L.A. Metro celebrated its 24^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth in November with 25,844,065 boardings. The combined bus and rail ridership reached nearly 88 percent of its 2019 pre-pandemic ridership level. While Metro typically sees a drop in ridership during November and December due to the holiday season, Metro’s average weekday boardings still reached 84.4 percent of its 2019 pre-pandemic levels and on the weekends, ridership attained 99.3 percent of its pre-pandemic level.

Bus Ridership

The Metro bus system saw 20,031,255 trips taken in November, marking a 4.5 percent ridership increase compared to November 2023. Weekday bus ridership saw an average of 760,985 daily boardings, while weekends saw an average of 528,078 trips on Saturdays, and an average of 434,233 trips on Sundays. November’s weekend bus ridership surpassed its pre-pandemic level for the first time marking a 102.9 percent increase of its November 2019 re-pandemic level. 

Ridership on the Bus Rapid Transit J Line, which runs on dedicated bus lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways from El Monte to San Pedro, rose 5.5 percent compared to November 2023.  

Rail Ridership

Rail boardings grew 11.2 percent in November 2024 over November 2023, with November 2024’s rail ridership standing at 75.3 percent of its November 2019 pre-pandemic level. Weekday rail boardings grew by 12.2 percent year-over-year and reached 71.2 percent of its November 2019 pre-pandemic level. Weekend rail in November 2024 grew 13 percent year-over-year and is now at 89.6 percent its of pre-pandemic level.  

E Line ridership grew 14.1 percent, led by Saturday and Sunday boardings, which were 19.3 and 24.3 percent higher respectively in November 2024 compared to November 2023.

Strong Leisure Ridership Continues

Weekend and leisure riders continue to drive ridership growth. Weekend rail ridership exceeded its year-over-year ridership by 13 percent and reached 89.6 percent of its pre-pandemic November 2019 ridership. Notably, weekend bus boardings exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 2.9 percent for the first time.

The day of the Dodgers World Series Parade, Nov. 1, Metro saw approximately 80,000 additional rides on our system.    

Discounted Fare Ridership

In November, Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, saw a 16 percent year-over-year ridership increase. LIFE ridership in November 2024 saw 1,761,586 boardings compared to 1,516,311 in November 2023. The LIFE team continues to share information about this important Metro program and in November hosted nearly 100 outreach and pop-up events, disseminated 2,300 brochures, and enrolled more than 6,101 new people into the program during the month.

Information on Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for low-income persons and families, seniors, persons with disabilities and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/.

Public Safety on Metro

Metro continues its ongoing work to improve public safety with a three-point plan:

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures;
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and
• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses.

The post LA Metro Marks Two Consecutive Years of Ridership Growth appeared first on LA Metro.

Effective Sunday, Dec. 15, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer more frequent and reliable bus service, improving customers’ travel experience on multiple routes. Based on Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan which outlines operational bus system improvements, the changes aim to better meet the needs of today’s riders. Bus service changes include more trips on some lines to provide added capacity, the transfer of two lines to Pasadena Transit as the new service provider, and reconfiguring some of the bus lines to improve regional connectivity to Metro rail.

Route changes by region are as follows.

San Fernando Valley

Bus ridership in the San Fernando Valley service area continues to grow at a rapid pace so bus route adjustments are being implemented to accommodate the larger numbers of riders and provide easy access to other transit options within the system.

Changes are coming to Line 96 (Chinatown-Burbank Station via Griffith Park Dr.), which will allow customers to easily and more quickly access Metro’s A Line light rail service. Line 96 will now terminate at the Lincoln/Cypress A Line Station located at Avenue 26 and Lacy Street in the Lincoln Heights area, instead of its current terminus in Chinatown. Line 96 will be renumbered Line 296 with similar weekday or weekend service frequencies.

New Line 296 route will remain unchanged north of Riverside Dr. and Duvall Street. However, south of Duvall Street Line 296 will change as follows:

• Southbound buses will travel via Riverside Drive to Figueroa Street, then right on Avenue 26, and then right on Humboldt Street.
• Northbound buses will turn around using Avenue 21, Barranca Street and San Fernando Road, and then continue via Humboldt Street, left on Avenue 26, left Figueroa St-Riverside Drive to the normal route.

New bus stops will be placed on Avenue 26 at Lacy Street in both directions allowing passengers to make new connections with Line 251 (Avenue 26) and Lines 81, 90, 94 at Figueroa Street/Avenue 26.

In December, Metro is expecting to begin long-term construction along Van Nuys Boulevard between Sherman Way and Arminta Street for new East San Fernando Valley light rail line. Van Nuys Blvd. is anticipated to be reduced to two lanes in each direction, with bus stops at Valerio and at Saticoy Streets expected to be closed for the multi-year duration of construction. Stops on Van Nuys Blvd. at Sherman Way and at Keswick Street are expected to remain open. Intermittent nightly closures are anticipated for approximately 3 months at northbound Van Nuys nearside Telfair.

Beginning in January 2025 until approximately Summer 2026, the G Line will be detoured due to the construction of a new, elevated Van Nuys G Line station above Van Nuys Blvd. G Line buses will reroute via Sepulveda Blvd and Oxnard St both directions between Sepulveda and Woodman stations. New temporary G Line bus stops will be located on Oxnard Street at Van Nuys Blvd., for east and west travel, while the new station is constructed.  

Gateway Cities

Lines 60, 202, and 260 will return to the Artesia Bridge ending the detour going into Artesia Station at Compton. Additionally, schedules will be updated to adjust for changing traffic conditions.

San Gabriel Valley

In the San Gabriel Valley, two Metro Lines will become part of Pasadena Transit. Line 177 will become Pasadena Transit Route 53, and Metro Line 256 will become Pasadena Transit Route 33. There are no schedule or route related changes for Pasadena Transit Route 53. On Pasadena Transit Route 33 route and bus stop locations will remain the same however frequency will be improved from every 50 minutes to every 35 minutes daily including weekends.

Buses on these routes will be rebranded Pasadena Transit with a Pasadena Transit base fare of $0.75. TAP Cards are accepted as fare on Pasadena Transit services with transfers between Pasadena Transit routes free for 2.5 hours. For more information riders can visit www.PasadenaTransit.net or contact Pasadena Transit Customer Service at (626) 744-4055.

Additionally in the San Gabriel Valley and Gateway Cities areas, Line 260 will be restructured and scheduled as two routes. Route 260 will operate from Pasadena to the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Metro Station every 24 minutes. Route 261 will operate from Pasadena to the Artesia Metro Station every 24 minutes. The frequency from Pasadena to Atlantic and Imperial will be every 12 minutes, on the common section of both lines. The northbound terminal in Pasadena will remain the same for both routes, but their southbound terminals will be different. Line 260 southbound will extend to terminate at the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Metro Station, while Line 261 will terminate at the existing Artesia Station terminus.

On Line 662 two new stops will be added, westbound on Colorado Blvd. at Raymond Avenue and southbound on Fair Oaks Blvd. at Colorado Blvd., with a minor reroute made westbound on Colorado Blvd. toward Del Mar Station.

Line 665 weekday frequency will improve from every 50 minutes to approximately every 35 minutes, increasing passenger convenience and facilitating transfer connections to regional transit service. Weekend frequency will remain the same operating every 50 minutes. Line 665 plays a significant role in connecting Boyle Heights, East LA, City Terrace, and Rose Hill Transit Center in bringing students throughout LA County to Cal State LA through transfer connections with regional bus and rail service. Line 665 makes regional connections with the E Line at the Indiana Station, and at Rose Hill Transit Center with Lines 78, 179 and 182.

Westside/Central LA

In West/Central Los Angeles, Metro will adjust four lines to accommodate area schools’ new schedules. All of the lines serve students in Metro’s GoPass program which provides a free transit pass to K-14 students at participating schools. The lines, route and schools serviced are:  

• Line 2 (Sunset-Alvarado) – Thomas Starr King Middle School
• Line 10 (Melrose-Temple) – Fairfax High School
• Line 20 (Wilshire) – Burroughs Middle School
• Line 28 (Olympic) – LA High School

A complete list of the changes with links to the new schedules can be found at metro.net/mybus along with the helpful mybustool to help riders plan their trips.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 1 million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses including fifty zero emission battery electric buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post Metro Bus Schedule Changes to Improve Frequency, Reliability and Connectivity Coming Dec. 15 appeared first on LA Metro.

Bus Ridership

The Metro bus system saw 22,498,869 trips in October, marking a 7.5 percent ridership increase compared to October 2023. Average weekday bus ridership was 804,963 in October, surpassing last month’s new weekday ridership benchmark by 684 new riders to become the highest bus ridership Metro has seen since February 2020. On average, 545,208 trips were taken on Metro buses on Saturdays in October, while an average of 450,972 trips were taken on Sundays. October’s weekend bus ridership now stands at 95.8 percent of its October 2019 re-pandemic level. 

Ridership on Metro’s two Bus Rapid Transit lines also increased in October. Ridership on the J Line, which runs on dedicated bus lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways from El Monte to San Pedro, rose 10.6 percent compared to October 2023. Ridership on the G Line, which serves the San Fernando Valley, rose by 4.7 percent year-over-year in October 2024.

Rail Ridership

Rail boardings grew by nearly 8.6 percent in October 2024 over October 2023, and Metro’s rail ridership now stands at 85.1 percent of its October 2019 pre-pandemic level. Weekday rail boardings grew by 14.2 percent year-over year. Weekday rail ridership in October 2024 was 95.8% of its October 2019 pre-pandemic level while October 2024 weekend rail ridership exceeded October 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.1 percent.

In October Metro’s light rail system saw the biggest ridership gains on the K Line with 23 percent year-over-year growth and the E Line with 18.5 percent year-over-year growth. Ridership on the A Line grew 13.3 percent year-over-year, while ridership on the C Line grew 7.1 percent.

Strong Weekend Ridership Continues

Leisure riders continue to drive overall ridership growth, especially on the weekends. In October weekend rail ridership exceeded its pre-pandemic level reaching 103.1 percent. Weekend bus boardings reaching 95.8 percent of pre-pandemic October 2019 weekend ridership levels.

Discounted Fare Ridership

In October, Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers saw a 28 percent year-over-year ridership increase as riders used the subsidized program. LIFE ridership in October 2024 saw 2,042,922 boardings compared to 1,592,478 in October 2023.

Information on Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for low-income persons and families, seniors, persons with disabilities and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/.

Public Safety on Metro

Metro continues its ongoing work to improve public safety with a three-point plan:

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures;
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and
• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction.

As part of this strategy, Metro’s law enforcement partners have expanded their visible presence on the rail system, and more Transit Security Officers (TSOs) have been added to enforce Metro’s Customer Code of Conduct rules on both the bus and rail system. As part of the MTS surge, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams (BSTs) performed end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus lines. Metro Ambassadors are also deployed on Metro’s six rail lines and five of the busiest bus lines, to provide support to customers and keep a watchful eye out for problems.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, X.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro Continues Ridership Rebound with One Million Weekday Boardings in October, Marks 23rd Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Growth appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) continues to build on its commitment to grow its housing portfolio to 10,000 homes by 2031.  Today, Metro joined East Los Angeles Community Corporation (ELACC) and BRIDGE Housing Corporation (BRIDGE) in a dedication ceremony to mark the completion of construction of Los Lirios, a transit-oriented, mixed-use housing development for low- and moderate-income households. Los Lirios was built on Metro-owned property adjacent to the Metro E Line Soto station at 1^st and Soto Streets in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Hilda L. Solis joined representatives from ELACC and BRIDGE in celebrating the ribbon cutting and praising the project as an example of Metro’s commitment to bringing more affordable housing to its station areas. 

The new five-story apartment building features 64 income-restricted homes above 2,400 square feet of community serving retail space on the 0.67- acre site, which was previously used by Metro to support construction of the adjacent E Line Station. Los Lirios offers studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to families earning 30% – 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) with 20 apartments set aside for formerly unhoused individuals that are supported by Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers.  Residential amenities include onsite offices for management and service providers, a workout room, on-site laundry, a community room, a children’s play area, and an outdoor courtyard. Resident services are provided by ELACC, and PATH Ventures provides case management and supportive services for formerly homeless households.  

“In Boyle Heights, as well as many neighborhoods in the First District, the need for affordable housing for low- and middle-income families has never been more urgent. Many of our residents also rely on public transportation or alternative means of travel in order to get to school and work,” said Metro Board Member and Los Angeles County Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “Over a decade in the making, the development and opening of Los Lirios demonstrates the positive impact Metro’s Joint Development program will have on a better quality of life for our County, especially for those in our most vulnerable communities.” 

“At BRIDGE Housing, we are committed to creating transformative change for people and families by providing access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. “We are delighted to celebrate our first partnership with LA Metro and ELACC and proud to deliver this beautiful, transit-friendly affordable housing community for Boyle Heights.” 

Metro’s Vision 2028 Strategic Plan encourages the development of affordable housing near transit to give more people, especially in low-income communities, better access to transit. In 2021, the Metro Board established a goal of expanding Metro’s housing portfolio through the Joint Development program to 10,000 homes by 2031, with 5,000 of the apartments to be restricted at affordable rents for lower and moderate-income households. To meet the goal, Metro has partnered with local developers to increase the supply of high-quality housing on Metro properties, especially income-restricted apartments. In addition to providing much-needed housing, these new projects can advance many community development goals and serve as a gateway to the Metro transit system.  

“Metro’s approach to Transit Oriented Communities and Joint Development starts with a basic principle: Communities are stronger when people have a diverse range of housing options, jobs, and services located near fast and frequent transit lines,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “Los Lirios is one of dozens of developments Metro will build in the coming years on land left over from our construction projects, and we’re doing our part to ease the housing shortage in LA County and make this region a more affordable, vibrant, and sustainable place to live.”  

Los Lirios is Metro’s second Joint Development housing project to open this year as part of its ambitious effort to bring more affordable housing to Los Angeles County.  The first was La Veranda, a mixed-use housing development for low- and moderate-income households on Metro-owned property in Boyle Heights, which was celebrated in a dedication ceremony on June 18, 2024. Following La Veranda and Los Lirios, Metro plans to open two more affordable housing communities in 2025: Vermont/Santa Monica Apartments, which will include 187 apartments and community serving commercial and social service space at the Vermont/Santa Monica Metro station, and Lorena Plaza, a 49-unit community located at the intersection of 1^st and Lorena Streets in Boyle Heights. 

For more information on Metro’s Joint Development program, please visit https://www.metro.net/jd. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 1 million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO JOINS EAST LA COMMUNITY CORPORATION, BRIDGE HOUSING TO WELCOME FAMILIES TO NEW HOMES IN BOYLE HEIGHTS  appeared first on LA Metro.

Keeping bus lanes and bus stops clear for transit riders is essential to making transportation more equitable in Los Angeles, so the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), today announced phase one of its bus lane enforcement pilot program with an initial 60-day warning and outreach period to capture images with cameras of vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes and at bus stops in real time will start Nov. 1. Following the initial 60-day warning and outreach period, citations will be issued for bus lane violations.

“Our buses carry hundreds of thousands of people every single day. It’s not fair that a single car blocking a bus lane can hold up a busload of people,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Those riders deserve to reach their destinations safely and on-time. This new ticketing system is important, and I hope people don’t take the risk and move their cars out of the bus lanes.”

Blocking bus lanes and bus stops have a disproportionate impact on bus riders, resulting in bus delays and disruptions. One vehicle can have an outsized burden on the dozens of riders on each bus, resulting in missed transfers and late arrivals. 

As part of this initial phase, cameras have been installed on 50 select buses on bus lines 720 servicing Wilshire Blvd. and 212 servicing La Brea. The two cameras, installed behind the windshields of select buses each serve a different function. One camera uses computer vision to detect vehicles on the roadway and traffic lane lines. When a bus lane or bus stop violation is detected, the second camera records the license plate of the violating vehicle. Then a traffic officer with LADOT will review the evidence and verify the accuracy of the image before issuing a ticket. This automated bus lane and bus stop enforcement technology advances LA Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan by ensuring that the agency’s riders experience the benefits of new bus lanes and improves safety and transit reliability.

For the next 60 days, Metro and LADOT will provide the public with details about the enforcement program, existing parking regulations, and the payment options available for low-income persons, and will issue non-punitive warnings during this time. Any evidence of a violation captured during the warning period and after will be retained for up to six months from the date the information was first obtained, after which time the information will be destroyed. Images captured by bus-mounted cameras that do not contain evidence of a parking violation occurring in a bus lane or bus stop will be destroyed within 15 days after the information was first obtained.

“Our partnership with Metro to deliver dedicated bus lanes across the city has already improved service reliability for thousands of Angelenos who rely on public transit to get where they need to go everyday,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “This new program will help our officers ensure we continue to realize those benefits as we expand bus lanes to additional routes across our transportation system.”

As part of phase two of this pilot program, cameras will be installed on select buses along lines 910 and 950 that serve the Silver line and line 70 serving Olive Street/Grand Avenue at a date to be announced later.

“800,000+ daily bus riders deserve fast and reliable transit service, and that’s why Metro has invested so much in bus priority lanes on key corridors,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Our goal is to get our riders where they need to be safely, comfortably and on time, and bus lane enforcement is key to realizing that goal.”

Other transit agencies in major cities including San Francisco, Oakland, New York City, Washington DC and Philadelphia also use this technology to help keep bus lanes and bus stops clear. 

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries one million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines.  

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x/metrolosangeles and x/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles

The post FIRST PHASE OF BUS LANE ENFORCEMENT WITH CAMERAS STARTS NOV. 1, ON WILSHIRE, LA BREA appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) today launched its enhanced app, Transit Watch 3.0. Transit Watch provides passengers with an accessible and direct line of communication to report security incidents, suspicious activities, safety concerns, and maintenance issues directly to Metro.  

The newly enhanced app offers a comprehensive platform that simplifies the user experience to better accommodate a diverse user base with varying levels of technological proficiency. All essential functions, such as incident reporting, location-based services, real-time communication, and image and video sharing, are now easy to locate and navigate.

Transit Watch 3.0 will also support the 14 most commonly-spoken languages in Los Angeles County including Armenian, Catalan, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Slovenian, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese.

“We all play a role in making the system safer,” said Deputy Chief of System Security & Law Enforcement Robert Gummer. “Whether you’re on your way to work, school or to visit friends we want to know whenever you see something concerning. With the enhanced features of Transit Watch 3.0 now you can share information, including your exact location and videos, with us in real-time 24/7.”  

Transit Watch 3.0 introduces several innovative new features, including:  

• Real-time translation functionality from inbound and outbound messages to accommodate limited English proficiency users.  
• Optional “Share Location” feature allows users to easily select the location from where they are reporting, whether it be at a station, bus stop, train or bus.
• Expanded media capability allows users to upload videos in addition to photos  
• In-app messaging allows users to communicate with Metro Security in real-time, 24/7, without ever leaving the app  

“We are so grateful to all the riders who shared their time and valuable feedback with us by responding to surveys and participating in focus groups and testing,” said Metro Chief Customer Experience Officer Jennifer Vides. “The result is an easier to use app that better meets the needs of Metro’s diverse ridership and helps make our system faster, cleaner, friendlier and safer.”

