fees reflects the network’s commitment to improving accessibility for its users. By addressing one of the major pain pointsβ€”high transaction costsβ€”Linea is positioning itself as a competitive option for developers and individual users looking to scale their Ethereum-based activities. While there are limitations to the offer, it’s a step forward in reducing friction for beginners and intermediate users exploring the world of blockchain technology.

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