The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer free service on all Metro-operated bus and rail lines on New Year’s Eve to help everyone travel safely during the holidays. 

Free New Year’s Eve rides are an annual Metro tradition designed to give Angelenos more transportation options to reach holiday destinations safely while avoiding holiday gridlock, parking costs, and hassles. 

On New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, no fares will be collected starting at 9 p.m. through Sunday, January 1, 2023, at 2 a.m. 

The fare gates at all Metro Rail stations will be unlatched, and fare boxes and validators will not deduct fare from TAP cards and fare media. 

Metro rail trains will be added departing all terminal stations between midnight and 1 a.m. to accommodate those riders attending New Year’s Eve celebrations. Trains will run approximately every 20 minutes after 8 p.m. Metro trains and buses will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Jan. 1 & 2.  

Metro Bike Share is offering free rides for the holidays through January 1, 2023. To redeem your 30-minute free ride, just select ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app. You can redeem free rides multiple times throughout the day using promo code 010123. 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 for each additional half-hour. Electric Metro Bike unlocking fees are waived.

The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena will take place on Monday, January 2.  After the Rose Parade ends, floats will be displayed near Victory Park in Pasadena. Metro will provide shuttle services from Sierra Madre Villa L Line (Gold) Station to the post-parade viewing area. Shuttle buses will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Floats will also be available for viewing on Tuesday, January 3.  Metro will operate shuttle service from Sierra Madre Villa Station to post-parade float viewings at Victory Park starting at 7 a.m. Shuttle Buses will end service 5 p.m. that day.

Also, Metrolink will be offering early-morning train service and a special $10 Holiday Pass for people attending the Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The agency is offering early-morning passenger rail service on five Metrolink lines (Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, and 91/Perris Valley) connecting people to the Metro L (Gold) Line. For Metrolink schedule details go to metrolinktrains.com/rose-parade.

For updated Metro schedules, visit https://mybus.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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro will offer free bus and train rides on New Year’s Eve; Metro Bike Share offering free 30-minute rides through Jan. 1, 2023 appeared first on LA Metro.

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 reimagined public safety, enhanced cleaning and the improvement of customers’ experience using Metro transit services. 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 FY2024 budget.

Metro will randomly contact approximately 100,000 residents from various ethnic and economic backgrounds from across L.A. County through an innovative automated telephone system to participate in the public forum. Residents can also pre-register. 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. Participants can provide input through real-time polling questions in their designated language.

This Telephone Town Hall is part of Metro’s commitment to include our customers and stakeholders in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget process. There will be additional opportunities for the public to engage with Metro in the coming months.

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 1/17/2023:

Spanish Webcast Link for 1/17/2023:

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 of 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 FY24 Budget process will wrap up with a legally required public hearing in mid-May 2023 followed by adoption of the budget a week later at the Metro Board of Directors’ May 2023 meeting.

For more information about Metro’s Budget, visit https://budget.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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Host Telephone Town Hall on January 17, 2023, to Discuss the upcoming  2023-2024 Budget Process appeared first on LA Metro.

Free Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve rides are an annual Metro tradition designed to give Angelenos more transportation options to reach holiday destinations safely while avoiding holiday gridlock, parking costs, and hassles. 

On Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, no fares will be collected starting at 9 p.m. through Sunday, December 25 at 2 a.m. 

On New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, no fares will be collected starting at 9 p.m. through Sunday, January 1, 2023, at 2 a.m. 

The fare gates at all Metro Rail stations will be unlatched, and fare boxes and validators will not deduct fare from TAP cards and fare media. 

There will be no overnight or enhanced rail service on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Normal weekend bus and train schedules and service levels will be in effect. Trains will run approximately every 20 minutes after 8 p.m., and the last trains will depart around midnight. 

Metro will run on a Sunday/holiday service schedule on Dec. 25 & 26 and on Jan. 1 & 2.  

Metro Bike Share will be offering free rides for the holidays from December 24, 2022, to January 1, 2023. To redeem your 30-minute free ride, just select ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app. You can redeem free rides multiple times throughout the day using promo code 010123. 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 for each additional half-hour. Electric Metro Bike unlocking fees are waived. 