The new and improved version of Metro’s Transit Watch platform is a critical component of Metro’s efforts to enhance the system’s safety and security and promise to always put the rider first. The new version also provides improved real-time reporting and statistical analysis on the desktop application, which helps Metro respond to issues more efficiently and identify trends. Metro Security monitors messages 24/7. 

The LA Metro Transit Watch App is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. More information including step by step instructions is available here.

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, X.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO LAUNCHES TRANSIT WATCH 3.0 WITH IMPROVED USER INTERFACE AND ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrated the news today that it has been awarded $231 million by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), following a statewide competitive grant application process for Cycle 7, for its Southeast Gateway Line. The Southeast Gateway Line is a light rail line stretching 14.5 miles from the Slauson/ A (Blue) Line Station to the City of Artesia providing a dependable alternative to driving for 2 million people in southeast LA County.

The Southeast Gateway Line will include nine stations extending from the Slauson A Line station located in the City of Los Angeles/Florence-Firestone unincorporated area of Los Angeles County to its southern terminus at the Pioneer Station located in the City of Artesia, passing through the cities of Bell, Bellflower, Cerritos, Cudahy, Downey, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Los Angeles, Paramount, South Gate and Vernon. The line will also include a new C Line station at the I-105 freeway.

“This is exactly what we were hoping for and what this project needs,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn who has made multiple trips to Sacramento and Washington to advocate for funding for the Southeast Gateway Line. “I appreciate Governor Newsom and his team for answering our call and recognizing the importance of the Southeast Gateway Line to the future of the region and I thank the entire Metro Board for prioritizing this project.” 

The area is currently home to over 600,000 jobs, which is projected to increase to over 700,000 jobs by 2042. The area also has a high projected population and employment densities that are five times higher than LA County, with 44 percent of the population below the poverty line and 18 percent of households that do not own a car. The area has severalEnvironmental Justice Communitiespopulated by a majority-minority community with 65 percent minority residents, with Hispanic/Latino groups alone accounting for 51 percent. 

“This is a tremendous day for Southeast LA and continues to demonstrate Metro’s and the State’s commitment to securing funds to construct the new rail line in this heavily transit-dependent area,” said Metro Board First Vice Chair Fernando Dutra. “I also think this shows how much the State cares about our disadvantaged communities and the residents who live and work here.”

The project will provide direct connectionto the Metro C Line (Green), Metro A Line (Blue) and LA County’s broader regional transit network. Connecting this area to Metro’s rail network will provide alternatives to driving and improves accessibility to jobs and job-related opportunities, as well as to medical facilities, institutions of higher education, and other places of interest in Los Angeles County.

“Metro would like to thank Governor Newsom for his commitment to funding projects that will help California reach its climate goals and CalSTA Secretary Omishakin for his leadership on transportation and transit investments,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “For too long, Angelenos in southeast LA County have been disconnected from Metro’s rail system, but with these additional funds, we move closer to giving Southeast LA and Gateway City residents a world-class light rail line to serve this growing area of our County.”

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post METRO AWARDED $231 MILLION FOR SOUTHEAST GATEWAY LINE appeared first on LA Metro.

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 14, 2024) – With the U.S. transit bus manufacturing industry in crisis, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) aims to provide relief to struggling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through its Regional Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Procurement Policy. At its September board meeting, the Metro Board of Directors adopted a policy to bolster transit bus OEMs by requiring that all future bus procurements reduce customization requirements, introduce new and early milestone payments and encourage other local bus agencies to participate.

“This is the first time Metro is partnering with transit agencies across LA County to buy new buses together. It’s an opportunity to pool our purchasing power while also supporting zero emissions bus manufacturing jobs here in the US,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This is the sort of creative approach we need to get all of our transit providers closer to zero emissions, clean air future.”

The Board also approved $49.84 million in state Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP) funds for Los Angeles County Municipal Operators Association (LACMOA) member agencies to purchase ZEBs and charging infrastructure through the regional procurement, the largest in U.S. history increasing competition and interest among U.S. bus manufacturers. The ZETCP will allocate $320.6 million to Metro over four years for new ZEBs, charging infrastructure and facility modifications. Metro will distribute all four years of ZETCP funds to LACMOA member agencies in advance so that they can use the funds immediately.

“Metro is deeply appreciative for the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration in addressing the crisis in zero emission bus manufacturing in the United States,’ said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Metro and more than two dozen local transit operators need to purchase thousands of Buy-America compliant electric buses over the next decade – but domestic manufacturing of these buses has not kept pace with demand. This coordinated approach between Metro and the Los Angeles County Municipal Operators Association (LACMOA) will support U.S. bus manufacturing and ensure that sufficient manufacturers remain in the market to meet California’s sustainability goals.”

On Feb. 7, 2024, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins was a speaker at a White House Roundtable on Clean Bus Manufacturing that outlined specific steps transit agencies could take to bolster America’s zero emission bus manufacturing capabilities. In addition to addressing reforms outlined at the White House Roundtable on Clean Bus Manufacturing, the Federal Transit Administration has taken decisive steps to deliver robust federal funding to expand Metro’s fleet of zero emission buses. In August 2022, the Federal Transit Administration provided a $104 million federal grant to Metro for the purchase and deployment of 160 battery-electric buses as well as for the procurement and installation of enroute and depot charging stations.

This federal funding is enabling Metro to support the transition to zero emission bus service on routes operating out of Metro’s Divisions 9 (El Monte) and 18 (Carson) including the J Line (Silver) Bus Rapid Transit service. This grant is also funding related workforce development and training activities. In June of 2024, the Federal Transit Administration provided a $77.5 million federal grant to Metro to help purchase dozens of zero emission buses, install new chargers, and expand workforce development training at Metro Bus Division 7 (West Hollywood). Metro is proud of its strong partnership with the White House and U.S. Department of Transportation in seeking creative and financially responsible solutions to address the crisis currently facing zero emission bus manufacturers in the United States.

Metro’s allocation of Los Angeles County Regional Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP) funds can be used to replace transit vehicles with zero emission, support associated fueling or charging infrastructure, facility modifications, and transit operations expenditures that demonstrate a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The regional procurement will help accelerate our region’s clean vehicle future as well as ensure our communities receive reliable transit service.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post METRO MOVES CLOSER TO ZERO EMISSION BUSES (ZEB) FOR THE REGION appeared first on LA Metro.

“A million boardings a day is a major milestone. It’s also a reminder that while we have to prepare for the World Cup and the Olympics, every single day hundreds of thousands of people here in LA County are using our buses and trains to get around, and our commitment is to them,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We owe them a safe, dependable, enjoyable system, whether they’re on a bus, a train platform, or riding a train. My focus will remain safety and our riders’ experience, so they know they can count on Metro to be there for them when they need it.”

Metro’s combined bus and rail ridership in September reached 86.4 percent of its September 2019 pre-pandemic ridership level, which exceeds the nationwide transit ridership average of 76 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Average weekday boardings on Metro reached 83.6 percent of September 2019 pre-pandemic levels and 96.6 percent of the pre-pandemic level on weekends.

“Thanks to the more than 12,000 dedicated public servants who work hard, day and night, rain or shine, Metro is recovering faster than almost any large transit agency in America,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “This 1 million-weekday-rider milestone is a testament to the enormous effort we’ve undertaken to make our system cleaner, safer, easier, more comfortable and more reliable for all the Angelenos who rely on us every day.”

Bus Ridership

The Metro bus system saw 20,912,410 trips in September, marking a 6.9 percent ridership increase compared to September 2023. Average weekday bus ridership was 804,279 in September, the highest bus ridership Metro has seen since February 2020. On average, 534,373 trips were taken on Metro buses on Saturdays in September, while an average of 448,223 trips were taken on Sundays. September’s weekend bus ridership now stands at 96.3 percent of its September 2019 re-pandemic level. 

Ridership on Metro’s two Bus Rapid Transit lines also increased in September. Ridership on the J Line, which runs on dedicated lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways from El Monte to San Pedro, rose 8.3 percent in September 2024 compared to September 2023. Weekend ridership on the J Line exceeded its September 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.4 percent in September 2024. Ridership on the G Line, which serves the San Fernando Valley, rose by 3.4 percent.

Rail Ridership

Rail boardings grew by nearly 10 percent in September 2024 over September 2023, and Metro’s rail ridership now stands at 85.1 percent of its September 2019 pre-pandemic level. Weekday rail boardings grew by 11.7 percent year-over year, while weekend rail ridership grew 4.81 percent year over year. Weekend rail ridership in September now stands at 99.4 percent of its September 2019 pre-pandemic ridership levels.

Metro’s light rail system drove September’s ridership growth. Ridership on the A Line grew 16.2 percent year-over-year, while ridership on the E Line grew 18 percent year-over-year in September. Ridership on the C Line grew 10.7 percent while ridership on the K Line grew 4.1 percent.

Strong Weekend Ridership Continues

Leisure riders continue to be a driver of overall ridership growth, especially on the weekends. In September, weekend rail ridership reached 99.4 percent of its pre-pandemic level with weekend bus boardings reaching 96.3 percent of pre-pandemic September 2019 weekend ridership levels.

Student Ridership Growth

In September, Metro’s GoPass Program, which provides a free transit pass to K-14 students at participating schools, had 1,666,405 boardings, a three percent increase over September 2023, which saw 1,610,215 students boarding. September’s GoPass boardings marked a 77.7 percent month-over-month increase over August as students headed back to school. Metro’s GoPass team continues outreach and meets with new schools weekly to enroll more schools in the program.  

Information on Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for low-income persons and families, seniors, persons with disabilities and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/

Public Safety on Metro

Metro continues its ongoing work to improve public safety with a three-point plan:

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures;
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and
• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction.

As part of this strategy, Metro’s law enforcement partners have expanded their visible presence on the rail system, and more Transit Security Officers (TSOs) have been added to enforce Metro’s Customer Code of Conduct rules on both the bus and rail system. As part of the MTS surge, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams (BSTs) performed end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus lines. Metro Ambassadors are also deployed on Metro’s six rail lines and five of the busiest bus lines, to provide support to customers and keep a watchful eye out for problems.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, X.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro Ridership Reaches One Million Weekday Riders in September, Marks 22nd Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Growth appeared first on LA Metro.

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 4, 2024) –  The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has appointed Tim Lindholm as the Chief Program Management Officer. In this role, he is responsible for executing Metro’s mission to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work and play within L.A. County.  

Lindholm will focus on delivering the largest transportation infrastructure program in the nation, a $28 billion program of approximately 75 active rail, bus, and highway transportation projects. Projects within his portfolio include the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station and Purple (D Line) Extension projects which are currently in construction, and the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project which will begin construction later this year. In addition, he will lead key mega projects through design and construction work including the Southeast Gateway Line, C-Line Extension, Eastside Transit Corridor Phase II, and the Sepulveda Transit Corridor.

“Tim’s expertise in alternative project delivery methods, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning has been pivotal in driving Metro forward,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We congratulate him on this well-deserved role and look forward to his continued leadership. I am confident that his vision and dedication will lead to even greater achievements for the agency.”

Lindholm is a senior executive with nearly 24 years at LA Metro, experienced in project management, construction management, design and engineering, alternative delivery contracts, operations, government finance and strategic planning. He has been serving in the interim role of Chief Program Management Officer since May 2024. During his interim tenure, Lindholm has been instrumental in spearheading numerous high-profile projects that have significantly contributed to the agency’s success. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and a State of California Professional Geologist.

About Metro
Metro is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for Los Angeles County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles

The post L.A. METRO APPOINTS TIM LINDHOLM CHIEF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICER appeared first on LA Metro.

with 3,387 additional units in the pipeline

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 3, 2024) –The Board of The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has authorized entering into a Joint Development Agreement with NOHO Development Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Trammell Crow Company and High Street Residential (TCC’s residential subsidiary), to build and operate an 11.8-acre development with mixed income housing, retail, office, and open space at the Metro North Hollywood Station.   

Known as District NoHo, the residential development will be the largest in Metro’s history, including more affordable homes and more total units than any other project. The development includes at least 311 housing units reserved for individuals and families earning less than 60 percent of the median income for Los Angeles County to be delivered in the initial phases of the project. In addition, the initial phase includes the construction of approximately 570 mixed-income apartments including five percent reserved for moderate-income households earning 80 percent to 120 percent of median income. When completed, the project will provide more than 1,400 apartments along with retail and office space, along with more than two acres of publicly accessible open space. The Board also adopted the ‘findings of fact’ for the project — a key step to comply with state environmental law.

“We have to get creative if we’re going to build the housing we need in LA County, and District NoHo is an ambitious model of how we can maximize the space around our stations. This is not only going to provide hundreds of new affordable homes for people, it’s also going to give them direct access to our Metro rail system with a station right downstairs,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn. “It may be the biggest effort like this so far along Metro, but it will not be the last.”

Metro’s Vision 2028 Strategic Plan encourages the development of affordable housing near transit to give more people, especially in low-income communities, better access to transit. In 2021, the Metro Board established a goal of expanding Metro’s housing portfolio through the Joint Development program to 10,000 homes by 2031, with 5,000 of the apartments to be restricted at affordable rents for lower and moderate-income households. To meet the goal, Metro has partnered with local developers to increase the supply of high-quality housing on Metro properties, especially income-restricted apartments. In addition to providing much-needed housing, these new projects can advance many community development goals and serve as a gateway to the Metro transit system.

“Metro’s approach to Joint Development starts with a basic principle: Communities are stronger when people have a diverse range of housing options, jobs, and services located near quality transit,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Metro has a strong interest in ensuring the people who ride public transportation can afford to live near it. By directly linking Metro’s network to housing, employment, retail, and commercial opportunities, Metro expects to continue to grow transit ridership.”

“District NoHo is uniquely situated, directly atop the North Hollywood Metro station, the major junction of the B Line subway, G Line Bus Rapid Transit and over 15 municipal bus lines,” said Los Angeles City Council President Emeritus and Metro Board Member Paul Krekorian. “District NoHo will transform this site into a community gathering space for North Hollywood and position much-needed housing and retail space literally steps away from transit.”

“I’m pleased to see this important housing project moving forward in my district,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “It will go a long way in helping Metro meet its joint development goals and meet our region’s urgent housing needs. I appreciate my fellow Metro Board Member Paul Krekorian’s efforts to champion this project and I’m eager to see it through to completion.”

For more information on Metro’s Joint Development program, please visit https://www.metro.net/jd.

About Metro

Metro is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for Los Angeles County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA METRO BOARD APPROVES LARGEST JOINT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN METRO’S HISTORY AT THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD METRO STATION appeared first on LA Metro.

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 2, 2024) – The Board of The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has approved the expenditure of an additional $39.6 million to support transportation system and mobility improvements, highway operational improvements, and transit investments in the South Bay subregion of Los Angeles. The funding will be used for projects such as bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, and traffic signal upgrades, and is expected to improve mobility, safety and access to public transit.  

Funding for these projects will come from Measure M, a sales tax supported by over 70 percent of LA County voters in 2016 to invest in Los Angeles and a better transportation system, and Measure R, a half-cent sales tax approved by a two-thirds majority of LA County voters in 2008 to finance new transportation projects and programs, and accelerate those already in the pipeline.

Measure M Multi-Year Subregional Programs (MSP) and Measure R South Bay Transit Investment Programs are included in the Measure M and/or Measure R Expenditure Plans. The annual update allows the South Bay subregion and implementing agencies to approve new eligible projects for funding and revise scopes of works, schedules and project budgets for previously funded projects. At the September Board of Director’s meeting, the Board made changes to projects that previously received Board approvals and approved funding allocations for new projects. Funds are programmed through Fiscal Year 2027-28.

Four recommendations were approved by the Board and will move forward with execution: 

Transportation System and Mobility Improvements

• This provides funding of an additional $11.1 million to support projects such as the South Bay Local Travel Network (LTN) and related safety enhancements in Lomita, the LTN in Carson, and the Avalon Promenade and Gateway in the City of LA. The Avalon project includes construction of a dedicated pedestrian/cycling bridge over active freight railroad tracks and approximately 12 acres of public open space adjacent to the pedestrian bridge.

South Bay Highway Operational Improvements Program

• This provides an additional $11.6 million to support projects including the North East Hawthorne Mobility Improvement Project and traffic signal communications and network systems.  The project includes the installation of flashing beacons for pedestrian safety, new traffic signal installation, and construction of new ADA ramps.
• Additional projects included in this program include the Inglewood Downtown Intelligent Transportation System project (ITS), which allows the City to monitor real-time traffic conditions and take proper action when congestion or problems occur and upgrading the Crenshaw Blvd. traffic signal systems to be fully integrated and compatible with the City’s ITS network.

Transportation System and Mobility Improvements Program

• This provides additional funding of $600,000 to extend the existing North Redondo Beach Bikeway from Felton Lane to Inglewood Avenue. 

Measure R Transit Investments Program

• This provides an additional $16.3 million within Measure R South Bay transit investments program to support the Inglewood Transit Connector Project.

With Board approval, Metro will now execute funding agreements with the implementing agencies to initiate projects, and continue working with the South Bay subregion to identify and deliver these projects. Metro appreciates our partnership with the South Bay Council of Governments (COG) and its member cities to deliver the promises of Measures R and M.

About Metro

Metro is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for Los Angeles County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles

The post LA METRO BOARD APPROVES MEASURE M AND R TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS THAT WILL BENEFIT SOUTH BAY SUBREGION appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will again participate in California Clean Air Day, Wednesday, Oct. 2, by providing free rides on its bus, rail, micro transit and bike share systems.

This year marks the 7^th annual California Clean Air Day where environmental groups and transit agencies across the state come together to encourage everyone to do their part to improve California’s air quality. People are encouraged to take public transportation, plant trees, shop locally, install air filters and more.

“California Clean Air Day reinforces the importance of a safe, reliable public transit system in our collective effort to reduce pollution in our air and our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “As the Chair of Metro and someone who breathes air in LA County, I am thankful to the nearly one million people who ride Metro every day and I will work to make this system better for you and for more riders in the future.”

New this year, Move LA is bringing transit agencies together to broaden the message of using public transit every day to help improve air quality. SoCal Transit Week running from Sept. 30 through Oct. 6 includes activities such as a Sustainable Transportation Fair at UCLA, a Mobility Expo in West Hollywood and more, in addition to Metro and other transit agencies providing free rides on California Clean Air Day.

While riding Metro promotes cleaner air by getting people onto transit and out of cars, the agency is doing more to improve air quality through its Moving Beyond Sustainability plan. Metro is making its construction and facilities greener, reducing air pollution and trash from construction, and reducing smog and greenhouse gases across L.A. County.

Metro continues to invest in zero emission electric buses and “near-zero” emission engine replacements to improve air quality. The agency is continually increasing its zero-emissions bus fleet size and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its use of 100 percent renewable natural gas to fuel its compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. Metro has the largest CNG bus fleet in the nation. 

“Transit is the cleanest form of transportation, aside from biking and walking,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “We’re proud to continue our tradition of offering free rides on the Metro system for California Clean Air Day. I invite all Angelenos to choose transit on Wednesday, Oct. 2 and see for themselves how Metro can improve your quality of life while keeping the air we all breathe clean for everyone!”

This year Metro is working with KBLA radio to bring awareness to climate change and social justice. As communities of color are most adversely affected by climate disasters globally, the Climate Justice campaign brings diverse voices to the climate conversation.

Metro is also helping the environment through its tree policy, the first of its kind among transit agencies, which ensures that for every tree a construction project removes, two more California-native or other drought tolerant trees are planted.