The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena will take place on Monday, January 2.  After the Rose Parade ends, floats will be displayed near Victory Park in Pasadena. Metro will provide shuttle services from Sierra Madre Villa L Line (Gold) Station to the post-parade viewing area. Shuttle buses will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Floats will also be available for viewing on Tuesday, January 3.  Metro will operate shuttle service from Sierra Madre Villa Station to post-parade float viewings at Victory Park starting at 7 a.m. Shuttle Buses will end service 5 p.m. that day. 

Also, Metrolink will be offering early-morning train service and a special $10 Holiday Pass for people attending the Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The agency is offering early-morning passenger rail service on five Metrolink lines (Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, and 91/Perris Valley) connecting people to the Metro L (Gold) Line. For Metrolink schedule details go to metrolinktrains.com/rose-parade.

For updated Metro schedules, visit https://mybus.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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro will offer free bus and train rides on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; Metro Bike Share to offer free 30-minute rides Dec. 24, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Access for All grant program was created to increase availability of on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicles and improve services for people relying on mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters. As Metro works to broaden its service offerings to an even more inclusive ridership, this funding is critical to serve those needing additional assistance.

“Deep in the DNA of Metro are the core values of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Metro Board Chair and City of Glendale Council Member Ara J. Najarian. “Our Access for All program lives up to those values by leveling the playing field for services and making wheelchair accessible vehicles more available where they’re needed most.”

Metro’s Access for All grant program development process was supported through “Access” dollars from the FY 2021 and FY 2022 funding cycles. During this period, Metro performed outreach and collaborated with a working group comprised of internal and external stakeholders and established several key considerations, including identifying eligible access providers, defining eligible projects in accordance with the statute and establishing funding limits and equity.

“Metro gives hundreds of thousands of rides a month to customers in wheelchairs,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Access for All funding will help our region increase the availability of on-demand wheelchair accessible vehicle services to help people who require them for their transportation needs. We look forward to working with the State to implement this vital program.”

The Access for All program was established after the passage of California Senate Bill 1376, which requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), as part of its regulation of Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft, to establish a program to improve the accessibility of persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users who need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to on-demand transportation services requested through online-enabled applications or platforms. Through this program, these companies pay a fee of $0.10 to the CPUC for each passenger trip their providers complete. The collected fees are deposited into an “Access Fund,” which is redistributed to local administrators to pay for services of competitively selected access providers to operate on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicle service in their counties.

The CPUC also approved allowing local administrators to use up to 15 percent of the amount it allocates to each county each year to cover administrative expenses. In June 2021, the Metro Board of Directors authorized Metro to serve as the Los Angeles County administrator. As such, Metro is responsible for the planning, distribution, management and oversight of funds for each annual funding cycle.

Metro released funding applications in December 2022 with a submittal deadline in February 2023 to the public following Board approval. Government, non-profit and for-profit organizations will be eligible to apply if they provide direct wheelchair-access vehicle transportation service and otherwise meet the definition of an access provider. After evaluating its applications, Metro will make funding recommendations to the Board and provide ongoing oversight of chosen providers.

For additional information, please visit https://www.metro.net/about/access-for-all/ or email Metro at accessforall@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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro Announces New “Access for All” Funding Opportunity to Increase Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle Services in L.A. County appeared first on LA Metro.

Newly elected Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath has become the newest member of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors, representing the county’s Third District. She replaces former Metro Board member Sheila Kuehl, who served on the Board since 2014.

Supervisor Horvath was elected to the Board of Supervisors on November 8, 2022, and assumed office on December 5, 2022 after serving West Hollywood as a City Councilmember and the longest consecutively serving Mayor.

Supervisor Horvath has made history as the youngest woman to ever be elected to the Board of Supervisors, and she has a long history of civic and social justice advocacy. She has worked on a broad range of transportation and mobility issues, from her service as a Transportation Commissioner to championing Metro rail projects in the district. She initiated the West Hollywood Bicycle Task Force that resulted in West Hollywood being named “The Most Walkable” city in the entire state.

“We welcome Lindsey Horvath to the Metro family, and I look forward to working with her as we continue our efforts to build and operate a world class transportation system for all the people in Los Angeles County,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “Together, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to public safety, growing ridership back to pre-pandemic levels and delivering more countywide, regionally integrated transportation projects.”