On California Clean Air Day, individuals and organizations are asked to take the Clean Air Pledge at CleanAirDay/pledge and commit to make a change that will help not only California but the world. To ride free, Metro riders simply board a Metro bus or train with no need for a TAP card. Turnstiles at rail stations will be unlatched.

Metro Micro rideshare riders can use code CleanAir24 and the code will zero out the fare for any booking made for a ride on Oct. 2 in all zones. There are no limits on the number of times it can be used per account or number of passengers. Please note the booking app only accepts up to five passengers per ride.

Metro Bike Share riders can activate bikes with code 100224 for a free 30-minute ride. To redeem simply select ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app, and use code 100224. The code may be used multiple times throughout the day. A credit or debit card is required. The first 30 minutes of all rides are free. Usage fees apply for rides longer than 30 minutes. Electric Metro Bike unlocking fees are waived.

On California Clean Air Day, there will be a variety of events taking place across the state and online where people can join to show their support. Events like clean air fairs, tree planting excursions, EV test drives, and community composting events. The easiest of which is taking Metro all day on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to every destination, and it’s free.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, X.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post RIDE LA METRO FREE ON CALIFORNIA CLEAN AIR DAY, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2 appeared first on LA Metro.

August saw L.A. Metro achieve its 21^st consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth with 27,066,446 boardings, reaching 84 percent of its August 2019 pre-COVID ridership level. Total weekday boardings were 21,187,496 reaching 82.3 percent of its pre-pandemic August 2019 level. Total August weekends saw 5,878,950 boardings, reaching 94.9 percent of pre-pandemic weekend ridership compared to August 2019.

Bus Ridership

Bus ridership grew again in August with 21,147,858 rides taken, marking an 8.2 percent year-over-year ridership increase compared to August 2023 ridership, which is 85.8 percent of its August 2019 level. Metro recorded 16,669,840 bus boardings on weekdays in August. Saturdays saw 2,678,410 boardings and Sundays had 1,799,608 boardings in August. Weekend bus ridership is now at is 93 percent of its pre-pandemic level. 

Rail Ridership

In August, rail boardings were 5,918,588 reflecting a gain of 2.5 percent over August 2023 ridership and an 81.3 percent recovery of August 2019 rail ridership. Weekday rail boardings were 4,517,656 trips taken, reflecting 76.6 percent of weekday rail boardings in August 2019. August marked the second full month of year-over-year ridership comparison for the A and E lines. Ridership grew 13.2 percent year-over-year compared to August 2023. Individually, the A Line grew 15.6 percent when compared to ridership in August 2023 and the E Line grew 10.1 percent year-over-year. In August, the A Line surpassed the B Line as the busiest rail line in the system with 1,930,786 trips taken.

Leisure Ridership

In August, Metro provided special event support to nearly 50 transit-accessible events at large venues and entertainment parks in the L.A. region. Metro also provided special event parking at several of its stations for event goers to park and ride. In August, parking at Metro’s C line Crenshaw Station saw a 10 percent increase in weekend parking utilization as patrons parked, rode transit and used Metro’s shuttle to Sofi Stadium and Kia Forum.

As more leisure riders choose Metro for transportation to their events, they continue to be a driver of overall ridership growth, especially on the weekends. In August, weekend rail ridership in August surpassed its August 2019 pre-pandemic ridership by 1.27 percent and weekend bus ridership was at 93 percent its pre-pandemic level.   

A few of the events Metro supported in August included: HARD Summer Music Festival at Hollywood Park​, Nisei Week in Little Tokyo​, Reggae Night​, The Gipsy Kings and Sara Bareilles at the Hollywood Bowl, CicLAvia in Hollywood, and the Leimert Park Jazz Festival as well as end of summer concerts at Crypto, BMO, Expo Park, Kia Forum and SoFi Stadium, plus Dodgers, Angel City Football and LAFC Games.

Fare Programs

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.

In August, Metro’s GoPass Program had 937,551 boardings, an 18 percent year-over-year increase over August 2023. GoPass welcomed six new schools that joined the program in August – Valley Charter, St Mary’s Academy, Options for Youth – San Gabriel, Global Education Academy, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and Ahava Academy.

LIFE Program boardings are up 5 percent year-over-year in August 2024 with 1,683,407 boardings. During August, the LIFE team held more than 85 in-person enrollment events to sign eligible people up for the reduced fare program.

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/

Public Safety on Metro

Metro continues to increase its work to improve public safety with a three-point plan:

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures.
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers.
• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction.

As part of this strategy, Metro’s law enforcement partners have expanded their visible presence on the rail system, and more Transit Security Officers (TSOs) have been added to enforce Metro’s Customer Code of Conduct rules on both the bus and rail system. As part of the MTS surge, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams (BSTs) performed end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus lines. Metro Ambassadors are also out in force on Metro’s six rail lines and five of the busiest bus lines, to provide support to customers and keep a watchful eye out for problems.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, X.com/metrolosangeles and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro’s August Ridership Marks 21st Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Growth appeared first on LA Metro.

This transformational light rail line will create important new connections with a host of new and existing local and regional transit services in the San Fernando Valley, including Metrolink, Amtrak, Metro G Line, Metro B Line, and other planned Metro transit projects now in the works.  The line will be built on Van Nuys Boulevard, one of the Valley’s busiest corridors and will provide a new light rail alternative for the residents of Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima, many of whom are transit dependent.  It is the first local stop, commuter rail service to return to Van Nuys Boulevard in more than 70 years.  The last Pacific Electric “San Fernando Valley Line” urban electric railway rolled down Van Nuys Boulevard in 1952. 

The grant will be delivered through a multi-year agreement known as a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) that is governed by the Federal Transit Administration’s Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program.  The program seeks to accelerate new fixed guideway capital projects, among others.  

“This direct, rapid transit connection to our growing Metro system is going to make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of residents across our East San Fernando Valley communities, and it would not be possible without the federal support that Senator Padilla and Congressman Tony Cárdenas, among others, have worked so hard to secure,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.  “I am thankful for their years of hard work to secure this critical funding for Metro.” 

Metro is now conducting advanced utility adjustment work for the $3.57 billion project. Construction of utility work and minor street improvements along Van Nuys Boulevard is expected to start later this year.  The 6.7-mile project will include 11 new light rail stations and is currently forecast to open in 2031. 

“I want to thank the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation for uniting behind this project and ensuring this federal grant moved forward and for the support of the Biden-Harris Administration,” said L.A. Mayor and Metro Board Member Karen Bass, “Through their dedication, the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail is taking another important step toward a reality that connects East San Fernando Valley communities to our growing transit network which means access to more opportunities, jobs and attractions across the region.”  

In the nation’s first-of-its-kind, Metro has added a Cultural Competency requirement to the project contract that takes into consideration the local community’s diverse cultural heritage and backgrounds.  This comprehensive plan will consist of several targeted strategies to genuinely and respectfully engage with community stakeholders impacted by the project.   

“This is the first Metro rail project that includes a Cultural Competency Plan outlining a comprehensive engagement strategy, including workforce training and business opportunities to support the diverse communities that reside along this important Valley corridor,” said Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Metro Board 2nd Vice Chair. “I’m so pleased that Metro’s contractor will be doing its part to ensure all residents, local businesses, community groups, and institutions are informed of and understand what is being built in their neighborhoods and what new opportunities and partnerships the rail line will offer them.” 

The 2.5-mile northern segment of the corridor is under further study that would extend rail service from Pacoima to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station. 

“Growing up in Pacoima, bringing rail transit to the east side of the San Fernando Valley has been a priority of mine for decades,” said Senator Padilla. “Underserved Angelenos deserve more access to reliable, affordable transit to create opportunities for work and for a better life. This nearly $900 million federal investment that Representative Cárdenas and I pushed for will bring more customers and business to the San Fernando Valley, connect overlooked communities to the rest of Los Angeles County, and uplift hardworking families.” 

“This new transit line, when fully constructed, will create important new connections with L.A. County’s growing public transportation network, ensuring the San Fernando Valley is closely linked to take advantage of all the rich transportation options our region has to offer,” said Glendale City Council member and Metro Board Member Ara Najarian. 

“The $893 million federal investment in the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project will be transformational for my district,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas. “This project has been decades in the making, and it’s more than just transportation – it’s a commitment to uplift our community by connecting families to better jobs, schools, and essential services. By breaking down barriers to opportunity, we’re ensuring that every resident has a fair shot at a brighter future.” 

The project will deliver tangible mobility benefits to historically underserved communities within areas of persistent poverty in the eastern portion of the San Fernando Valley.  Approximately 19 percent of households in this area do not have access to their own car and depend on public transportation, compared to 8.8 percent transit dependency for LA County as a whole.  

“Thanks to critical funding from the Biden-Harris Administration and Federal Transit Administration, Metro is expediting the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project — a gamechanger to connect our communities along the Van Nuys corridor to the region,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. “We welcome this $893 million grant, and the all-levels-of-government partnership required to deliver transformative transportation projects to our communities that need it most now and for generations to come.” 

Construction and operation of the project is anticipated to create more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs, including those now covered by new local hire rules under the federal infrastructure bill. Metro plans to implement a Project Labor Agreement/Construction Careers Policy local hire program to ensure that residents can secure good paying jobs to build the project. Once the new rail line is completed, riders along the new rail line will be connected to 150,000 jobs. 

“The San Fernando Valley deserves a major transportation investment like this, and has needed it for decades. I’m happy to say it’s finally becoming a reality,” said Los Angeles City Council President and Metro Board Member Paul Krekorian.  “With its connections to the G and the B Lines in North Hollywood, East San Fernando Valley Light Rail will turbocharge transit usage in the San Fernando Valley and fulfill the dream of safe, efficient, sustainable transportation for everyone who calls the Valley home.” 

“I’m thrilled to announce the $893 million Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project,” Councilmember Imelda Padilla said. “This investment is a game-changer for our working-class neighborhoods, providing reliable public transit that will improve access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Public transit offers independence for our seniors, safe rides for our youth, and dependable commutes for essential workers. The project will create over 18,000 jobs and support local businesses, delivering long-term economic benefits to the East Valley. As the representative for District 6, I’m committed to working with Metro to ensure this project fosters a more equitable and sustainable future. My deepest thanks to Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Tony Cárdenas, and FTA Administrator Veronica Vanterpool for their leadership.” 

This commuter rail line will bring service back to the Valley after more than 70 years, once again connecting one of the Valley’s busiest and most transit-dependent corridors. 

“This $893 million grant will enable us to finally bring light rail back to the Valley, and we thank the Biden-Harris Administration and the LA County Congressional Delegation for making this critical investment in our region’s future,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Thirty-five percent of households in the East San Fernando Valley depend on Metro for their transportation, and the East San Fernando Valley Line will give them faster and more efficient service than ever before. Now that this funding is in place, we look forward to breaking ground on this line in the coming months.”   

For additional project information, visit metro.net/projects/east-sfv/. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines.  

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post L.A. Metro Awarded an $893 Million U.S. Department of Transportation Grant to Help Fund New 6.7 Mile East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project  appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced the opening of the application period for the Metro Youth Council. The Metro Youth Council provides the opportunity for youth from communities throughout L.A. County to share their ideas and perspectives about Metro’s projects and initiatives and, importantly, empower their peers to become advocates in their communities to improve the transportation system for everyone. Los Angeles County teens, ages 14 -17, are encouraged to apply by the Oct. 3 deadline to be considered for the 2025 Metro Youth Council.

Students obtain valuable experience and training for their future lives through their Youth Council participation. Members serve one-year terms and youth seeking leadership opportunities can become part of the Youth Council Cabinet, composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Communications Officer, and Special Event Coordinator.

Through the program, participants experience civic engagement, leadership development and networking opportunities. They participate in Metro events and activities and connect with their peers from across L.A. County. At the end of the Youth Council term, each member receives a certificate of participation and a stipend.

Each year, the Youth Council hosts a Youth Summit event for others who may be interested in joining and to discuss important topics affecting them. This year the summit is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at L.A. Union Station Ticketing Concourse. The theme is Empowering Youth: Bridging Communities through Transportation, and the council will showcase its newly developed digital destination guide encompassing all the destinations favored by young people utilizing public transit.

Now in its third year, the Metro Youth Council has made remarkable contributions at Metro, including establishing its own GoPass Task Force dedicated to boosting school registration rates through various engaging activities.

To learn more about the Youth Council visit: metro.net/youthcouncil

Youth interested in attending the summit: 2024MetroYouthSummit.eventbrite.com

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post L.A. Metro Invites Youth to Share Their Ideas to Improve Transit for All appeared first on LA Metro.

Metro’s Rail Safety Program team will host multiple community events throughout the month to educate the public, including pedestrian and drivers, on train safety.  Metro Safety Kid videos will be shared across social media platforms, including YouTube, TV Connect, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Angelenos and visitors will see rail safety messages in English and Spanish on wrapped light rail trains traveling on the A and K Lines through Los Angeles.  Metro will also hold station events at Union Station and 7th & Metro, and at community events, to remind everyone of these essential safety tips:

• Always stay behind the yellow line
• Look both ways
• Never walk on train tracks
• No bike riding on the platform
• Never go around lowered gates
• Don’t jump from the platform

In collaboration with Metrolink and Amtrak, Metro’s Rail Safety Programs team will host an interactive informational booth at Union Station’s East Portal on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Additionally, Metro will participate in the Rail Safety Event organized by the San Bernardino Historic Society on Sept. 21 and 22 at Union Station, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Metro’s Rail Safety Programs are designed to increase awareness of rail safety through educational programs, workshops and travel trainings held year-round in the communities along Metro’s light rail lines (A, E and K Lines). To learn more, visit metro.net/railsafety.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro Reinforces “Safety Begins with You” Rail Safety Advice During Rail Safety Month appeared first on LA Metro.

Building on the success of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) TAP-to-Exit Pilot at its North Hollywood B Line station, Metro announced today that it is expanding the program to all 10 end-of-line stations, beginning with the E-Line’s Downtown Santa Monica station on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. 

Due to its effectiveness in limiting unauthorized use, TAP-to-Exit is a common fare compliance practice around the world and in major transit systems across the nation, including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and Metropolitan-Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA). 

Data from Metro’s three contracted law enforcement partners revealed that up to 94 percent of individuals arrested on the system for violent crime do not possess valid fare or even a TAP card, which is required to ride on Metro trains and buses. By expanding the Tap-to-Exit program, Metro aims to prevent unauthorized use and maintain a safe environment for everyone. 

The TAP-to-Exit pilot received very positive feedback from Metro riders.  In less than two months, the North Hollywood station pilot transformed behavior along the 14 B-Line stations with reported crime and other issues (fights, drug use and graffiti) having dropped by more than 40 percent on the Transit Watch app. In an ongoing survey of North Hollywood riders, 91percent stated that this pilot made the station feel cleaner and 86 percent stated that this pilot has made them feel safer.  

The expanded TAP-to-Exit program will be implemented with an emphasis on an education-first approach. Outreach began on Aug. 22, 2024, including distribution of 25,000 multilingual brochures, comprehensive coverage of Metro Ambassadors, TAP Blue Shirts to assist with loading fares, as well as representatives from Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program to enroll on the spot income-qualified riders. The education period will last until Tuesday, Sept. 10, after which citations could be issued for those who evade fare. Those who didn’t tap to begin their trip will automatically have the fare taken from their TAP card when they tap out. 

About Metro  

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines.  

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post Metro’s Successful TAP-to-Exit Program Expands to E Line  Downtown Santa Monica Station beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3  appeared first on LA Metro.

Just in time for back to school, and through an innovative partnership with apparel and footwear retailer WSS, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced today that the Lynwood Unified School District will once again join the agency’s GoPass Program.

The WSS sponsorship provides each of the 11,386 students enrolled in Lynwood Unified School District with Metro’s GoPass allowing them unlimited free rides on Metro buses and trains and on other participating municipal transit operators.

“This unique approach demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships to deliver transportation in communities where access to affordable, convenient transit is a game-changer,” said Los Angeles Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn. “I’m grateful to the team at Metro and at WSS for making this connection and helping give these Lynwood students a leg up in getting where they need to go.”

The student free fare program, launched in October 2021, was made permanent by Metro’s Board of Directors in April 2024 after a two-and-a-half-year pilot. All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) offer GoPass to their students as well as schools in 124 participating school districts (including public districts, charter networks, community colleges). GoPass is available to students in K-12 and community college.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in supporting our local communities,” said Blanca Gonzalez, Senior VP and General Manager at WSS. “We are thrilled to contribute to the GoPass program, which plays a crucial role in providing students with the transportation they need to succeed both academically and personally. We believe that access to reliable transit options is essential for fostering educational and economic opportunities.”

Metro’s GoPass is available to all students whose school district has registered with the program. Participating schools distribute TAP cards and activation codes so students can ride transit to school, extracurricular activities, or work without the worry of paying fares. Students can activate their cards on the online GoPass portal or by calling 866.TAPTOGO. They also have the option of using a virtual TAP card on the TAP LA App. To find out if a school is participating, students or parents can use the school search tool at Metro.net/GoPass.

“I thank WSS for their partnership to provide free transit to students in the Lynwood School District and for seeing the long-term benefits of providing transit to more young people,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Lynwood students will now be able to join nearly half a million of their peers who have used GoPass more than 40 million times to get to wherever they need and want to go. We look forward to welcoming these students onto our system in the coming school year.”

GoPass participants can take unlimited free rides on Metro bus and rail, AVTA, City of Commerce Transit, Culver CityBus, Foothill Transit, Glendale Beeline, GTrans, LADOT DASH, LA County Shuttles, Lawndale Beat, Long Beach Transit, Lynwood Trolley, Montebello Bus, Norwalk Transit, Pasadena Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Torrance Transit. Together we are opening destinations for young people to experience throughout the region. Now museums, parks, the beach, concerts, and more are available to them with no transportation costs.

For over four decades, WSS has been more than a footwear and apparel retailer; it’s been a pillar of support for the communities it calls home, especially within diverse neighborhoods. Through WSS Cares! initiative, WSS has turned its stores into beacons of hope, supporting local and national nonprofits to weave a fabric of social impact that nurtures the future of our youth. At the heart of their efforts are sports and education programs designed to empower and uplift, showcasing their commitment to building and celebrating community and fostering a brighter future where every child can dream bigger, supported by the strength of their community.

For more information on the Metro GoPass program visit: Metro.net/GoPass.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

About WSS

WSS, a subsidiary of Foot Locker Inc., is based in Gardena, CA, and celebrates over 40 years of retail excellence. Renowned for its neighborhood-focused stores, WSS maintains strong connections within diverse communities. Operating more than 140 stores nationwide, WSS offers a vast selection of footwear, apparel, and accessories from top brands including Nike, Jordan, adidas, Vans, Puma, Converse, and others. Committed to community engagement, WSS actively supports local initiatives through its WSS Cares! programs, striving to make a meaningful impact in the neighborhoods it serves. For more information, visit www.shopwss.com and follow @shopwss on social media.

The post Metro’s GoPass Program Welcomes Return of Lynwood Unified School District for 2024-2025 School Year through innovative sponsorship with retailer WSS appeared first on LA Metro.