“I am honored to be representing the Third District of Los Angeles County as a member of the Metro Board of Directors, and I look forward to bringing my experience as a consensus builder to deliver results for the community,” said Supervisor Horvath. “I am eager to work with the entire Metro Board to ensure that our projects are delivered on time and on budget, while bringing new, innovative ideas to our transportation network throughout Los Angeles County.”

In addition to her duties as a Metro Board Member, Horvath will also serve as a committee member on Metro’s Construction Committee and Operations, Safety, and Customer Experience Committees. The Construction committee oversees construction of Metro’s infrastructure projects, while Operations, Safety and Customer Experience committee oversees bus and rail operations, safety of the system and improving the customer experience.

Horvath has also spearheaded policies to make West Hollywood an “Age-Friendly Community” to better serve residents of all ages and created the first-ever West Hollywood Community Response Team to Domestic Violence.

 “As the Mayor of West Hollywood, Supervisor Horvath demonstrated, time and again, her commitment to building a more walkable and transit friendly community, said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro.  “I’m excited for the opportunity to work closely with her in the years ahead to improve mobility for all Angelenos.”

The 13-member Board of Directors is comprised of the five Los Angeles County Supervisors, four members appointed by the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee and the Mayor of Los Angeles, and three members appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles. The position of Board Chair rotates between the three groups. The District 7 Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) also serves on the board as a non-voting member.

For more information about the Metro Board of Directors, visit https://www.metro.net/about/board-administration/.

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath Becomes L.A. Metro’s Newest Board Member appeared first on LA Metro.

Specifically, Metro will add 300,000 revenue service hours back into the bus network. A total of seven million annualized revenue service hours will now be in effect for Metro bus customers.

“It has been a goal of mine as well as the entire Metro Board to restore the level of service enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of customers each day to where it was before the pandemic,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “We encourage those who may have left us to try our system again to more easily reach their daily destinations.”

“We are pleased to restore our bus service to a full seven million revenue service hours based on our NextGen Bus Plan,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.  “It has been a herculean effort to recruit, hire, train, and deploy the operators necessary to get to this point, and I applaud the work of Metro’s Operations, People, and Customer Experience teams to make it happen. Most importantly, I am grateful for our front-line bus operators who have delivered high quality bus service throughout this period.”

Additionally, there are a small number of bus route changes primarily in the San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City communities that will take effect along with changes to San Pedro’s LADOT DASH services.  

The following bus lines will benefit from frequency improvements starting December 11:

Weekday: 10, 14, 20, 37, 38, 40, 55, 60, 62, 76, 78, 94, 108, 110, 115, 117, 120, 125, 127, 134, 150, 152, 162, 164, 165, 166, 177, 179, 204, 206, 212, 222, 232, 233, 234, 240, 246, 258, 260, 267, 268, 287, 344, 460, 501, 577, 603, 605, 617, 662, 754

Saturday: 20, 40, 55, 70, 76, 94, 127, 150, 162, 182, 206, 212, 244, 246, 460, 487, 602, 603, 605, 662

Sunday: 20, 55, 70, 76, 94, 127, 150, 182, 206, 212, 240, 244, 246, 460, 487, 602, 605, 662, 901

The following lines will have revised schedules to improve reliability and on-time performance:

Weekday: 14, 20, 35, 53, 182, 217, 501, 686

Saturday: 14, 20, 53, 182, 686

Sunday: 14, 20, 53, 686

Riders can check specific bus line schedules at metro.net/mybus.

The following is a short description of individual bus line improvements:

10 – Improve weekday frequency from every 15 minutes to every 10-15 minutes.

14 – Improve weekday frequency from every 10-15 minute to consistently every 10 minutes. Revised weekday, Saturday, Sunday schedule to improve service reliability.

20 – Improve weekday peak periods frequency from every 15 minutes to every 10-15 minutes and improve Saturday and Sunday service from every 15 to every 12 minutes. Revised weekday, Saturday, Sunday schedule to improve service reliability.

35 – Revised weekday schedule to improve service reliability.

37 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 10-15 minutes to consistently every 10 minutes.

38 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 30-60 minutes to every 30-40 minutes.

40 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 10 minutes to every 8-10 minutes, improve weekday midday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes and improve Saturday frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes.

53 – Revised weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedule to improve service reliability.

55 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12 -15 minutes and improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 23 -30 minutes to every 20 minutes.

60 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 6-8 minutes to every 5-8 minutes. Route now reflects long-term detour via Greenleaf Boulevard at Compton due to closure of Artesia Boulevard bridge.

62 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 30-60 minutes to every 25-60 minutes, improve weekday midday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 25- 45 minutes.

70 – Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

76 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.  Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 22 minutes to every 20 minutes.

78 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

94 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12-15 minutes.  Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20-30 minutes.

108 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 15 minute to every 10 minutes.

110 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

111 – Extend Sunday trips that start/finish at Florence/Crenshaw to Inglewood Transit Center.

115 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes.

117 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

120 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 50-55 minutes to every 40 minutes.

125 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes.

127 – Improve weekday frequency from 45 minutes to 20/40 minutes. Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from 60 minutes end-to-end to 30/60 minutes.

134 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 30-60 minutes to every 20-60 minutes. Improve weekday midday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 40-60 minutes.

150 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 25 minutes to every 20 minutes. Improve Saturday and Sunday evening frequency from every 30-60 minutes to every 20-60 minutes.

152 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

162 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 15-20 minutes to consistently every 15 minutes, improve weekday midday frequency from every 20 to every 15 minutes, and improve Saturday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes.

164 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

165 – Improve weekday evening frequency from every 20-60 minutes to every 15-60 minutes.

166 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 15-20 minutes to every 15 minutes. Improve weekday midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

177 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes.

179 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 36 minutes to every 30 minutes.

182 – Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 50 minutes to every 30 minutes.

Revised schedules weekday and Saturday to improve service reliability.

202 – Route now reflects long term detour via Greenleaf Boulevard at Compton due to closure of Artesia Boulevard bridge.

204 – Improve weekday evening frequency from every 12-30 minutes to every 10-30 minutes.

205 – As part of the implementation of the NextGen Bus Plan, this line will now travel via Western Avenue and 7th Street to terminate at Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro. LADOT San Pedro DASH will serve 1st Street and 13th Street.

206 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes. Improve Saturday/Sunday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes.

212 – Route change. This line will now serve Downtown Inglewood K Line rail station travelling via Florence Avenue. Improve weekday evening frequency from every 15-35 minutes to every 12-35 minutes. Improve Saturday/Sunday from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

217 – Revised schedule weekday to improve service reliability.

222 – Improve weekday frequency north of Universal City/Studio City Station from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes.

232 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15-20 minutes.

233 – Improve weekday midday service from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes. Improve weekday evening frequency from every 12-60 minutes to every 10-60 minutes.

234 – Improve weekday service from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes. Improve weekday evening frequency from every 12-60 minutes to every 10-60 minutes.

240 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes. Improve Sunday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

244 – Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 45 minutes to every 30 minutes.

246 – This Line will be altered to travel via Avalon Boulevard, Anaheim Street, Figueroa Street, Pacific Coast Highway, North Gaffey Street, Channel Street, John S. Gibson Boulevard to replace parts of Line 550. Improve weekday frequency from every 40 minutes to every 30 minutes. Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes.

258 – Improve weekday frequency from every 50-60 minutes to every 40 minutes.

260 – Route now reflects long term detour via Greenleaf Boulevard at Compton due to closure of Artesia Boulevard bridge. Weekday peak frequency increased from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes.

267 – Improve weekday midday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes.

268 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes.

287 – Improve weekday peak and midday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 40 minutes.

344 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 40 minutes to every 30 minutes.

460 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 30-40 minutes to every 20-35 minutes. Improve weekday midday frequency from every 30-45 minutes to every 25-35 minutes. Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 45 minutes to every 30 minutes.

487 – Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 45 minutes.

501 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes. Revised weekday schedule to improve reliability.

550 – As part of the NextGen Bus Plan, this line will be altered to just operate weekday peak periods every 30 minutes between Harbor Gateway Transit Center and University of Southern California. Lines 205 and 246 are modified in San Pedro on 7th Street and North Gaffey Street. respectively.

577 – Improve weekday peak frequency from every 45 minutes to every 30 minutes.

602 – Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 45 minutes.

603 – Improve weekday and Saturday frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes.