L.A. Metro had 25,466,384 boardings in July on its bus and rail services, reaching 81.84 percent of its July 2019 pre-COVID ridership level and marking the 20^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth. The agency saw 19,873,436 boardings on weekdays, reaching 78.8 percent of its pre-pandemic July 2019 level. On weekends in July there were 5,592,948 boardings, reaching 95.3 percent of pre-pandemic weekend ridership from July 2019.

Bus Ridership

Bus ridership in July saw 19,676,497 rides taken for a 9.84 percent year-over-year ridership increase compared to July 2023 ridership and reached 82.9 percent of its July 2019 level. Metro recorded 15,455,726 bus boardings on weekdays in July. Saturdays saw 2,069,496 boardings and Sundays had 2,151,275 boardings in July. Weekend bus ridership is now at 93.16 percent of its pre-pandemic level. 

Rail Ridership

In July, rail boardings were 5,789,887, reflecting a gain of 3.23 percent over July 2023 ridership and a 78.4 percent recovery of July 2019 rail ridership. Weekday rail boardings were 4,417,710 trips taken, reflecting 73.4 percent of weekday rail boardings in July 2019.  July marks the first full month of year-over-year comparison on the A and E lines, and ridership grew 16.76 percent over July 2023. Individually, the A Line grew 19.46 percent when compared to ridership in July 2023 and the E Line grew 13.17 percent year-over-year. The busiest rail line in July was the B Line with 1,898,643 boardings. The A Line saw 1,871,941 trips taken.

Leisure Ridership

Leisure travelers rode Metro to concerts, festivals and sporting events. July 2024 had more weekday events, which were a driver of overall ridership growth during the month with weekday bus ridership up 7.37 percent and weekday rail ridership up 2.62 percent. Events at venues with direct Metro rail access such as Expo Park off the E Line, LA Historic State Park off the A Line, and Dodgers Stadium serviced by the Dodger Stadium Express bus from LA Union Station all saw ridership increases.

July events that contributed to ridership increases include the July 4^th firework event at Gloria Molina Grand Park, multi-day events Anime Expo, KCON, and Rupaul’s DragCon, which took place downtown at the Convention Center and crypto.com Arena, plus sporting events with the L.A. Sparks, Dodgers, and LAFC and Angel City FC games at crypto.com Arena, Dodger Stadium and BMO Stadium, respectively.

Fare Programs

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.

In July, Metro’s GoPass Program had 479,309 boardings, a 19 percent year-over-year increase over July 2023, which saw 395,385 boardings. GoPass also had 21,198 new registrations and renewals combined for a 78 percent year-over-year increase in July enrollment. GoPass has now surpassed 40 million student boardings and more than 400,000 registered students using the free fare student GoPass for unlimited travel to school, work and leisure activities.

LIFE Program enrollment is up 12 percent year-over-year in July 2024 with 1,729,227 boardings compared to 1,541,755 in July 2023. During July, the LIFE team held more than 75 in-person enrollment events to sign eligible people up for the reduced fare program. In July, the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) a LIFE partner had 1,289 enrollments into Metro’s LIFE program.   

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/

Public Safety on Metro

In July, the Metro Board of Directors approved a Station Experience package of safety and security upgrades that include: a new pilot program that would create  taller fare gates at up to three rail stations to deter gate jumping; expansion of the TAP-to-exit program that requires riders to tap fare cards to enter and exit (charged only once) to all 10 end-of-line stations to discourage fare evasion; expansion of the Elevator Open-Door pilot from 21 elevators to 57 elevators which leaves the doors open until called upon and dissuades non-transit elevator use; expansion of the Smart Restroom pilot from 10 stations to 64 stations and transit centers; and a new pilot program to test two weapons detection technologies at two transit hubs on the rail system. 

Metro continues to increase its work to improve public safety with a three-point plan:

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures;
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and
• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction.

As part of this strategy, Metro’s law enforcement partners have expanded their visible presence on the rail system, and more Transit Security Officers (TSOs) have been added to enforce Metro’s Customer Code of Conduct rules on both the bus and rail system. As part of the MTS surge, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams (BSTs) performed end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus lines. Metro Ambassadors are also out in force on Metro’s six rail lines and five of the busiest bus lines, to provide support to customers and keep a watchful eye out for problems.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post L.A. Metro’s Ridership Grew 8.2 Percent in July Marking the 20th Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Growth appeared first on LA Metro.

Today, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrates surpassing 40 million student boardings and more than 400,000 registered students using the free fare student GoPass for unlimited travel to school, work and leisure activities.

The free fare program, launched in October 2021, was made permanent by Metro’s board in April of this year after a successful two-and-a-half-year pilot. All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) offer GoPass to their students along with schools in 124 additional participating school districts (including public districts, charter networks, community colleges). Metro encourages students, families and school districts to participate in the GoPass program which provides free transit on Metro buses and trains to students in K-12 and community college.

“Transportation needs shouldn’t get in the way of any student’s education,” said Los Angeles Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn. “For many students and their families across LA County, the free Metro rides through our GoPass program has made all the difference.”

Metro’s GoPass is available to all students whose school district has registered with the program. Participating schools distribute TAP cards and activation codes so students can ride transit to school, extracurricular activities, or work without the worry of paying fares. Students can activate their cards on the online GoPass portal or by calling 866.TAPTOGO. They also have the option of using a virtual TAP card on the TAP LA App.

“GoPass has introduced nearly a half million students to transit, so they feel confident riding it to school, or wherever they need or want to go,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “These young people are helping Metro grow its student ridership and realizing all the benefits that a safe, clean, and efficient transit system can deliver for them and their communities. We look forward to welcoming even more students onto our system in the coming school year.” 

GoPass participants can take unlimited free rides on Metro bus and rail, AVTA, City of Commerce Transit, Culver CityBus, Foothill Transit, Glendale Beeline, GTrans, LADOT DASH, LA County Shuttles, Long Beach Transit, Lynwood Trolley, Montebello Bus, Norwalk Transit, Pasadena Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Torrance Transit. Together we are opening destinations for young people to experience throughout the region. Now museums, parks, the beach, concerts, and more are available to them with no transportation costs.

For more information on the Metro GoPass program visit: Metro.net/GoPass.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly one million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post L.A. METRO’S GOPASS PROGRAM REACHES 40 MILLION BOARDINGS appeared first on LA Metro.

In June, LA Metro saw its 19^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth with 25,181,475 boardings on its bus and rail services, reaching 85.5 percent of its June 2019 pre-COVID ridership level. With 18,792,300 boardings on weekdays, ridership reached 82.1 percent of its pre-pandemic levels. Weekends in June saw 6,389,175 boardings, reaching 97.7 percent of pre-pandemic weekend ridership from June 2019.

Weekend/Leisure Ridership

Metro helped Angelenos and visitors alike kick off the summer season, transporting riders to weekend concerts, parades, festivals and sporting events. Weekend ridership was up 32.2 percent over weekend ridership in June 2023 with combined bus and rail boardings reaching 97.7 percent of its June 2019 pre-pandemic level. Saturday boardings on bus and rail combined reached 94.6 percent of June 2019 levels, and on Sundays during the month, average combined boardings exceeded pre-pandemic levels achieving 101.6 percent of June 2019 levels.

As examples, on Saturday, June 8, Metro’s Chinatown Station serving the LA Pride in the Park Concert saw a 197 percent ridership increase compared to recent Saturdays. The following day, Sunday the Hollywood/Vine Station saw a 188 percent ridership increase, and the Hollywood/Highland Station had a 73 percent ridership increase as riders headed to the LA Pride Parade and Block Party. On Sunday, June 23, Metro’s K Line saw a 10 percent increase in ridership as riders headed to CicLAvia South LA driving a 5 percent ridership increase on the entire Metro system that day.

Bus Ridership

Bus ridership in June saw 19,531,545 rides taken for a 4.6 percent year-over-year ridership increase over June 2023 and reached 87.6 percent of its June 2019 level. Metro recorded 14,693,720 bus boardings on weekdays in June. Saturdays saw 2,629,060 boardings and Sundays had 2,208,765 boardings in June.  Ridership on Metro’s Tier 1 bus lines, those lines that have 10-minute or better service all day on weekdays, and on the agency’s Tier 2 bus lines, those that have 12 – 15-minute or better service all day on weekdays, was particularly strong on weekdays in the San Fernando Valley. Weekday ridership on Line 164 (Victory Bl) rose 14 percent year-over-year, Line 152 (Roscoe Bl) rose 13 percent, and Lines 162 (Sherman Wy), 165 (Vanowen St), 166 (Canoga Av), and 224 (San Fernando Rd/Lankershim Bl) all rose 12 percent in June.

Rail Ridership

June rail boardings were 5,649,930, 79 percent of its June 2019 ridership, with 4,098,580 trips taken on weekdays. Total ridership on the A and E Lines is up 26.3 percent year-over-year when compared to the A, E, and L line configuration before the Regional Connector project was completed. The busiest rail line in June was the B Line with 1,868,890 boardings. The A Line was close behind with 1,841,530 trips taken.

Fare Programs

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.

In June, Metro’s GoPass Program that offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students had 1,698,349 total boardings, a 23 percent increase over June 2023 (1,384,218). This month the GoPass street team participated in numerous events including PBS Summer Learning Day, Dodger Day at Belvedere Park, CicLAvia South LA, LA84 Day of Play and East LA Independence Day Celebration to share the free fare program with students.

The LIFE Program observed a 39 percent year-over-year increase in June 2024 ridership with 1,630,770 boardings compared to 1,172,996 in June 2023. During June the LIFE team held more than 75 in-person enrollment events to sign eligible people up for the reduced fare program.

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/

Public Safety on Metro

In June, the Metro Board of Directors approved the establishment of the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD), an in-house department of personnel dedicated to Metro and its customers who understand the nuances of patrolling a transit system. This new, enhanced public safety model will be phased in over the next five years as Metro hires and prepares recruits with the training to manage societal issues like homelessness, untreated mental illness, and addiction, which fuel a large part of our public safety challenges.

The plan calls for a daily deployment of 386 law enforcement officers and increases the daily deployment of non-law enforcement unarmed personnel. It also allows for a $5 million investment in safety infrastructure initiatives. During the five-year phase in period, Metro will continue to work with outside law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to keep Metro riders and employees safe and ensure a smooth transition over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Metro continues to increase its work to improve public safety with a three-point plan:

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures;
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and
• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction.

As part of this strategy, Metro’s law enforcement partners have expanded their visible presence on the rail system, and more Metro Transit Security (MTS) officers have been added to enforce Metro’s Customer Code of Conduct rules on both the bus and rail system. As part of the MTS surge, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams (BSTs) performed end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus lines. Metro Ambassadors are also out in force on Metro’s six rail lines and five of the busiest bus lines, to provide support to customers and keep a watchful eye out for problems.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA METRO’S RIDERSHIP CONTINUES UPWARD TREND IN JUNE MARKING THE 19th CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH appeared first on LA Metro.

“Today, 117 communities, including Los Angeles, are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies across 47 states replace old buses running on dirty, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”

The new electric buses will run on multiple lines throughout Los Angeles County and enhance mobility with direct access to Metro rail lines. The project emphasizes environmental and air quality improvements while providing high-quality transit service to Los Angeles County’s residents and visitors.

“Just as LA Metro was on the forefront in ushering in the cleanest bus fleet in the nation years ago, so we are once again leading the way with zero emissions buses,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn. “This federal funding will help us get one step closer to that zero emissions future that we need here in LA County. I’m grateful to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, Senators Butler and Padilla, and all our partners in DC who helped make this day possible.”

In April Metro released a solicitation for a base buy purchase of 260 battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEB). The solicitation includes additional purchase options that will allow for the potential procurement of up to 1,980 BEB and FCEBs.

Metro’s procurement effort aligns with the FTA’s priorities, reducing the level of customization of buses, partnering with other transit agencies on purchase options, and using progress payments to reduce the financial burden facing the domestic bus manufacturing industry.

“Huge thanks to the Federal Transit Administration for funding that will help replace Metro’s aging compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and support Metro’s goal to transition its entire fleet to zero-emission operations,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. “As we approach the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Metro will continue to showcase Los Angeles as a climate leader on the world stage, providing clean transportation options to athletes and attendees.”

The federal funding provided for Metro’s Zero-Emission Bus and Charging Infrastructure Project was made possible through the USDOT’s Low or No Emission Grant Program. This grant will enable Metro to acquire new electric buses and begin installation of chargers at the West Hollywood bus yard.  

“This project, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is critical to increasing Metro’s fleet of zero emission buses and charging stations,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “I thank U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool for their strong support in helping us create one of the largest fleets of clean buses in the nation. I am also deeply appreciative to members of the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, our congressional delegation, and key stakeholders like the LA/Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council and MOVE LA for their strong support for this grant application.”  

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 980,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post Federal Transit Administration Awards $77.5 Million to Metro for Zero-Emission Bus and Charging Infrastructure Project appeared first on LA Metro.

Transition to Occur in Three Phases over Five Years 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors unanimously approved the establishment of the Metro Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD) in its monthly meeting on Thursday, June 28, 2024.   

The objectives of the Metro TCPSD are increased visibility, accountability and consistent service delivery, which will result in a safer transit system for Metro employees and customers using a specialized transit community public safety workforce who are trained specifically to address the needs of transit riders, as well as care-based strategies 

The Metro TCPSD personnel will be trained to address the needs of the transit system, its employees and its customers.  

“This action will make Metro safer by transforming the public safety system through a new model that fits the unique needs of our transit system,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “The Metro Board of Directors’ top priority is keeping our riders and operators safe, and we will continue to do all that we can to enhance Metro’s ability to keep riders safe.” 

HOW THIS WILL WORK 

The TCPSD will maintain the current number of 386 law enforcement officers deployed daily in the field, while increasing the daily deployment of Ambassadors (+141), homeless outreach (+5) and crisis intervention (+81) staff. The plan also allocates $5 million annually for innovative public safety infrastructure improvements at transit stations. 

The new TCPSD is expected to cost $192,566,505 per year, compared to the current $194,051,691 Multi-Agency Contract Cost. Metro will reinvest the savings achieved by moving away from the costly multi-contract service model in care strategies. 

By increasing safety layers, the model will enhance coordination, improve response times and ensure that the specific needs of riders are met with a tailored approach based upon the prevalence of quality-of-life incidents on the Metro system. This holistic approach not only bolsters security but also fosters a safer and more supportive environment for all Metro users. 

“The Board appreciates its partnerships with LASD, LAPD, and LBPD throughout the years and deeply values the officers who have worked diligently to address the critical safety needs of Metro riders and employees,” said Metro Board Member and Glendale City Councilmember Ara J. Najarian. “For that reason, this was a difficult decision but ultimately the right one to ensure a safer, more resilient transit system for Los Angeles County.”  

The transition to the Metro TCPSD will occur in three phases over the next five years. All current contract law enforcement agencies have agreed to cooperate with the transition and there will be no disruption of law enforcement services as the new Metro TCPSD is developed.  

“PSAC is thrilled the Metro board authorized the creation of the Transit Community Public Safety Department,” said Metro’s Public Safety Advisory Committee Chair Jeremy Oliver-Ronceros. “By bringing the officers in-house and adding 227 daily deployed care-based workers, increasing the ranks of our transit ambassadors, homeless outreach, and crisis interventionists, they have taken the first step in revolutionizing how we approach safety on public transit. Not only will visibility be increased across the system, but we will able to create an environment that puts people first.” 

Metro will now create a dedicated Transition Team of subject matter experts who will serve as the cornerstone for orchestrating a seamless shift toward the envisioned department, ensuring effective coordination both internally and externally. Additionally, a Chief of Police will be hired. The selection process for this newly created role will include engaging Metro’s customers and employees to ensure the selection resonates with the transit community’s expectations.  

“On behalf of the 5,000 bus and rail Members we represent, the Union expresses our sincere appreciation for the forward steps taken by the Board,” said General Chairman John M. Ellis, SMART Union. “It’s reassuring to see the Board listened to our members and approved Metro’s own in-house safety department. We look forward to working with CEO Wiggins and Metro’s management to make the approved proposal of Metro’s own in-house public safety department a reality and keep our communities safe.” 

The Department will embody a modern model of proactive community transit policing using training that is specific to the transit environment.      

“We are addressing complex public safety issues that require a bold, new approach,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The Metro TCPSD will go far beyond providing law enforcement to address crime. We will introduce a fresh, new public safety model that puts people at the center and addresses quality of life issues that have become so prevalent in cities and transit systems across the country.” 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 980,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post Metro Board Unanimously Approves Establishment of Transit Community Public Safety Department  appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today joined Abode Communities in a dedication ceremony to mark the completion of construction on a mixed-use affordable housing development on Metro-owned property near the corner of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Soto Street in Boyle Heights. Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass joined representatives from Abode Communities in celebrating the ribbon-cutting and praising the project as an example of Metro’s  commitment to bringing more affordable housing to Metro’s station areas.  

In 2021, the Metro Board established a goal of expanding Metro’s housing portfolio through the Joint Development program to 10,000 units by 2031, with 5,000 of the units to be restricted at affordable rents for lower and moderate-income households. To meet the goal, Metro has partnered with developers such as Abode Communities to increase the supply of high-quality housing on Metro properties, especially affordable income-restricted units.  In addition to providing much needed housing, these new projects can advance many community development goals and serve as a gateway to the Metro transit system. 

“This project is demonstrating what is possible when we partner at all levels of government to invest in communities by building more affordable housing with close access to our regional transportation system,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “I look forward to Metro’s continued collaboration with the City of Los Angeles to make housing more affordable while embracing supportive services for those who had previously been homeless. At the same time, we are continuing our work to make Metro safer for riders while unlocking access to jobs, education and opportunities all over the County.” 

La Veranda includes 76 income-restricted affordable apartments with one unrestricted property manager’s apartment a quarter mile south of the Metro E Line Soto station. The apartments serve families and people experiencing homelessness through a range of one to three bedroom units, including 38 apartments that will be offered to individuals and families who were previously unhoused.  The project also includes approximately 8,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and associated parking. Two retail leases have been executed to date totaling over 5,300 square feet.   

“La Veranda is an example of how we can blend much-needed affordable housing and state-of-the-art transportation resources in one space to create dynamic economic and social sparks that can jumpstart entire neighborhoods, especially in historically underserved areas,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Metro Board Director. “We are addressing the acute need of a lack of affordable housing in low- and middle-income neighborhoods and simultaneously planting the seeds for sustainable economic growth by building transit-oriented communities where people can walk from their front doors to local businesses, eateries, and transit stations that connect them to the rest of the County. This is the beginning of a new era.” 

“Metro’s commitment to La Veranda ensured deepened affordability for this Boyle Heights community,” said Holly Benson, President & CEO of Abode Communities. “This pilot joint use development is a great example of how public partners can utilize surplus land to create housing opportunities for everyone.” 

Metro’s approach to Transit Oriented Communities and Joint Development starts with a basic principle: Communities are stronger when people have a diverse range of housing options, jobs, and services located near quality transit. Metro has a strong interest in ensuring the people who ride public transportation can afford to live near it. And by directly linking Metro’s network to additional housing, employment, retail, and commercial opportunities Metro expects to continue to grow transit ridership.  

“Nearly one out of every two households in Los Angeles County are cost burdened, paying over 30% of their income on housing expenses,” said Ray Sosa, Metro Chief Planning Officer. “La Veranda is the next step in Metro’s ambitious effort to bring more affordable housing options to LA County.” 