605 – Improve weekday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes. Improve Saturday and Sunday frequency from every 40 minutes to every 20 minutes.

617 – Improve weekday frequency from every 60 minutes to every 45 minutes.

662 – Improve weekday, Saturday, and Sunday frequency from every 50 minutes to every 30 minutes.

686 – Revised weekday, Saturday, and Sunday schedules to improve reliability.

754 – Improve weekday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

901 – Improve the G Line (Orange) Sunday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

For more information on Metro service changes, visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Restore Bus Services to Pre-Pandemic Levels on Sunday, December 11 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Metro Board chose staff’s recommended Alternative 3 for the project’s Initial Operating Segment (IOS), which will extend the Metro L Line further east from its current terminus at Pomona/Atlantic in East Los Angeles to Greenwood Station in Montebello.

“Our selection of the LPA represents a key milestone in the project’s planning phase and will now allow us to complete the environmental work needed to get this vital transportation improvement project into construction,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian.

The alternative chosen best meets the communities’ needs by having fewer impacts related to construction, traffic, noise, and property acquisitions. This alternative also has more environmental benefits and provides additional regional connectivity.  

The Board also approved the Lambert Station in the City of Whittier as the terminus for the nine-mile project and authorized the preparation of the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the full project through the California Environmental Quality Act. Metro can now complete the EIR and make this project ready for construction by 2029 as programmed under the Measure M transportation sales tax measure approved by voters in 2016.

“The Eastside has been waiting a long time for this connection to the L Line that will serve a densely populated area of the county, offering equitable access to jobs and educational opportunities and providing economic benefits to surrounding communities,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Hilda L. Solis.

Over the last few years, Metro has been evaluating an approximately nine-mile extension of the Metro L (Gold) Line from its current terminus at Pomona and Atlantic boulevards to the City of Whittier via Washington Boulevard. When built, the new line will serve the cities of Commerce, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier, and the unincorporated communities of East Los Angeles and West Whittier-Los Nietos.

“It is important that we finally deliver this project all the way from East LA through Commerce to Pico Rivera and Whittier. This is just one more step in getting there, and we will make this project happen as soon as possible, to deliver a one-seat ride for these communities to downtown LA and beyond,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Janice Hahn.

The Alternative 3 IOS approved by the Board today begins at the Atlantic/Pomona terminus station on the L Line (Gold) and ends at the Greenwood Station in Montebello. The selected LPA is approximately 4.6 miles and includes four stations. The LPA also includes design options at the Atlantic/Pomona station, a Montebello alignment and maintenance and storage facility site options and the Greenwood Station.

“I am pleased that the Board approved the Lambert Station in the City of Whittier as the terminus for this project.  Like many Metro projects, the Eastside extension will be built in phases, and I look forward to its completion to serve the residents of Southeast Los Angeles,” said Whittier City Councilmember and Metro Board Member Fernando Dutra. “The Board also voted to aggressively pursue $150 million in statewide Major Project – Project Development Reserve funding for projects that expect to receive federal funding in the future.  Our cities are eager to have multiple transportation options for their residents”.  

Three build alternatives have been studied extensively in the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Build alternatives consider the full project to Whittier and IOS that would construct the project in phases. A quick summary of all the alternatives studied are:

• Alternative 1 Washington: Extends the Metro L (Gold) Line further east from its terminus at Pomona/Atlantic in East Los Angeles to Lambert Road in Whittier.
  • Alternative 2 IOS Commerce/Citadel: Extends the Metro L Line further east from its terminus at Pomona/Atlantic in East Los Angeles to Commerce/Citadel.
  • Alternative 3 IOS Greenwood: Extends the Metro L Line further east from its terminus at Pomona/Atlantic in East Los Angeles to Greenwood Station in Montebello.

Design options were also studied, including an underground relocated station at Atlantic/Pomona or an underground open-air station. Other design options are aerial (elevated structure) or at-grade (or street-level) segments in Montebello, including an at-grade Greenwood Station.

“We worked with all the communities along this corridor to ensure that we heard their concerns and needs and recommended the best possible alignment for the Eastside Transit Corridor. The locally preffered alternative will add rail connectivity and vastly improve transportation options in this corridor,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We look forward to continuing the work to improve transit connectivity for our Eastside communities.”

The Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 is a rail extension anticipated to provide commuters in a high travel-demand corridor relief to the limited transportation systems currently available to them. In addition, the project will provide a connection to the regional transit network via the Regional Connector, a new Metro rail extension under construction in downtown Los Angeles that will open in the spring of 2023.

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro Board of Directors Approves Locally Preferred Alternative for the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Project appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) officials today celebrated the groundbreaking for advanced utility work on the first segment of the estimated $1.6 to $2 billion East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, the first rail project to be built in the Valley since the original Metro Red Line subway was extended to North Hollywood in 2000.  

The new 6.7-mile light rail line will connect the communities of Van Nuys and Pacoima along Van Nuys Boulevard, one of the Valley’s busiest corridors. Another 2.5-mile segment is also planned to further extend the rail line from Pacoima to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. Design options for that project segment are now under study and will be built in a second construction phase. 

Metro has issued a $9-million contract to W.A. Rasic Construction Company, Inc. of Long Beach, Calif. to begin relocating existing Los Angeles Department of Water & Power vaults and associated conduit infrastructure along Van Nuys Boulevard in advance of major construction. Metro anticipates awarding its main construction contract early next year. The first rail segment between Van Nuys and Pacoima is scheduled to open between 2028 and 2030.   

The start of advanced utility work marks a significant new milestone in Metro’s goal to bring street-running, local stop rail service back to the San Fernando Valley after 70 years. The last Pacific Electric Red Cars discontinued service along Van Nuys Boulevard in 1952. 

With its return, Metro’s new rail line is planned to connect with both the Van Nuys Metrolink/Amtrak Station as well as the station at Sylmar/San Fernando to provide Metro transit customers with greater interregional connectivity. 

“Metro has promised better transit options for the San Fernando Valley, and today we are taking a huge step forward in fulfilling that promise,” said Glendale City Council Member Ara J. Najarian, who also chairs both the Metro and Metrolink Boards of Directors. “We are now laying the groundwork for building a local rail line that will make important new connections with Metrolink’s broader, regionwide commuter rail system as well as Amtrak. This will give our Valley transit riders even more car-free travel options to Antelope Valley and Ventura County and beyond in the future.” 

The rail line’s first construction phase will travel along the median of Van Nuys Boulevard and include 11 new stations that will connect the cities of Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima. Destinations available along the new line will include the Van Nuys Civic Center, Panorama Mall, Van Nuys multi-residential housing complexes and Arleta High School, among others. It will also provide key linkages with Metro bus lines, including the G Line (Orange) in Van Nuys and connect with other municipally operated bus lines.   

The second planned phase of the rail line will turn northwest on the Metro-owned right-of-way along San Fernando Road and connect to the City of San Fernando, adding three new stops there. 

“Generations from now, Angelenos will look back on today as the moment when we reversed decades of disinvestment in public transit in the San Fernando Valley,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Bringing light rail to this part of the city will do more than just help clean our air and give people a new way to get around without traffic — it will connect two halves of our city and serve as a major step toward redefining the car culture that has long shaped Los Angeles.” 

“This new rail line will bring a whole new opportunity to thousands of hardworking families in the East Valley by giving them convenient, affordable access to work, school and shopping,” said L.A. City Council President and Metro Board Member Paul Krekorian.  “As promised in Measure M, this project will change how the San Fernando Valley connects to our larger regional transit system. The addition of 11 new transit stations will create commercial opportunities along the entire route, generating employment and improving the quality of life for the entire community.” 

With the construction of this line, Metro aims to improve transit equity for Valley commuters.  The population of the project corridor itself is lower income and highly transit dependent. Metro’s new rail line is expected to bring cost-effective mobility options and greater access to opportunity to its residents.   

“We are excited to begin delivering on our promise to bring light rail back to the Valley,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The East San Fernando Valley line will serve a critical transportation need for residents and will be an important link in a network of improvements we’re building all over the San Fernando Valley.”  

The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project is just one of the transit improvements Metro has planned to improve mobility in the San Fernando Valley over the next 10 years. Other projects include the North San Fernando Transit Corridor Project, the G Line Improvements Project and the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.  Projects are partially funded through Metro’s local Measure M voter-approved sales tax measure, which funds transportation improvements throughout Los Angeles County.   