Metro’s Vision 2028 Strategic Plan encourages the development of affordable housing near transit to give more people, especially in low-income communities, better access to transit.  For more information on Metro’s Joint Development program, please visit https://www.metro.net/jd. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 950,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO JOINS ABODE COMMUNITIES TO WELCOME FAMILIES TO NEW HOMES IN BOYLE HEIGHTS   appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that the agency achieved 27,170,160 boardings on its bus and rail services in May. Metro carried an average of 980,865 boardings each weekday, an 8.2 percent increase over last May and the 18th-straight month of year-over-year ridership increases.  

Additionally, average weekend ridership in May saw a 7 percent increase in boardings over May 2023 as more people took Metro to special events and leisure activities, with Saturday boardings at 2,706,120 and Sunday boardings at 2,885,010. In May, weekday ridership for bus and rail was at 81.1 percent of the level it was before the pandemic in May 2019. Weekend ridership in May reached 95.9 percent of the pre-pandemic level from May 2019. 

Rail Ridership 

The total number of May rail boardings was 5,887,366, with 4,573,712 trips taken on weekdays reflecting a 4.5 percent increase over May 2023. Average ridership on the A and E Lines is up 31 percent year-over-year when compared to the A, E, and L line configuration before the Regional Connector project was completed. Weekend ridership on the A and E Lines now exceed their pre-pandemic levels. Saturday ridership in May 2024 on A and E Lines was 0.9 percent higher than Saturday ridership on the A, E, and L Line configuration in 2019. Sunday ridership in May 2024 on the A and E Lines was 5.9 percent higher than Sunday ridership on the A, E, and L Lines in May 2019. In May, the A Line saw the largest total rail boardings with 1,946,782 trips taken, a 4.6 percent increase over April 2024.  

Bus Ridership 

In May, more than 21 million (21,282,794) rides were taken on Metro buses for a 9 percent year-over-year ridership increase over May 2023 and an 87.4 percent recovery of its May 2019 level.  Metro recorded 17,005,318 bus boardings on weekdays in May 2024, up 10.9 percent over May 2023. On Saturdays in May 2,087,816 boardings occurred adding 37,736 riders over April 2024. Sundays in May saw 2,189,660 boardings, an increase of over a half million riders (517,132) over the previous month (April 2024).  

Weekend/Leisure Ridership 

During May, weekend activities were plentiful, and riders relied on Metro to get to many events taking place throughout Los Angeles County. Riders boosted weekend boardings, which reached 95.9 percent of its May 2019 pre-pandemic level. Saturday boardings on bus and rail combined reached 90.6 percent of May 2019 levels, and on Sundays during the month, average combined boardings reached 101.5 percent of May 2019 levels. 

The Cruel World Music Festival on May 11 at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl saw a 94 percent increase in ridership at the Memorial Park Station on Saturday compared to the previous Saturday. On the following weekend, May 18, The Just Like Heaven Music Festival at Brookside Park saw a 27 percent increase in ridership compared to the Cruel World event the previous Saturday and a 145 percent increase in Saturday ridership compared to a non-event weekend. 

Concerts, sports and other special events are all helping to raise Metro’s weekend ridership. Additionally in May, Keinemusik music festival, Long Beach and West Hollywood Pride festivities, as well as LAFC and Angel City FC soccer matches (seven games combined) and 14 LA Dodger games added to weekend ridership.  

Fare Programs  

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.  

In May, Metro’s GoPass Program that offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students had 2,246,144 total boardings, a 10 percent increase over May 2023. In May the GoPass street team participated in numerous events including College Prep Day at Dodgers Stadium, Long Beach Teen Pride and Festival, Fremont High Art and Wellness Fair and Black College Success End of Year Event to share the free fare program with students. 

The LIFE Program observed a 29 percent year-over-year increase in May 2024 ridership with 1,659,656 boardings compared to 1,291,153 in May 2023. During May the LIFE team held 51 in-person enrollment events at locations including Metro’s 8th Annual Older Adult Expo, Assembly District 57 Resource Fair, LA Promise Fund Community Resource & Health Fair, Long Beach Pride, and at CalFresh Awareness Month at Mar Vista Park in partnership with DPSS. These and other events in May signed people up for the reduced fare program.  

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/ 

Public Safety on Metro 

Metro continues to increase its work to improve public safety with a three-point plan: 

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures;  
• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and  

• Continue to partner with the County, the Cities and Regional Agencies to address societal issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, drug addiction. 

As part of this strategy, contracted law enforcement partners expanded their visible presence on the rail system, with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) expanding its visible presence on the B/D and E Lines within their jurisdiction, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) increasing its presence on the A Line and the C Line, and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) increasing its visible presence on the A Line stations within their jurisdiction.  

Metro Transit Security (MTS) surged its forces to enforce the rules of the system, also known as the Metro Customer Code of Conduct, on both the bus and rail system. As part of the MTS surge, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams (BSTs) performed end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus lines, including Lines 4, 20 and 720.  

Metro Ambassadors also surged their deployment on Metro’s six rail lines and five of the busiest bus lines, to provide support to customers and keep a watchful eye out for problems. In May, Metro Ambassadors recorded their 1 millionth customer interaction (i.e., an interaction beyond a standard greeting) since their initial deployment in October 2022. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 980,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO RIDERSHIP GROWTH CONTINUES FOR 18th CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH MORE THAN 27 MILLION BOARDINGS, WEEKEND RIDERSHIP REACHING 96 PERCENT OF PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS  appeared first on LA Metro.

Effective Sunday, June 23, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer more frequent and reliable bus service and an improved travel experience on multiple routes based on direct feedback from customers and bus operators, and review of ridership and travel time data.  

Bus service improvements will update travel times so riders will wait less at stops. Added trips at peak travel times will provide extra capacity to move additional riders more efficiently during busy travel periods and some lines will be extended so riders can more easily reach major destinations. Several bus lines will operate more frequently on weekdays as outlined in the NextGen Bus Plan. Metro is also improving peak hour frequencies weekdays on two San Fernando Valley bus lines as part of the North San Fernando Valley Corridor Transit Improvements project.  

Route changes by region are as follows.  

San Fernando Valley 

Bus ridership in the San Fernando Valley is growing faster than in any other Metro bus service area. Metro is adding capacity on many lines to accommodate this growth in ridership. 

As a first step in implementing the Measure M funded North San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Improvements Project, Line 152 on Roscoe Boulevard and Line 166 on Nordhoff Street will begin operating service every 10 minutes during the busiest weekday peak periods both eastbound and westbound. On Line 152, 10-minute service will operate eastbound in the 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. hours and westbound during the 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. hours in the evening. Line 166 will operate 10-minute service westbound in the 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. hours and eastbound in the 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. hours. Each will add new weekday trips to the schedule. Seven new trips on Line 152 and eight on Line 166. 

Line 158 will add 25 extra trips between the Southern terminal at Moorpark/Van Nuys and Van Nuys/Woodman to increase weekday frequency from 60 minutes to 30 minutes on the segment of Line 158 along Woodman Avenue.​ 

Line 165 on Vanowen Street will add two additional eastbound trips during the 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. hours of weekday evening peak.​  

Line 169 on Saticoy Street will add one additional weekday trip during the 6:00 a.m. hour westbound and an additional eastbound trip during the 4:00 p.m. hour between Hollywood Burbank Airport and West Hills Medical Center for service every 30 minutes. 

San Gabriel Valley 

Line 76 routing will be modified to achieve faster access to and from Downtown LA and provide new direct connectivity via Alameda Street to the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station (A & E Lines). Line 76 will have new stops along Alameda Street for Union Station and will discontinue stops at Vignes Street at Cesar Chavez behind Union Station. Riders from Union Station will now board the bus on the Alameda Street side of the station. 

Line 267 will be extended from Pasadena to Altadena, replacing Line 686 on Colorado Boulevard and Allen Avenue. Operating hours will be extended by an extra hour until 9 p.m. for Line 267 to maintain the same hours of service that Line 686 offers. Frequency will increase for the former Line 686 segment between Pasadena and Altadena on weekdays to every 30 minutes from every 60 minutes. Weekend service will remain at every 60 minutes. 

Line 268 will improve bus service to the City of Sierra Madre in response to resident requests, by extending the route to Sierra Madre Boulevard via Baldwin Avenue, Sierra Madre Boulevard, and Sierra Madre Villa Avenue instead of Foothill Boulevard to and from Sierra Madre Villa Station. Metro Micro rideshare service will continue to be available in Sierra Madre. A second route change for Line 268 will improve access to the El Monte Metrolink Station with buses rerouted via Tyler Avenue, Valley Boulevard, and Santa Anita Avenue. ​ 

Gateway Cities 

Line 265 on Paramount Boulevard will increase service from 60 minutes to 40-45 minutes on weekdays. Service will remain at 60 minutes on the weekends. 

South Bay 

Line 108 in the City of Commerce on Eastern Avenue will ​move its terminus location slightly north to Harbor Street due to Eastern Avenue being restored to two traffic lanes in each direction, preventing buses from safely parking at the existing terminus.  

Westside/Central LA 

Line 81 will relocate the northbound terminal at Eagle Rock Plaza from eastbound on Colorado Boulevard at Eagle Dale Avenue to westbound Colorado Boulevard at Eagle Dale Avenue to accommodate the Line 217 extension to Eagle Rock Plaza at the Colorado and Eagle Dale Terminal. This change will require that two stops relocate near Eagle Rock Plaza. Line 81 will also see two southbound trips added to the afternoon peak schedule weekdays in the 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. hours to accommodate increasing ridership.  

Line 217 will extend from Vermont/Hollywood to Eagle Rock via Glendale to allow easier access for riders between Mid-City, Hollywood and Glendale. Lines 180 and 217 will each be scheduled to operate every 12 minutes daytime on weekdays and every 15 minutes daytime on weekends with coordinated schedules to maximize frequency on duplicated segments. 

At Westwood, Metro Line 20, 602, and 720 buses will no longer be able to travel through the federal GSA building parking lot between Veteran Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard. As a result, Line 602 will move from the existing terminus on Veteran Avenue to a new terminus location at Kinross Avenue west of Gayley Avenue and will discontinue use of the stop at Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. Eastbound Line 20 and 720 buses starting trips from Veteran Avenue will instead travel via Veteran Avenue, Santa Monica Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard to reach Wilshire Boulevard.   

Metro will also adjust service levels slightly on many bus lines to better match ridership   levels and to accommodate the above improvements. This includes some changes to the first and last trips on some lines. Also, 49 weekday, 42 Saturday, and 41 Sunday bus lines will have revised schedules to improve their reliability. A complete list of the changes and links to new schedules can be found at metro.net/mybus. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 950,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 120 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses including fifty zero emission battery electric buses, with 95 more due for delivery in the second half of 2024. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles,  twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO IMPROVES BUS SERVICE FREQUENCY, RELIABILITY STARTING JUNE 23  appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that the agency saw its 17^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth with a 10.8 percent increase in total ridership in April 2024 compared to April 2023. Average weekday ridership saw a 9.2 percent increase in boardings over April 2023.  

In April 2024, Metro had 26,210,300 boardings on its bus and rail services. A total of 21,286,056 rides were taken each weekday, with Saturday boardings at 2,702,268 and Sunday boardings at 2,221,976. In April, weekday ridership for bus and rail was at 80.5 percent of the level it was in April 2019, before the pandemic. 

Weekend ridership in April reached 92.6 percent of the pre-pandemic level from April 2019. Overall Metro’s combined bus and rail ridership in April reached 82.5 percent of its April 2019 pre-pandemic level. 

Rail Ridership 

The total number of April rail boardings was 5,705,850, with 4,504,214 trips taken on weekdays. Average ridership across the A, B, D, and E rail lines was up 2.6 percent on weekdays, 2.7 percent on Saturdays, and 1.4 percent on Sundays.  

This month, the A Line saw the largest total weekday boardings with 1,469,754 trips taken and slightly surpassed the B Line, which had 1,466,124 weekday boardings, as Metro’s busiest weekday rail line as riders continued to enjoy the benefit of one-seat boardings to their downtown destinations.  

On the A and E Lines combined, average weekday ridership was up 27.9 percent, with average Saturday ridership up 30.5 percent and average Sunday boardings up 25.7 percent over April 2023 ridership of the A, E, and L lines that were combined as the new A and E Lines in June 2023.  

Bus Ridership 

In April, Metro bus saw a 12.5 percent year-over-year ridership increase over April 2023. More than 20 million (20,504,450) rides were taken on Metro buses. Metro recorded an average of 762,811 bus boardings on weekdays in April 2024 (up 10.9 percent over April 2023 and a new post-COVID record for weekday bus ridership). An average of 512,520 boardings occurred on Saturdays (up 3.7 percent over April 2023), with an average of 418,132 boardings on Sundays (up 4.5 percent over April 2023).  

Weekend/Leisure Ridership 

Weekend riders continue to use Metro for travel to leisure activities, boosting weekend boardings and quickly closing the gap between pre-pandemic and current weekend ridership. Average Saturday boardings on bus and rail combined reached 91.5 percent of April 2019 levels, and on Sundays during the month, average combined boardings reached 93.9 percent of April 2019 levels. 

In April, weekend activities such as the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the LA Times Festival of Books, Anime Nation Fest, CicLAvia, and LAFC all saw participants opting to ride Metro, boosting weekend ridership.  

Dodger fans are using the Dodger Stadium Express, free to all Dodger Ticket Holders.  

In the first 22 games of the season, Metro has welcomed almost 81,000 Dodger fans onto the Dodger Stadium Express from both Union Station and the South Bay – and boardings have increased 17.2 percent compared to last season, which is a higher rate of growth than Dodger game attendance overall (up 13.6 percent this season). 

Fare Programs  

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.  

In April, the GoPass Program saw 2,077,801 total boardings versus 1,714,578 in April 2023, reflecting a 12 percent year-over-year increase. The LIFE Program observed an 18 percent year-over-year increase in April 2024 ridership, with 1,570,038 boardings compared to 1,260,155 in April 2023. 

Metro’s fare-capping policy provides riders who pay with a TAP card a set fare of no more than $5 a day or $18 over seven days. Once they’ve reached those limits, they ride free for the remainder of the day or seven-day period.  

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, and students, can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/ 

Public Safety on Metro 

Metro shares the concerns of customers and employees about ensuring that Metro employees and customers are safe and feel safe, too. Metro is taking the following steps:  

• To address the recent increase in severity of crimes on the system, Metro has asked its law enforcement partners, which are contracted to keep the system safe, to surge and maintain a visible presence on buses, trains and station platforms – where Metro’s customers need them the most.  
• Metro knows customers want to see regular patrols of the system and is ensuring the visible deployment of Transit Security Officers who enforce the code of conduct and enforce fare payment – both of which contribute to a safer system. Metro is also as ensuring the continued visible deployment of Ambassadors who help customers along their journey and report safety, maintenance and cleanliness issues to be addressed, and lend a hand to customers, law enforcement and security.  
• Metro knows customers are concerned about the presence of persons with untreated mental illness and drug addiction, as well as unhoused individuals sheltering on the system, Metro is using a care-based approach of homeless outreach and crisis intervention teams.  
• And because Metro knows controlling system access leads to a safer system, Metro is piloting new fare enforcement strategies, exploring fare gate enhancements, and implementing station design interventions to ensure that the system is being utilized only for the purposes of transportation.  

As Metro’s ridership continues to grow the agency’s work to make the system safer is largely working. In March 2024, the most recently available statistics from Metro’s law enforcement partners, crimes against persons (5.22 crimes per 1 million boardings) were down 40.1 percent over March 2023 and down 27.6 percent from February 2024. (Please note that crime statistics are not yet available for April.) But one incident of violence is too many so Metro remains steadfast in its commitment to continue to improve safety on the system through new methods and ideas.  

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 950,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA METRO’S APRIL RIDERSHIP CONTINUES TO CLIMB  appeared first on LA Metro.

“Metro is continuing to take steps to expand the system to reach more of the Los Angeles region and improve connections within the county while we urgently work to make sure Metro existing riders feel safe on the system,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “The extension of the Metro E Line will bring jobs, accessibility and opportunity to many more Angelenos, and we look forward to that progress.”

As part of Phase 1, which is scheduled to start by 2029, and according to the Initial Operating Segment (IOS), the line will extend from Pomona and Atlantic Boulevards to the City of Whittier via Washington Boulevard.

The Eastside Extension will include three new rail stations with the new Atlantic/Whittier and Commerce/Citadel stations underground and the Greenwood station at street level. Additionally, a new Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) will also be added and located in the City of Montebello.

“The Eastside has been waiting many decades for this extension,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District and Metro Board Member. “Extending the E Line from East LA to Whittier will offer access to jobs — including the creation of as many as 16,000 good-paying union jobs in construction — educational opportunities, and housing which will deliver economic benefits to many of our most vulnerable residents. I am delighted to celebrate this milestone and look forward to continuing the work to improve transit connectivity for our Eastside communities.”

“Whether it’s for school, work, shopping, or a night out, people are already on the move every single day between the Westside and Downtown LA and the eastern communities I represent like Commerce, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier,” said Los Angeles County Board Supervisor and Metro Board Member, Janice Hahn. “But what they haven’t had is a fast, affordable single-seat ride to get where they’re going. With the Board’s support for this project today we are on the path to making the Eastside Extension to Whittier a reality and transforming how so many people in these communities move.”

The Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 rail extension will provide commuters in a high travel-demand corridor relief to the limited transportation systems currently available.

The initial segment from East Los Angeles to Greenwood Station in Montebello will include approximately three miles of light rail transit (LRT) underground, a half mile of aerial transit and 1.1 miles of track at street level for a total of 4.6 miles of new rail line from the current terminus at Atlantic Boulevard.

“I think it’s important to note that the construction and operation of the entire project is expected to create 1,500-1,600 jobs and generate $1 billion per year in economic activity for the region,” said Metro Board Member Fernando Dutra. “I am looking forward to the good paying construction jobs that will be created by this project.”

Metro engaged with communities throughout the environmental study and the project team will continue to coordinate with cities, property owners, third party utility owners, and other key local, state, and federal agency stakeholders as the project develops throughout the design and re-initiating the National Environmental Policy Act.

“When this new section of the E Line opens, Metro riders in our Eastside communities will be connected to the greater network of transit throughout the Metro system,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Added connectivity for all communities throughout Los Angeles County is a priority for Metro.”

Funds for the phase come from the Measure M transportation sales tax measure approved by voters in 2016. Measure M allocates $6 billion for this project in two funding cycles. Cycle 1 allocates $3 billion for the Washington Alternative beginning in 2029 and Cycle 2 allocates $3 billion for the second alternative beginning in 2053. The second alternative is being evaluated through the San Gabriel Valley Transit Feasibility Study (https://www.sgvcog.org/transit-study).

For more information on the project, please call Metro at (213) 922-3012 or send an email to eastsidephase2@metro.net Information about the project is also available on Metro’s website at www.metro.net/eastsidephase2.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 950,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA METRO BOARD VOTES TO APPROVE CERTIFICATION OF FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR EASTSIDE TRANSIT CORRIDOR PHASE 2 PROJECT appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transport Authority (Metro) is recruiting three members of the public to serve on the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, which was formed following the approval of Measure M in 2016 to monitor and ensure all tax measure revenues are spent for transportation purposes. 

The seven-member committee, which meets four times a year, approves and directs the scope of work of auditors; prepares an annual report based on the annual audit results and comments to the Metro Board; reviews all proposed debt refinancing; and reviews any proposed amendments to the Ordinance, including the Expenditure Plan. 

“Serving on the committee has been a great way to follow along with critical transportation projects and obtain insight into how Metro works,” said Linda Briskman, former Beverly Hills City Councilmember and six-year Measure M Oversight Committee Member. “The committee carefully monitors Measure M revenues to ensure that they’re spent appropriately, and the knowledge committee members bring helps ensure our transportation projects are kept moving.” 

Committee members serve in five-year terms and the three current vacancies are open to a retired Federal and/or State Judge, a Municipal/Public/Finance/Budget Professional and a Transit (Operations and Labor Practices) Professional.  

Interested individuals can visit https://www.metro.net/about/measure-m/#measure-m-independent-taxpayer-oversight-committee for more information and to submit an application to become a member. 

About Measure M 

LA County voters approved Measure M with 71.15% support in 2016. The half-cent sales tax measure funds projects to ease traffic, repair local streets and sidewalks, expand public transportation, earthquake retrofit bridges and subsidize transit fares for students, seniors and persons with disabilities. 

In addition, Measure M partially funds many Metro projects, as well as making funding available to local jurisdictions via the Metro Subregional Program, Metro Active Transportation, Transit and First/Last Mile Program and through Local Return. 

For additional information about Measure M, please visit https://www.metro.net/about/measure-m/. 

About Metro 
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO’S MEASURE M INDEPENDENT TAXPAYER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS  appeared first on LA Metro.

Getting stuck in parking lots can diminish the live music going experience, but the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association are orchestrating a way to make public transportation easier than ever with its first integrated ticketing pilot program.

For the 2024 Hollywood Bowl summer concert season, music fans can purchase a GoMetro Round-Trip Pass for $3.50 valid on a Metro bus and train. Concertgoers can purchase Metro transit passes as part of their event ticket transaction, resulting in one transaction, but two digital tickets: an event ticket and transit pass. This pilot program is being funded through a $2 million Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) competitive grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).The SMART program’s goal is to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

“The Hollywood Bowl is a treasured venue for visitors from all over the Los Angeles region and beyond, and Metro is taking action to make it more accessible and more cost-friendly to travel to and from the Bowl this summer,” said Karen Bass, L.A. City Mayor and Metro Board Chair. “As we continue to prepare the region to welcome major sporting events in the coming years, partnerships like Metro and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will help serve locals and visitors alike as they travel to famous destinations throughout Los Angeles. We thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for helping fund this exciting pilot program.”

Along with traffic headaches, expensive parking prices at the lots and at off-site locations in and around the Hollywood Bowl during the summer concert season, the lack of parking spaces can be stressful. This season, with reduced parking capacity at the Hollywood Bowl, attendees can choose among several convenient ways to get to the Bowl, including the Bowl Shuttles and Park & Ride options. Going Metro will help take the ease and pressure from having to search for a parking spot and driving in areas with a high volume of traffic.

“Metro wants to be your ride – your first choice in transportation, no matter where you need to go around L.A. County. This integrated ticketing pilot program will help Hollywood Bowl concertgoers avoid the stress and expense of parking and traffic and go Metro for a clean, safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to get to the venue.” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “This initiative is part of our strategy to build Metro’s capacity to serve more large-scale entertainment and sporting events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and of course the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We look forward to welcoming more Hollywood Bowl concertgoers onto Metro and making it their preferred choice for transportation to concerts and special events.”

Metro will provide QR codes as the digital transit pass for attendees who choose to bundle them with a concert ticket for more than 70 Hollywood Bowl shows this summer. This is the same technology used by Metrolink to deliver digital tickets that riders can use to transfer from Metrolink onto Metro services. When QR code readers are not available, Metro personnel including fare checkers and bus operators have been trained to visually identify and accept the digital ticket.

Los Angeles Philharmonic Interim CEO Daniel Song said, “In recent years, we have noticed a considerable uptick in alternative ridership to the Hollywood Bowl. These changes were created to help meet this demand and reinforce the message that using public transportation, like Metro, is one of the easiest ways to get to and from the Hollywood Bowl. We want our guests to spend less time waiting in transit and our neighbors to experience as little disruption from vehicles as possible.”

Concertgoers who purchase a Metro ticket can ride the Hollywood Bowl shuttle from the B Line at the Hollywood/Highland Station for free beginning two and a half hours before show time.

Additional trip planning information is available at metro.net/hollywoodbowl.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles

About LA Phil

Under the leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Performances are offered on three historic stages—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today. 

The post GOING TO THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL THIS SUMMER JUST GOT EASIER WITH LA METRO BEHIND THE WHEEL appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that the agency saw a 9.4 percent increase in total system ridership in March 2024 compared to March 2023 with nearly 26 million boardings. Average weekday rail ridership saw a 6.4 percent increase in boardings over March 2023, surpassing 200,000 boardings for the second time since the beginning of the pandemic. March 2024 marked the 16^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth.  

In March 2024, Metro had a total of 25,880,698 boardings on its bus and rail services. An average of 955,918 rides were taken each weekday with Saturday boardings averaging 606,255 and Sunday boardings averaging 555,029. Metro’s March total bus and rail ridership combined was at 81.5 percent of its March 2019 pre-pandemic level. Total weekend ridership in March was 89.2 percent of pre-pandemic (March 2019) levels and total March weekday ridership was 79.5 percent of its March 2019 pre-pandemic level.  

Rail Ridership 

March 2024 was an impressive month for Metro rail ridership. The new A and E Lines were up 25.6 percent on weekdays and 26.3 percent on weekends. This month the light rail A Line saw 1,412,523 total weekday boardings and surpassed the subway B Line, which saw 1,385,496 boardings, as Metro’s busiest weekday rail line. The C Line average weekday ridership was up 22.2 percent and the K Line also saw a 6.5 percent increase in average weekday ridership. Total March rail boardings were 5,717,630 with 4,311,720 trips taken on weekdays. 

Bus Ridership 

Metro bus ridership in March saw a 11.3 percent year-over-year increase over March 2023. More than 20 million (20,163,068) rides were taken on Metro buses, with total bus ridership in March 2024 at 85.6 percent of its pre-pandemic (March 2019) level. Metro recorded an average of 750,598 bus boardings on weekdays in March, an average of 460,779 boardings on Saturdays and an average of 419,323 boardings on Sundays.  

Ridership continues to grow as Metro furthers its human-centric, multilayered approach to safety, improved cleanliness, improved reliability, and frequency of service as well as fully restored bus service.  

Leisure Travelers 

Weekends continue to show the strongest ridership recovery as leisure travelers are turning to Metro for travel to activities throughout the county. Average boardings on bus and rail combined on Saturdays reached 85.5 percent of March 2019 levels and on Sundays during the month average combined boardings reached 93.7 percent of March 2019 pre-pandemic levels. 

During March, weekend activities such as the Concacaf Soccer Championship, the LA Wine and Food Festival, the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars), plus LAFC, Chivas, Clippers and Dodger fans took advantage of Metro’s service boosting weekend ridership.  

Fare Programs  

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass pilot program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.  

In March, the GoPass Pilot Program saw 1,985,314 total boardings versus 1,771.640 in March 2023, reflecting a 12 percent year-over-year increase. The LIFE Program observed an 18 percent year-over-year increase in March ridership with 1,484,150 boardings compared to 1,260,155 in March 2023. 

Metro’s fare capping policy provides riders who pay with a TAP card a set fare of no more $5 a day or $18 over seven days. Once they’ve reached those limits, they ride free for the remainder of the day or seven-day period.  

And Metro’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Program gives in-need Angelenos the freedom to choose the mode that best suits their travel requirements by providing a debit card with $150 per month to spend on transportation. The card can be used to take the bus, ride the train, use bike share, take Metro-Micro and much more. 

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities and college students can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/ 

Ridership Calculations 

Metro has updated its monthly ridership numbers dating back to April 2022 to correct a data validation error which inaccurately counted ridership at an average of 5 percent lower than actual ridership on Metro’s light rail lines (A, E, L, C and K). This error did not affect bus and heavy rail ridership numbers and occurred when manual adjustments were made to Metro’s Automatic Passenger Counting system to account for non-transit activity, such as security personnel, custodians and supervisors helping to clear and clean the trains at the end of the line. During this manual process, some transit passengers were undercounted. Metro has corrected its data validation procedures to account for this error and has added additional validations to avoid such an error occurring again. This error had no effect on Metro’s operations or finances. Metro discovered this error through a public discussion on Reddit and thanks a devoted transit enthusiast for identifying this issue.  

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 900,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post L.A. METRO’S WEEKDAY RIDERSHIP UP 14 PERCENT YEAR-OVER-YEAR IN MARCH    appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will provide free transportation on its Bus, Rail, Bike Share and Metro Micro on Earth Day (Monday, April 22) so everyone can travel by Metro to reduce vehicle emissions and help stem climate change. 

“Every Day is Earth Day at L.A. Metro,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Transit is the cleanest way to travel, and by using our electric trains and low-emission buses, you can lower your carbon footprint by 45 percent compared to driving. This Earth Day, we encourage Angelenos to take a free ride on Metro, leave the car at home and enjoy everything L.A. County has to offer.” 

All Metro buses and trains will be free to the public beginning at 3 a.m. Monday April 22, until 2:59 a.m. Tuesday, April 23. Bus fareboxes will be deactivated, and all train station fare gates will be opened to enable passengers to easily use public transit for their transportation needs. New riders can plan their trips using Metro’s Rider Apps webpage at metro.net/riderapps, which has a number of trip planning and trip taking tools available.  

Metro Bike Share is also offering free rides on Earth Day. All riders can redeem free 30-minute bike share rides by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app by entering the promo code 042224.  A credit or debit card is required. The first 30 minutes of all rides are free. Rides longer than 30 minutes are just $1.75 each additional half-hour. Electric Metro Bike unlocking fees are waived.  

Metro Micro customers can redeem free rides on Metro’s on-demand electric rideshare service, by using the Metro Micro app or browser and entering code EarthDay24.  The promo code will be available during regular operating hours for Metro’s Call Center (323-GoMetro or 323-466-3876). Call Center operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The code is only valid on Earth Day.  

Metro has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent since 2017 through fleet electrification and system retrofits. The G Line (Orange) runs on electric power and the J Line (Silver) is also converting to all-electric zero-emission buses. Metro Micro uses Ford Transit 350s converted to electric power and the Metro bus fleet consists of 2,200 CNG powered buses. The entire 105-mile Metro Rail system operates on electric power. 

For additional information about Metro’s environmental policies and programs, please visit Metro.net/sustainability. 

For Earth Day 2024, Metro will distribute the first ever bamboo TAP card made to commemorate the agency’s efforts toward a more sustainable public transit system. This limited-edition Bamboo TAP Card is crafted from 100 percent bamboo, a renewable resource that can be harvested sustainably. The bamboo TAP cards can be used for travel on Metro and 26 TAP agencies. They are built to last for 15 years and can be reloaded just like a regular TAP card.   

On Earth Day, Metro’s regional rail partner Metrolink, which provides heavy rail service to the broader Southern California region, will also offer free rides on all of its trains on April 22. No ticket will be required. For more information on Metrolink free rides, please visit metrolinktrains.com/earthday.  

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA Metro To Provide Free Rides Systemwide On Earth Day, Monday, April 22 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) invites Los Angeles County residents to share their transit priorities for the annual budget and engage with agency leaders during a live, interactive Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 starting at 6 p.m. 

As part of Metro’s ongoing Putting People First engagement efforts, the Telephone Town Hall will invite participants to share their comments and feedback on Metro’s initiatives, including expanding and improving service, elevating the transit experience, and ensuring safety. Public participation and input are important so that the budget under development reflects the needs and priorities of the public. Metro encourages all Angelenos to participate and offer their input on the kinds of work and projects that should be prioritized in the FY25 budget. 

A unique virtual forum, Town Hall meetings are particularly beneficial for residents who would not typically have time to attend a regular public meeting or who cannot participate online. Metro will randomly contact approximately 100,000 residents from various ethnic and economic backgrounds from across Los Angeles County through an innovative automated telephone system to participate in the public forum.  When residents answer their phones, they will be automatically connected to Metro’s English-language meeting with the option for Spanish-language participants to select Spanish. Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to join the conversation and can also pre-register.  This is an open forum and it will be recorded and made available to the public and the news media.  

Participants can register in advance for Metro’s Telephone Town Hall meeting at   

https://tthm.wufoo.com/forms/metro-telephone-town-hall-signup

Alternately, the public may also join the meeting using the following phone numbers (please only call on the specific date and time of the meeting):  

English: On the day and time of the meeting, the toll-free call-in number is 888-400-1932 

Spanish: On the day and time of the meeting, the toll-free call-in number is 888-400-9342 

Those who want to participate via webcast through their computers can do so through one of the following links: 

English Webcast Link for 4/16/2024 

https://janus.teletownhall.us/?id=Metro&eid=102025

Spanish Webcast Link for 4/16/2024 

https://janus.teletownhall.us/?id=Metro-sp&eid=102026

ADA Language Accommodation: Those requiring an interpreter or other accommodations should contact Metro at least 72 hours prior to the telephone town hall meeting at 323-466-3876 or California Relay Service at 711. 

Budget Background 

The Metro budget identifies the priorities, programs, and initiatives that the agency will be pursuing in the year ahead. This begins with Metro’s Office of Management and Budget forecasting the resources available for the upcoming year. This is followed by an extensive schedule of outreach activities planned with key stakeholder groups, customers, and the public. The FY25 Budget process will wrap up with a legally required public hearing in mid-May 2024 followed by adoption of the budget at the Metro Board of Directors’ meeting on May 23, 2024. 

For more information about Metro’s Budget, visit https://budget.metro.net. 

To leave feedback, submit the form on the portal or visit https://mybudget.metro.net. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO TO HOST TELEPHONE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that the agency saw a 9.4 percent increase in total system ridership in February 2024 compared to February 2023 with more than 23 million boardings. February 2024 marked the 15^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth.  

In February 2024, Metro had 23,031,303 boardings on its bus and rail services. An average of 872,167 rides were taken each weekday with Saturday boardings averaging 662,561 and Sunday boardings averaging 516,388. Metro’s February bus and rail ridership combined was at 80.8 percent of its February 2019 pre-pandemic level. Average weekend ridership in February was 97.2 percent of pre-pandemic (February 2019) levels and average February weekday ridership was 73.8 percent of its February 2019 pre-pandemic level.  

Ridership continues to grow after the 2023 launch of Metro’s human-centric, multilayered approach to safety, improved cleanliness, improved reliability and frequency of service as well as fully restored bus service.  

Bus Ridership 

Metro bus ridership saw a 10.6 percent year-over-year increase over February 2023. More than 18 million (18,073,168) rides were taken on Metro buses, with total bus ridership in February 2024 at 86.5 percent of its pre-pandemic (February 2019) level. Metro recorded an average of 688,956 bus boardings on weekdays in February, an average of 514,337 boardings on Saturdays and an average of 386,936 boardings on Sundays.  

Rail Ridership 

February 2024 marked the ninth month of operation for the newly reconfigured A and E Lines. The A Line, which serves customers from Azusa to Long Beach, saw 1,642,226 boardings. The E Line welcomed 1,057,112 users travelling on the line that services East L.A. to Santa Monica. The B/D subway lines saw the largest number of rail boardings during the month with 1,727,895 trips taken. Ridership on the A/E Lines combined was 2,699,338 during the month signaling riders are benefiting from the new Regional Connector A/E Line stations for more convenient one seat rides to and from downtown LA. 

Leisure Travelers 

Weekends continue to show the greatest ridership recovery as leisure travelers are increasingly turning to Metro. Average boardings on Saturdays reached 98.4 percent of February 2019 levels and on Sundays during the month average boardings reached 95.5 percent of February 2019 levels. 

During February, weekend activities such as the Skyline LA music and art festival at Grand Park, the Firecracker Run and Festival in Chinatown, CicLAvia Melrose, and sporting events such as Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) versus the Seattle Sounders at Exposition Park all welcomed riders to the system boosting weekend ridership recovery.  

Fare Programs 

Metro continues to provide programs that make riding more affordable for everyone. The agency’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass pilot program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are helping those who need it most.  

In February, the GoPass Pilot Program saw 1,708,763 total boardings versus 1,459,167 

in February 2023, a 17 percent increase. The LIFE Program observed a 20 percent increase in February ridership with 1,337,033 boardings compared to 1,075,678 in February 2023. 

Metro’s fare capping policy provides riders who pay with a TAP card a set fare of no more $5 a day or $18 over seven days. Once they’ve reached those limits, they ride free for the remainder of the day or seven-day period.  

And Metro’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Program gives in-need Angelenos the freedom to choose the mode that best suits their travel requirements by providing a debit card with $150 per month to spend on transportation. The card can be used to take the bus, ride the train, use bike share, take Metro-Micro and much more. 

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities and college students can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/ 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 117 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post LA METRO’S FEBRUARY RIDERSHIP ADVANCES AS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IMPROVES  appeared first on LA Metro.

Latest Tunnel Boring Technology Minimized Ground Settlement, Above Ground Disruptions

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that it has successfully completed tunneling for the D Line Subway Extension Project that will connect downtown L.A. with West L.A.

This major construction milestone was accomplished safely in one of the densest and most geologically challenging urban corridors in the L.A. region and nation.

“This safe completion of tunneling through this part of Los Angeles is a milestone in Metro’s work to expand fast and reliable public transit across the region,” said Karen Bass, L.A. City Mayor and Metro Board Chair. “When completed, the D Line extension will make Metro transit available to 53,300 more weekday riders traveling between Downtown Los Angeles and the Westside. Thank you to all of the construction workers who have given their time and talent to successfully complete the tunneling.”

With the completion of tunneling, Metro will continue to work with its two contractors as a part of a joint venture with Skanska-Traylor-Shea and Tutor-Perini/O&G to complete seven new underground stations in Section 1 between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega, Section 2 between Wilshire/La Cienega and Century City, and Section 3 between Century City and Westwood.

Contractors utilized the latest Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology to excavate approximately 40-60 feet per day to help complete tunneling for the project. The 400 foot-long, 21 foot-diameter earth digging machines utilized closed face, pressurized TBM technology that minimizes ground settlement during excavation. The machines also lined the tunnel itself with precast concrete segments that were bolted together to form secure rings making them water- and gas-tight, preventing water and gas-related risks. This same TBM technology was successfully employed on Metro’s 2009 Eastside Extension Project.

“The D Line Subway Extension is one of the most complex engineering feats that Metro has undertaken,” said Lindsey Horvath, Chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors and Metro Board Member. “Its complexity is matched by the immense value the project will bring to Los Angeles when it opens and carries 30,000 daily riders through one of our densest and most job-rich regions.”

During its five years of tunneling, Metro faced and successfully overcame many technical challenges like gassy ground, tar sands and abandoned oil wells. Near the La Brea Tarpits, for example, Metro’s advanced TBMs made their way through tar sands, and used horizontal directional drillings to probe the earth so contractors could identify and remove potential objects before any TBM damage occurred. Metro also safely used the same methods to identify and avoid unmapped and abandoned oil wells underneath Beverly Hills High School.