For additional information about the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, please visit https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/.   

The post L.A. Metro Celebrates Groundbreaking of Advanced Utility Work for the First Segment of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project  appeared first on LA Metro.

• The northbound I-5 from SR-14 to Calgrove Boulevard will be closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, to 4 a.m. Wednesday, November 30 and from 10 p.m. Wednesday, November 30 to 4 a.m. Thursday, December 1.
• The southbound I-5 from Calgrove Boulevard to SR-14 will be closed from 10 p.m. Thursday, December 1 to 4 a.m. Friday, December 2.

Motorist detours for through traffic are as follows:

• Northbound I-5 freeway closures: Exit I-5 to northbound SR-14, continue to westbound Golden Valley Road/Newhall Ranch Road and proceed to the Newhall Ranch Road I-5 on-ramp.
• Southbound I-5 freeway closures: Exit I-5 to eastbound Newhall Ranch Road/Golden Valley Road, continue to southbound SR-14 off Golden Valley Road and proceed to the I-5/SR-14 Interchange.

By improving the ability to merge and offering trucks a separate lane from general-purpose lanes, motorists who use the corridor should have a faster, smoother and safer driving experience.

Project improvements include the addition of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or carpool lane in each direction, extension of the truck lanes, new sound walls and auxiliary lanes and other improvements in the 14-mile corridor between SR-14 in Santa Clarita and Parker Road in Castaic. Metro expects the project to be completed in 2026.

The project is funded through a combination of L.A. County voter-approved Measures R and M funding specifically set aside for road and highways projects, along with Senate Bill 1 and federal dollars. Senate Bill 1 uses state gas taxes and vehicle fees to fund roadways, improve transit and build walking and biking projects.

For more information about the I-5 North County Enhancements Project, visit https://www.metro.net/projects/i-5-enhancements/.

The post L.A. Metro and Caltrans to Close I-5 in Santa Clarita at Weldon Canyon Road for I-5 North County Enhancements Project Construction Work appeared first on LA Metro.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee will review, comment, and provide input on how Metro can reimagine public safety on its transit system. Metro is looking for individuals from local communities who regularly ride Metro and are committed to supporting the agency in fulfilling its Public Safety Mission Statement to safeguard the transit community by taking a holistic, equitable and welcoming approach to public safety.

Ten new committee members will be selected to participate on the committee. An additional five appointees will be selected from the original committee. New members should be transit riders and stakeholders who have expertise in racial justice, equitable transit, public safety reform, law enforcement, victims’ rights, mental health, homelessness, and social services. Metro is particularly interested in recruiting the perspectives of youth, women, seniors, and those with disabilities to join the advisory committee.

Committee members will be tasked with addressing transit rider concerns that were identified in Metro’s 2021 public safety customer survey and 2022 Customer Experience Survey, among others. Topics for discussion include emergency call buttons at stations and bus stops, support for people with disabilities, the role of social and mental health service workers on our system, transit ambassadors’ impact and effectiveness, and safety reporting tools. In recognition of the committee’s important role in helping improve our riders’ customer experience, the committee will be directly overseen by Metro’s Customer Experience Department.

Meetings will take place monthly over a two-year period. Additional meetings may be required as needed. Committee members will be compensated for their time.

Individuals interested in participating in Metro’s Public Safety Advisory Committee can apply online at Transit Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) Membership Application – LA Metro. Applications can also be downloaded in both English and Spanish at metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/psac.

Applications can also be emailed to psac@metro.net or mailed to:

Los Angeles Metro

ATTN: Public Safety Advisory Committee

One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-25

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Applications can also be dropped off at selected Metro Customer Care locations, including Union Station/Gateway Transit Center, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Center, East Los Angeles Center, Wilshire/Vermont Center and Rosa Parks Customer Center. 

For more information on this committee, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/psac. 

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro Seeks Applicants for its Public Safety Advisory Committee appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today joined Caltrans and other elected officials to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the popular Metro ExpressLanes along the I-110 and I-10 freeways, announcing that over the past decade, more than $100 million has been reinvested in those freeway corridors. The funding is used for various multimodal transportation improvements to improve regional mobility.