“Congratulations to Metro and its contractors for reaching a critical milestone for the D Line Subway Extension,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “We are one major step closer to a Los Angeles where everyone has access to all the cultural and economic resources the region has to offer.”

“Now that tunneling is complete, it won’t be long before Metro completes this mega-project and makes it possible for everyone to travel from downtown L.A. to West L.A. in under 30 minutes,” said Katy Yaroslavsky, L.A. City Council Member and Metro Board Member. “This subway extension will catalyze ridership on the entire Metro System in the years ahead, bringing many thousands of new riders throughout Metro’s transit system.”

“The end of tunneling work on this project is a triumph of engineering, planning and execution. Our construction team undertook a painstaking process that helped us keep everyone in these communities safe and deliver a better project for the people of L.A. County,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “We have proven yet again our capability to safely tunnel underneath a range of different structures as well as sensitive and historic sites.”

Forecasted openings are 2025 for Section 1, 2026 for Section 2 and 2027 for Section 3 of the project.

Metro secured local funding to build the project via the 2008 Measure R and 2016 Measure M voter-approved transportation sales tax measures. These local funding sources were then matched by federal funding, which ultimately amounted to approximately half of the project’s overall cost.

About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro Officially Completes Five Years of Tunneling, Adding Nine Miles on D Line Subway Extension Project between Downtown, West LA appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced a permanent fare structure for its Metro Micro Pilot Program, its on-demand rideshare service that gives Angelenos more options for making short trips in key L.A. County service areas. The introductory $1 fare has ended and has been replaced by a permanent $2.50 base fare per ride.  The agency has also added program discounts tailored to benefit low-income individuals, seniors, persons with disabilities and students as part of its commitment to enhance equity and sustainability.  

Metro Micro links rideshare services with transit in areas that are hard to serve with conventional bus services. The program offers improved first/last mile connections and addresses disparities in access to affordable transportation options in communities of color and areas with lower median incomes.  More than 1.7 million rides have been taken on Metro Micro since the program began in 2020.   

Metro Micro services are available across eight zones in Los Angeles County, including: Watts/Compton, LAX/Inglewood, El Monte, North Hollywood/Burbank, Highland Park/Eagle Rock/Glendale, Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre, Northwest San Fernando Valley and UCLA/Westwood/Veterans Affairs Medical Center.   

The new fare structure includes: 

• Free transfers to Metro Bus and Rail from Metro Micro, with a nominal fee of 75 cents for transfers from Metro Bus and Rail for a total base fare of $2.50.  
• Participants in the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides reduced fares for low-income L.A. County residents, seniors and people with disabilities, can now use their 20 free rides to take Metro Micro. After 20 free rides, LIFE Program participants pay the permanent base fare of $2.50.   
• Participants in the GoPass program, students enrolled in participating K-12 schools and community colleges within the LA Metro service area, will continue to enjoy the convenience of the on-demand rideshare service at a reduced fare of $1. Seniors and people with disabilities can also ride for $1.  

Additionally, users of the EZ Transit Pass, which is a monthly pass for local travel on several public transit carriers throughout L.A. County, can ride Metro Micro for 75 cents.  EZ Transit Pass Zone 1 or higher riders can ride at no additional charge. Transfers from partner agencies to Metro Micro (interagency transfers) will pay only $1.25 (50 cents transfer fee plus 75 cents).  

To learn more about Metro Micro, please visit metro.net/micro.  To read an FAQ on the program, visit www.metro.net/farechange.   

About Metro 
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post Metro Micro On-Demand Rideshare Service Fare Change Began on March 24, New Discounts for Customers appeared first on LA Metro.

Photos: Dodger Stadium Express – Metro Los Angeles (smugmug.com) and Dodger Stadium Express Game Night 2023 – Metro Los Angeles (smugmug.com)]

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will provide free Dodger Stadium Express bus service for baseball fans seeking to avoid traffic and parking hassles when attending this season’s Dodger home games beginning Thursday, March 28.  Express buses will take fans to Dodger Stadium both from Los Angeles Union Staton and Harbor Gateway Transit Center in Gardena.

Dodger Stadium Express service utilizes a dedicated bus lane along Sunset Boulevard where game day traffic is the heaviest. Metro has partnered with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for traffic mitigation support for Metro buses that help expedite trips to the games. The buses offer baseball fans a convenient and cost-effective transit alternative to driving and parking at Dodger Stadium.

The first game of the season will match the Dodgers with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, March 28 with game time set for 1:10 p.m.

 Service information for all home games is as follows:

Service From Los Angeles Union Station’s East Portal

• New Boarding Location: Dodger Stadium Express buses will pick up fans from Bay 9 at the Patsaouras Bus Plaza at the East Portal of Union Station. Buses will run every 10 minutes.  Service starts 90 minutes prior to the start of the game and will continue until the end of the second inning.

• Return service runs until 45 minutes after the final out or 20 minutes after post-game events. Passengers can use two stops at the ballpark, either behind center field or at the top deck.

• Baseball fans are encouraged to use the numerous public transportation alternatives that serve Union Station to connect them with the Dodger Stadium Express, including Metro Rail, Metrolink, Amtrak and municipal bus operators.

Service From Harbor Gateway Transit Center in the South Bay

• Fans can use the Harbor Gateway Transit Center in Gardena and board Dodger Express buses located at Bay 9.  Buses will operate every 30 minutes. Service begins two hours prior to the start of the game and ends 45 minutes after games are over or 20 minutes after a post-game event.

• Fans can board Dodger Stadium Express buses operating along the I-110 Express lanes at Slauson, Manchester, Harbor Freeway and Rosecrans stations.

• Fans will be dropped off behind right center field at Dodger Stadium.

• Buses back to the Harbor gateway Transit Center will pick up customers at the same location after the game, behind center field.

• The Harbor Gateway Transit Center is also served by several Metro bus lines, the Metro J Line (Silver) and Torrance Transit. Regular fares apply on these connecting bus and rail services.

The Metro Dodger Stadium Express service is partially funded under a grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). The MSRC awards funding within the South Coast Air Basin from a portion of the state vehicle registration fee for projects that help bring clean air by reducing traffic in the L.A. area. Metro is providing the remaining funding from its operations budget.

For more information on Dodger Stadium Express service, visit .metro.net/riding/dodger-stadium-express/.

For specific route and schedule information visit www.metro.net or call 323.GO-METRO or 323.466.3876.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro to Provide Free Dodger Stadium Express Service to all 2024 Dodger Home Games appeared first on LA Metro.

New Lanes Provide Faster, More Reliable Service to San Fernando Valley

As part of ongoing citywide efforts to save transit customers time and increase the reliability of bus service, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and City of Los Angeles celebrated the opening of 5.6 miles of new bus priority lanes on Sepulveda Boulevard.  

These new lanes will move 50,000 weekly bus riders through this congested corridor while improving bus speeds by 15 percent or more and increasing service frequency.  This enhanced mobility moves more people and provides quick and easy access to nearly 40,000 jobs, over 88,000 residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and other key locations such as Sherman Oaks Galleria, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, and the Sepulveda G Line (Orange) Station without widening streets or adding more infrastructure. 

“Angelenos deserve a Metro system that can get them where they need to go reliably, quickly and safely. Infrastructure improvements like the Sepulveda bus priority lanes help us make progress towards those goals,” said Karen Bass, L.A. City Mayor and Metro Board Chair. “These are the solutions we must continue pursuing, and I want to thank the Metro Board of Directors, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and all partners  for working together to make the Sepulveda bus priority lane a reality.”  

With these new bus priority lanes serving riders in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles will have approximately 51 miles of bus priority lanes across the city, with another 46 miles of bus lanes to be implemented over the next year. This project also provides a faster and more reliable multi-modal transit network, benefiting over 9,000 daily riders who typically ride Metro Bus Line 234 (Mission College-Sylmar Metrolink Station-Sherman Oaks via Sepulveda).  
 
In the Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys area, the bus-only segment runs along Sepulveda Boulevard between Ventura Boulevard and Rayen Street. Also included is a 0.9-mile bus lane that runs along westbound Ventura Boulevard from Vesper Avenue to Sepulveda Boulevard.  

Full-Time Bus Lanes Added 

• In creating the bus lanes, the project converted the rightmost traffic lane in each direction along Sepulveda Boulevard between Magnolia Boulevard and Rayen Street into a full-time bus lane. It also converted the rightmost traffic lane on northbound Sepulveda Boulevard between Ventura Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard into a full-time bus lane. 

Conversion of Curbside Lanes 

• Converts the curbside lane on westbound Ventura Boulevard between Vesper Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard into a peak hour bus lane from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays only and maintains virtually all curbside parking as it exists today. 

• Repurposes 60 underutilized parking spaces along northbound Sepulveda Boulevard between Raymer Street and Lanark Street to serve as a full-time bus lane. 

• Maintains two general traffic lanes and left turn lanes in each direction. Drivers can use the bus lanes to make right turns at intersections and driveways. 

“Metro bus service along this busy corridor is nearly at pre-pandemic levels averaging 50,000 boardings a week in 2023,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “With the addition of bus priority lanes on Sepulveda Boulevard, riders will enjoy a faster and more reliable transit service that will save them valuable time. Metro thanks the City of LA for their partnership on this project, and we look forward to installing even more of these bus priority lanes in the year ahead.”  

Additional quotes: 
 
L.A County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath 

“Metro connects Angelenos to jobs, schools, healthcare, and popular destinations across Los Angeles County through improvements to our rail and bus lines,” said Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Board of Supervisors and a Metro Board Member. “The San Fernando Valley is benefiting from new investments, including the dedicated bus lanes along Sepulveda Boulevard, providing a safer, quicker, more equitable, and more reliable service to over 9,000 daily riders.”  

Metro Board Member Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker 

“Metro is expanding its bus network and making it easier to get around without a car with the opening of the Sepulveda Bus Lanes. This project is another example of the successful collaborative effort of the Bus Speed Engineering Working Group, bringing together the City of LA and Metro to quickly implement priority bus lanes and supportive infrastructure. The Sepulveda Bus Lanes will provide the Valley with its first dedicated bus lane helping to speed up transit frequency, reduce congestion and increase access to key destinations along the corridor.” 

L.A. City Council President and Metro Board Member Paul Krekorian 

“Bus speed and reliability are crucial to building our ridership,” said Paul Krekorian, LA City Council President and Metro Board Director. “The City and Metro have the shared goal of getting people out of their cars and onto environmentally sustainable transit.  Dedicated bus lanes are an efficient means of reorganizing our existing roadway infrastructure to prioritize that transit.  With investments like the Sepulveda Bus Lane project, Metro will begin to realize the full benefits of their NextGen Bus Service overhaul and continue to deliver on the promises of Measures R and M to provide better, higher quality transportation for all.” 

L.A. City Council Member Imelda Padilla (CD-6)  

“Council District 6 is the future of transportation in the Valley. With these additional bus lanes along Sepulveda Boulevard, our daily Metro riders get more access to the Sepulveda G Line (Orange) Station, which connects us to the B Line (Red) subway and to greater Los Angeles,” stated Councilmember Imelda Padilla (CD-6). “I welcome new transit investments like these that will help relieve traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and ensure that all Valley residents and businesses have increased mobility. I look forward to working with Metro and LADOT to ensure that these new lanes are safe for bus patrons and pedestrians, as we continue to create faster and reliable alternatives to driving.”  

L.A. City Council Member Nithya Raman (CD-4) 

“Transit is most successful when it’s reliable and fast. We can best achieve that through separating our buses from traffic — so Angelenos who rely on the bus have a more reliable ride that values their time, and Angelenos who don’t ride the bus have a true alternative to use to opt out of traffic,” said Los Angeles Council Member Nithya Raman. “By mixing peak hour and full-time lanes, the Sepulveda Bus Priority project right-sizes our investment and is another immensely successful transit lane collaboration between our City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation and Metro. I’m proud to help welcome the first on-street transit lanes to the Valley and look forward to further investment in our bus system in the Valley.”  

LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo 

“In partnership with LA Metro, LADOT continues to deliver dedicated bus lanes across the city to advance a transportation system that serves the needs of all Angelenos,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “We are thrilled to bring these improvements to the San Fernando Valley with the new Sepulveda Priority Bus Lanes that provide better service speed, accessibility, and convenience.” 

About Metro 
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

About LADOT 
LADOT leads transportation planning, project delivery, and operations in the City of Los Angeles. We work together and collaborate to deliver a safe, livable, and well-run transportation system in the city and region. Our vision is for all people in Los Angeles to have access to safe and affordable transportation choices that treat everyone with dignity and support vibrant, inclusive communities. 

The post LA Metro, LADOT, City of Los Angeles, Celebrate Opening of 5.6 Miles of New Sepulveda Boulevard Bus Priority Lanes    appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), will receive $700 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which Metro will use to support three Metro transit projects – the planned East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project and the Westside’s D (Purple) Line Extension Transit Project [sections 2 and 3].

This bill, which Congress adopted late last week, and President Biden signed into law, was a much-delayed Fiscal Year 2024 transportation spending bill funding transportation projects and programs throughout the nation at levels pursuant primarily to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was adopted in November of 2021.

The bill provides robust funding for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5309 Program (popularly referred to as the New Starts Program), which funds the construction of major transit capital projects.

“During our international delegation to Paris to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games, the message was clear: there’s no time to waste in strengthening our local infrastructure and transportation system to be ready to welcome the world for the Games,” said Mayor of Los Angeles and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “We thank our federal delegation for helping to pass a transportation spending bill that directs significant funds to LA Metro. I thank President Biden for signing this bill into law to bring major funding to Los Angeles that will help Metro complete transformative infrastructure projects to increase accessibility for millions of people across L.A. County on Metro’s system.”

The D Line (Purple) Subway Extension Project is being constructed in three sections, and will connect Downtown L.A. with West L.A. It is part of a broader 9-mile project that will provide a high-capacity, fast and reliable alternative for commuters. Metro anticipates receiving $165 million for section two (between Wilshire/La Cienega and Century City) and $478 million for section three (between Century City and Westwood), all sections will be open prior to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Also, as a result of the Fiscal Year 2024 transportation spending bill becoming law, the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project will receive $66.9 million, which will help to significantly improve connections and access to crucial destinations for customers in the San Fernando Valley. The first segment of this light rail line, which is a 6.7-mile at-grade alignment will run along Van Nuys Boulevard and will include 11 new transit stations.

“This is great news for anyone who has to navigate our infamous traffic in LA County,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “I want to convey my thanks to Metro’s Board of Directors for putting us in a position to receive such favorable news from Congress and I’d like to thank LA County’s congressional delegation and Senators Padilla and Butler for their work on this critical package. We also thank President Biden for signing this bill into law so we can complete these transformative projects and deliver a world-class transit system for LA County’s 10 million residents.”

To learn more about the D Line Subway Extension, please visit metro.net/d_line, for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, please visit  metro.net/esfv.

Additional quotes:

Senator Alex Padilla
“I am proud to support a federal transportation spending bill that will deliver millions to expand the LA Metro system,” said Senator Padilla. “The Purple Line Extension and East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project will help strengthen our local economy and better connect Angelenos to businesses, schools, and jobs across the region.  I will continue to fight for significant federal investment for our public transit systems.”

Senator Laphonza Butler
“I am proud to help the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail and Westside Purple Line Extension Transit Projects secure $700 million to continue to build out and expand the Los Angeles Metro system,” said Senator Butler. ”LA Metro continues to fund alternatives methods to car transportation in the city and these investments are essential to combating air pollution, reducing traffic congestion, and improving accessibility and the overall quality of life for Angelenos.”  

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36)
“I’m pleased that we could bring so many federal dollars to Los Angeles County through this year’s appropriations process, and, in particular, am happy to see over $700 million for Metro transit projects. Having a robust and modern public transportation system helps ensure our community has safe and reliable ways to stay connected. This money will go towards projects that will help meet the transportation needs of residents and tourists alike and will help usher in a new era of public transit opportunities for Los Angeles County.”

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)
“I was proud to vote for this vital funding to better connect our communities,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “This funding will improve, expand, and provide greater access to Metro, reconnecting communities that have historically been neglected. Further, as Los Angeles prepares to host major world events including the Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Cup, it is critical that we improve Metro for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.” 

Congressman Tony Cardenas (CA-29)
“Thousands of families in my district depend on public transportation to get to work or to school and they need premium transportation options for their everyday lives,” said Congressman Cárdenas. The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project accomplishes just that! I’m proud to have voted in support of the Transportation Spending Bill as we’re one step closer to making this dream that has been decades in the making a reality.”

About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA METRO WELCOMES CONGRESS PASSING FISCAL YEAR 2024 TRANSPORTATION SPENDING BILL WITH OVER $700 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR METRO TRANSIT PROJECTS appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is offering free rides on all Metro trains, buses, Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro from 12 midnight to 11:59 p.m on Election Day, Tuesday, March 5, to encourage voter turnout and make it easier for people to travel to and from local polling places.

Free fares will be offered on Metro trains at free-flowing turnstiles that will allow access to train stations and on buses all fareboxes and TAP validators will have signage indicating free fares.

Metro’s Bike Share Program will be providing free 30-minute rides with the promo code 030524. To easily locate in-person voting locations and ballot drop boxes to pedal to the polls, Metro Bike Share has created an interactive map at https://bikeshare.metro.net/go-vote/.  Users will need to select 1-Ride at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app and enter the code at checkout to redeem the free ride. A credit or debit card is required; however, the fees are waived and bike rides are an additional $1.75 for each half hour after the first 30 minutes and the promo code may be redeemed multiple times throughout the day. Metro encourages customers to share the hashtag #pedaltothepolls along with tagging photos @bikemetro on social media for a chance to be featured on Metro’s social platforms.

Additionally, Metro’s on-demand rideshare service Metro Micro will be providing free rides across the eight zones in Los Angeles County where they operate. Users should use the coupon code Primary24 when booking their trip on the app, online, or through the call center at 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876) and press option 5.

Also, voters can safely and securely drop off their ballots at these Metro station Vote-by-Mail drop boxes:

• El Monte Bus Station
• Harbor Freeway Station
• Harbor Gateway Transit Center
• Hollywood/Western Station
• North Hollywood Station B
• Norwalk Station
• Westlake/MacArthur Park Station
• Wilshire/Vermont Station
• Union Station (East Portal)

In 2019, Metro’s Board of Directors voted to permanently offer free rides on federal and statewide election days to make it easier for voters to get to the polls via public transit. 

A listing of local Vote Centers, including operating hours is available at  https://locator.lavote.net/. For more information, please visit www.metro.net

About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro to Provide Free Rides on Metro Trains, Buses, Bikes,Metro Micro on Election Day appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that the agency saw a total of 284,905,030 boardings on its buses and trains in 2023, an 11.6 percent increase over 2022 ridership numbers, and the highest numbers since the pandemic, with some weekend days exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.

“Metro is making the system safer, more welcoming and accessible. The ridership numbers reflect that,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “I want to recognize our Board of Directors and the Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins for leading the agency to this point and putting our riders first.”

“We’ve been working hard over the last couple of years to put people first and make our system cleaner, safer, more reliable and easier to use than ever before,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Because of all our improvements, Angelenos are increasingly making Metro their mode of choice to get to their favorite destinations, especially on weekends. We look forward to building on the success of 2023 and making 2024 an even better year for Angelenos and our agency.”

Factors Influencing Ridership

Increased Safety

Recognizing that safety means different things to different people, in 2023 Metro began implementing a transformational human-centric multilayered approach to safety consisting of law enforcement, Metro Transit Security, private security, Metro Ambassadors and care teams. These layers have worked together to provide a more visible presence on the system, address and prevent crime, provide an enhanced customer experience and connect people to the appropriate services.

Some of the key areas of focus for law enforcement have been an emphasis on reducing trespassing and drug use on the system, which resulted in a sharp decrease of such incidents — nearly 30 percent, with efforts continuing in 2024.

On the customer experience front, Metro officially launched the Metro Ambassador pilot program, which saw Metro introduce more than 325 ambassadors who help customers navigate stations and routes, answer questions and provide directions.

The final layer of the multi-layered system consists of Metro’s 24 multidisciplinary outreach teams, made up of six community-based organizations, whose focus is connecting people experiencing homelessness on the rail and busway system with resources like permanent housing. Since July, these teams have successfully connected more than 650 people with housing solutions.

Metro also began an innovative pilot station experience program at Westlake/MacArthur Park, a station with one of the highest levels of crime, which paired environmental design interventions with care-based strategies resulting in a sharp decrease in crime and more than 95 percent of those who used the station reporting they feel safer while waiting on the platform for the next train. The improvements included lighting upgrades, rightsizing entrances, increased ventilation, station music, reinforced fare gates, mobile health clinic, homeless outreach teams, crisis interventionists and public restrooms.

Improved Cleanliness

Along with improved safety, Metro prioritized improved cleanliness on our buses and trains and in both public and non-public areas of our stations. As part of that, Metro replaced the cloth seats on all the buses and trains with vinyl seating and hired additional custodians and cleaning staff to increase the frequency of cleaning the buses and trains, including improved end-of-line and station cleaning throughout our service hours.

Improved Service

Throughout the year, Metro improved reliability and frequency of service, added additional late-night service, opened bus-only lanes, provided additional service when needed for special events and hired more than 1,000 additional bus and rail operators joined Metro.

Bus service was fully restored to pre-pandemic levels in December 2022, making many bus lines faster and more frequent. Metro now has more than 50 miles of bus priority lanes throughout the City of Los Angeles, including the newly opened bus-only lanes on Venice Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.

Improvements were also seen on Metro Rail. The opening of the Regional Connector in June with the newly reconfigured A and E Lines, marked seven months of operation by year’s end and combined saw a 33.4 percent ridership increase in December 2023 over December 2022 when operating as three lines (A/E/L).

In September, Metro added more frequent service to the B and D subway lines, with service improving to 12 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and every 12 minutes on weekends from 8:15 a.m. – 7 p.m. In the shared section of the B and D tracks, between Wilshire/Vermont and Union Station, trains are now running every six minutes during those core hours.

In December, the light rail lines saw improved frequency on the A, C, E and K lines and additional late-night trains on its A and E lines. For the A and E lines peak hour trains (5-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.) improved frequency to every eight minutes during weekdays and every 10 minutes during midday on weekdays and on weekends from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Additional trains added on these lines extended service by an extra 40 minutes each night.

The C and K lines also saw improved service in December. Weekday midday trains began operating every 10 minutes, with C line extending that frequency improvement to its weekend service as well. (K line frequency will improve to that level in May 2024 once the work and testing is complete for connecting the C and K lines and the forthcoming LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, set to open in late 2024.)

The fire under the I-10 Freeway, which necessitated the closing of the freeway to vehicles for over a week, increased ridership on the E Line, which runs directly parallel to the 1-10 freeway, during the closure period over the previous week.

Increased Leisure Ridership

Reflecting the evolution of post-pandemic ridership patterns, Metro’s weekend ridership continues to lead overall ridership growth. Leisure riders are using the service for weekend events and throughout the year activities such as Taylor Swift Eras Concerts, the Hard Summer Music Festival, college football and Rams and Chargers games, Dodgers games and holiday celebrations like Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2024, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.

For many of these special events the agency provided additional late-night service and shuttle buses. On Christmas and New Years Eve Metro provided free service to all riders.

A More Affordable Metro

Metro has introduced several programs that support making Metro more affordable for all its riders.

Riders who use Metro’s reduced-price transit pass programs, such as the student GoPass pilot program, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and its Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are utilizing the benefits.

In 2023 the GoPass Pilot Program saw 17,687,286 total boardings versus 11,699,879 in 2022, a 51 percent increase. The LIFE Program had a strong year observing a 52 percent increase over 2022 ridership with 14,557,528 boardings in 2023 compared to 9,556,191 in 2022.

In June, Metro introduced a fare capping policy under which riders who pay with a TAP card pay no more $5 a day or $18 over seven days. Once they’ve reached those limits, they ride free for the remainder of the day or seven-day period.

And Metro’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Program gives in-need Angelenos the freedom to choose the mode that best suits their needs by providing a debit card with $150 per month to spend on transportation. The card can be used to take the bus, ride the train, use bike share, take Metro-Micro and more.

Information on all Metro’s reduced fare programs, including discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities and college students can be found at: metro.net/riding/fares/

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro Saw Highest Ridership Levels Since Pandemic, Celebrated 12 Months of Continuous Ridership Growth in 2023 appeared first on LA Metro.

Transit Equity Day is celebrated annually on the birthday of Rosa Parks, who by refusing to give up her seat on a public transit bus in 1955, helped to launch the civil rights movement in the United States. Transit Equity Day is now a day of action highlighting the efforts of transit providers, labor unions and climate justice advocates to promote equity in public transportation. 

“Metro continues to expand the system by opening new bus and rail lines throughout the region and improving public transit in neighborhoods as we know that removing barriers to transportation can create new opportunities,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “We are excited to offer free rides to honor Rosa Parks and Transit Equity Day on Sunday, Feb. 4.” 

Metro will provide free rides on its bus, rail, bikeshare and Metro Micro rideshare services on Sunday, Feb. 4. All Metro rail station turnstiles will be unlocked, allowing unrestricted access to the rail system. On Metro Buses, bus riders will not need to TAP their fare cards at fare validators or fare boxes. 
 
Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro will offer free rides that day as well. Users can redeem their Metro Bike Share 30-minute free ride by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app, and use code be 020424. The code may be used multiple times throughout the day. 

To redeem a free ride on Metro Micro, the agency’s on-demand rideshare service available in selected L.A. County neighborhoods, riders can simply book their ride and use code Equity24. 

“Transit Equity Day is a reminder that transit agencies like Metro have a duty to embed equity into everything we do,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “From offering discounted and free fares for students, seniors, and people with lower incomes, to engaging the public in the design and implementation of our services, Metro strives to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live in LA County or how much money they make, have equitable access to high quality, reliable, and affordable transit services to get to work, school, or wherever they want to go.”  

Metrolink passenger rail, serving riders throughout the region, will also honor Rosa Parks and transit equity by providing free fares on Sunday. When riders arrive at a station, they simply board the train to anywhere in Metrolink’s six-county service area. Metrolink’s Arrow service in San Bernardino County will also be free. 

“We are proud to join our regional transit partners in offering free rides on Feb. 4, as part of our broader commitment to advancing transit equity in Southern California,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “As a public transportation agency, we do more than connect people. We provide access to opportunity. That’s why, in addition to the everyday discounts and special programs we offer, we’re continuing to explore new and creative ways to address transit inequity in the communities we serve. For instance, added midday and late-night service on our Antelope Valley Line is creating new opportunities for riders who work outside of the traditional 8-to-5 window – a model we hope to replicate on additional lines later this year.” 

SBCTA is sponsoring free bus and train fares for everyone boarding San Bernardino County transit providers within the county. Omnitrans, Victor Valley Transit Authority and Basin Transit will operate at no cost on Sunday, Feb. 4 and Monday, Feb. 5, while Mountain Transit and Needles Area Transit will be free for riders on the latter day. 

Orange County’s OC Bus and Riverside County’s Riverside Transit Agency will offer free rides on Sunday, Feb. 4. Ventura County transportation providers will commemorate Transit Equity Day with complimentary fares on Monday, Feb. 5.  

Transit Equity is Every Day 

Metro 

Metro Street Teams will be in the community Jan. 29 through Feb. 4, at bus and rail stations across LA County to share information and help enroll riders in the agency’s GoPass and Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) programs. These programs bring fare relief and remove barriers for youth and low-income riders, two of the agency’s most economically vulnerable customers.   

Metro’s GoPass Pilot Program provides L.A. County students, at participating schools, with a free transit pass good for unlimited access to Metro and other transit providers for school, extracurricular activities, work, and any other destinations. To date the program has 345,907 registered students from 1,573 participating schools in 115 participating school districts (including public districts, charter networks, community college and private schools). Since the program launched in October 2021, there have been more than 26 million boardings by students using the free fare student GoPass. 

The LIFE program offers new enrollees a free 90-day pass and after the first 90 days, riders can either load 20 free rides or purchase a discounted pass from any of the LIFE participating transit agencies. In 2023, Metro’s LIFE Program saw 14,557,528 boardings. Riders can apply by self-certifying that they meet the LIFE Program income levels and enroll online at metro.net/life.  

Metro’s reduced fare programs for seniors and persons with disabilities make sure customers never pay more than $2.50 a day or $5.00 within a seven-day period. After reaching the maximum fare, all rides are free within the seven-day timeframe. 

And Metro’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Program gives in need Angelenos the freedom to choose the mode that best suits their needs best by providing a debit card with $150 per month to spend on transportation. The card can be used to take the bus, ride the train, use bike share, take Metro-Micro and more.  

Metrolink 

Metrolink has discounted fares every day for children, riders with disabilities, seniors and active military. Passengers with a valid student ID are now able to ride for free thanks to Metrolink’s Student Adventure Pass pilot program, which launched last October. Additionally, the agency’s Mobility-4-All low-income fare discount program offers riders with a valid California Electronic Benefit Transfer card a 50 percent discount on any Metrolink ticket or pass.  

Metrolink’s Corporate Partners Program (CPP) enables employers to offer pre-tax transit benefits to their employees using transit for work. If a rider’s company is not part of Metrolink’s CPP, it’s an easy registration process, and new accounts receive an additional 25 percent discount on tickets and passes for the first six months. Information is available on the Metrolink website at metrolinktrains.com/cpp.  

Other Agency Quotes: 

Laura Rubio-Cornejo, LADOT General Manager 

“Transit Equity Day reminds us that transportation is about more than getting from point A to point B. Transportation is fundamentally about providing people with options, access, and opportunity, and it shapes the social fabric of our cities,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “It is no coincidence that the modern civil rights movement began when Rosa Parks claimed her seat on a bus, and it is with this same conviction that LADOT remains committed to creating a safe, reliable, dignified transportation system that supports the needs and ambitions of all Angelenos.” 

Dawn Rowe, Board President SBCTA: 

“Access to transit is an important component to a healthier community. Transit Equity Day shines a focus on the opportunities to success that public transit can provide.” 

Claire Grasty, Public Transit Director VCTC:  

“Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is offering free rides on our buses on Monday, February 5, in observance of Transit Equity Day and the birthday of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Transit Equity Day is an opportunity for VCTC to put our values into action by honoring those who have worked to ensure equity in transportation. On this day, we are reminded that VCTC must continue to fulfill our core mission, which is to create a more connected, resilient, equitable and user-friendly transportation system for Ventura County. Our Free Fare Days Program is just one of our many projects that focuses on ensuring fair and equitable access to high-quality transit service for all residents and visitors who travel within Ventura County and beyond.” 

Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager Omnitrans: 

“We want to amplify the importance of transit equity for all,” said Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager of Omnitrans. “As we honor civil rights champion, Rosa Parks, we underscore Omnitrans’ mission to provide access and connection for our communities.” 

For additional information on Transit Equity Day free rides, please visit metro.net, metrolinktrains.com, LADOT.com, OCTA.net, RCTC.org, GoSBCTA.com, and GoVentura.org. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

About Metrolink 

Metrolink regional passenger rail service offers reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation throughout Southern California. Metrolink has 545.6 total service line miles and 67 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties connecting people, communities, and businesses and is an essential link in the region’s mobility network. Metrolink’s Arrow service, which launched in October 2022 with nine miles of track and four new stations between San Bernardino and Redlands, provides greater local and regional rail connectivity.  

The post Regional Transit Providers Celebrate Transit Equity Day by Offering Free Rides on Sunday, Feb. 4 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are hosting a series of meetings to update communities along the I-710 corridor on the draft Long Beach-East L.A. Corridor Mobility Investment Plan.  The investment plan outlines recommended projects and funding strategies to improve mobility, safety and cleaner air along the corridor, comprised of 18 cities and unincorporated communities from Long Beach to East L.A.  

Since 2021, Metro and Caltrans have partnered with residents, environmental justice organizations, educators, public health advocates, unions, businesses and elected officials along the I-710 corridor to create a task force to identify multimodal strategies to improve the quality of life in the corridor, and now are sharing the investment plan. 

Comments on the draft investment plan will be accepted until Friday, March 1, 2024. Comments can be submitted by calling 213.922. 4710 or by emailing 710corridor@metro.net. Information about the draft plan can be found at metro.net/lb-ela-corridor-plan. 

Additionally, Metro and Caltrans are hosting community meetings to gather public input and feedback and offer project updates. In-person sessions are scheduled for Feb. 1, 7, 12 and 21 and virtual meetings and remote viewing sessions are scheduled for Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 13.  Participants will learn more about the recommended projects, which include enhancing zero-emission truck infrastructure, streamlining goods movement and freight, improving arterial roadways, creating new jobs, community programming, upgrading transit access and services, taking a community needs approach to prioritize projects, amongst other multimodal transportation projects that help to reconnect communities divided by I-710.

The meetings will be held on the following dates and times: 

In-Person Community Meetings:  

Bristow Park Community Center, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m., 1466 S. McDonnell Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040 

Bateman Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6 – 8 p.m., 11331 Ernestine Avenue, Lynwood, CA 90262 

Museum of Latin American Art, Monday, Feb. 12, 6 – 8 p.m., 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802 

East Rancho Dominguez Park, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 – 8 p.m., 15116 Atlantic Avenue, Compton, CA 90221  

Virtual Community Meetings: 

Virtual Meeting #1, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, noon – 2 p.m. To register, click here.  
Viewing location: East Los Angeles College (East L.A. campus), 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754 

Virtual Meeting #2, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m. To register, click here.  
Viewing locations: East L.A. College (South Gate campus), 2340 Firestone Boulevard, South Gate, CA 90280 and Salvation Army Community Center, 3000 Long Beach, CA 90807 
 
Virtual Meeting #3, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m. To register, click here. 
Viewing location:  Cabrillo High School, 2001 Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90810 
 
Virtual Meeting #4, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m.  To register, click here.  
Viewing locations:  Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242 and Southeast Rio Vista YMCA, 4801 East 58th Street, Maywood, CA 90270  

Metro is committed to ensuring accessibility for all, including those with disabilities. Those requiring an interpreter or other accommodation should contact Metro at least 72 hours prior to the virtual and/or open house meetings at (323) 466-3876.  

For more information about the project, please visit metro.net/lb-ela-corridor-plan, email 710corridor@metro.net, or call 213.922.4710. 

The post LA Metro, Caltrans to Release Draft of Long Beach-East L.A. Corridor Mobility Investment Plan, Set Schedule for Community Meetings  appeared first on LA Metro.

For drone video footage of the bridge, click here. 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with various local, state and federal agencies, announced new Rosecrans Avenue Bridge has been opened in Santa Fe Springs. The bridge, which is part of the Rosecrans/Marquardt Grade Separation project, enhances safety and saves motorists time by separating vehicle and train traffic.   

“This new bridge will provide the much-needed safety and traffic relief that residents and businesses in the area require,” said L.A. Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “As major rail projects like High-Speed Rail make their way to Los Angeles, we must be sure that our county is ready for a transportation future that is safer, faster and more reliable.”  

Spanning approximately 581 feet and with a width of 104 feet, this vast structure features two vehicle lanes in each direction, a raised central median and sidewalks on both sides. This new crossing fixes an at-grade area that the California Public Utilities Commission identified as one of the most dangerous rail crossings in California. Prior to today, an estimated 45,000 vehicles and 135 trains traveled through this location daily and from 2013 to 2019, the CPUC recorded 31 incidents involving vehicles and trains resulting in six fatalities and seven injuries.   

“This project is long overdue for our Southeast L.A. communities and will once and for all solve a major safety concern that we’ve had in our backyards for years,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro First Vice Chair Janice Hahn. “This project will save lives, making our local streets safer while also improving one of our most critical goods movement corridors.” 

The new rail crossing will eliminate train-to-vehicle traffic and pedestrian collisions by carrying vehicular traffic over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, improve air quality by eliminating idling trains and vehicles, increase rail efficiency by enhancing passenger and freight rail services and accommodate potential future California High-Speed Rail trains. 

“In the last year, the Federal Railroad Administration has announced unprecedented investments in rail nationwide through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including 14 new projects and eight new corridors identified for future development across California,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “We’re excited to see previous federal investments deliver infrastructure improvements, like the Rosecrans Avenue Bridge, that will increase safety and relieve congestion for residents and we know additional projects moving forward will deliver even more benefits in communities across the state.” 

While the entire project is expected to be finished in 2025, additions may include future bike lanes in each direction while crews continue adding new sidewalks and pavement to Marquardt Avenue, Frontage Road and Anson Avenue. Construction crews will also continue to install utility lines, landscaping, signage, striping and parking lot improvements.  

“Through strategic investments and forward-thinking planning, we are enhancing our current transit options and paving the way for a more accessible, interconnected and sustainable future for Los Angeles County,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.  “Safety is Metro’s top priority, and this project is the latest example of our efforts to enhance public safety within busy rail corridors.” 

For more information, please visit the project page: metro.net/projects/rosecrans-marquardt-grade-separation. 

Additional quotes: 

“After years of construction and hard work, I am proud to see the opening of this incredible project and investment in our city. Transportation is vital to Los Angeles’ economy and I am confident that the Rosecrans/Marquardt Grade Separation will improve our traffic flow and road safety,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “I am honored to have played a role in fighting for and delivering $15 million in federal grants to bring this transformative project to life.”  

“This new bridge will help reduce air pollution in the region by eliminating the need for trains and vehicles to idle at the rail crossing,” said Whittier Mayor Pro Temp and Metro Board Second Vice Chair Fernando Dutra.  “Through this collaborative partnership between the cities of Santa Fe Springs and La Mirada, Metro, our local, state and federal partners Southeast L.A. will greatly benefit from reduced traffic congestion and enhance safety on local streets.” 

“The safety of motorists and trains is paramount in keeping greater Los Angeles moving. Caltrans is proud to be a partner in helping move this project, goods and people and to improve the safety of the Rosecrans Marquardt grade crossing,” said Tony Tavares, Caltrans Director. “The Rosecrans Marquardt grade separation project enabled the construction of a third track through the area, which allowed an increase from 50 to 84 passenger trains per day on this busy route shared by Metrolink commuter trains and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains.” 

“The California High-Speed Rail Authority is proud to partner with Metro on this important safety project in Southern California,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “The new bridge will help save lives, improve air quality and improve local traffic circulation. It’s a win-win-win.” 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries more than 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. 

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles. 

The post $156 Million New Rosecrans Avenue Bridge Opens Carrying Vehicles Over Railway in Santa Fe Springs    appeared first on LA Metro.