After maintenance and operations costs, Metro ExpressLanes reinvests leftover toll revenue back into the corridors from which it was generated, augmenting transit services within the corridor. This also includes active transportation and roadway improvements that benefits the surrounding communities along the ExpressLanes corridors. 

To date, Metro ExpressLanes have accommodated more than 340 million trips, issued more than1.37 million transponders, opened over 887,980 accounts, and provided more than $103.6 million in transit subsidies and net toll revenue grants along the corridor.

“This is a monumental day for Los Angeles County as we celebrate the success of Metro ExpressLanes,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian.

“They have provided more reliable commutes for hundreds of thousands of travelers on these congested freeways over the last decade.” 

Metro ExpressLanes debuted in November 2012 and have proven to be very popular with travelers who want to avoid traffic jams and more reliable commute times.  ExpressLanes allow motorists meeting occupancy requirements who possess transponders to travel toll free. Solo drivers are also allowed the option to pay a toll to use the lane. The idea is to provide everyone with a faster, more reliable travel option on these heavily traveled corridors by letting just enough vehicles into the ExpressLanes to take full advantage of their capacity while still preserving free-flow uncongested lane conditions. 

“A decade ago, we saw this as an opportunity to be on the leading edge of an innovative new project to improve commute times and air quality. Caltrans appreciates and supports Metro’s Express Lanes as a mobility option for our region,” said Caltrans District 7 Acting Director Gloria Roberts.

Metro ExpressLanes continue to receive high praise from users due to their convenience for motorists. Although they may not use them regularly, the one time they are late to work, an appointment or to pick up their children from daycare, ExpressLanes offer the necessary accessibility when motorists value reliability. Allowing motorists who do not have a transponder into the lanes has been an invaluable benefit for many motorists as well. 

In 2019, the Metro Board initiated a Pay-As-You-Go model to enable drivers to use the ExpressLanes without a transponder or registered account.  Drivers without an account or transponder are charged the toll and a $4 processing fee per transaction/one-way trip with a notice sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Metro also implemented a Low-Income Assistance Plan as part of the program in 2012. This program allows qualifying L.A. County residents to receive a one-time $25 credit when they set up their account. Proof of eligibility is required. The $25 credit can be applied to either the transponder deposit or pre-paid toll deposit. Under this plan, the $1 monthly account maintenance fee is also waived. To date, 23,884 low-income accounts have been opened.

Analysis has shown that the program is extremely effective in allowing low-income account users to access the lanes, providing them travel benefits and ability to utilize ExpressLanes just as much and in some cases more than standard users including both solo drivers and carpools. 

“From the get-go, we wanted to create an equitable program that provided congestion relief for all and encouraged the use of public transit and carpools by rewarding account holders with toll credits that they could use when needed,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Equally important, we developed an ExpressLanes program that was not only sustainable financially, but also provided excess toll revenues to fund transportation improvements along these freeway corridors. This program now serves as a model of success for us to pursue future ExpressLanes projects.” 

Prior to freeway lane conversion in 2012, during the rush hour period from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., carpool lanes were only averaging 42 mph. Upon conversion to the ExpressLanes, the speed increased to an average of 55 mph. In the last year along the I-110 ExpressLanes, speeds during the morning peak periods were even higher, averaging 61.6 mph.

The ExpressLanes network on I-110 and I-10 is just the start of bringing greater multimodal connectivity throughout the region. Currently, Metro’s I-105 ExpressLanes project from I-405 to I-605 is in design. There is also a project in environmental review to extend the I-10 ExpressLanes from I-605 to the San Bernardino County line near Montclair.  Regionally, ExpressLanes on I-10 will eventually stretch to Redlands, essentially creating 64 miles of ExpressLanes between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.  ExpressLanes are also being considered along the congested 405 freeway through the Sepulveda Pass.

From the start of the ExpressLanes program, transit riders have benefitted from the purchase of nearly 60 clean fuel buses and the addition of over 100 vanpools to various routes along ExpressLanes corridors. A first in the nation, the project also has linked transit usage with toll credits by offering transit riders a $5 toll credit for every 16 qualifying transit trips taken along the ExpressLanes. Transit rewards toll credits issued to date total $253,370.

The project also expanded and updated transit facilities, including a new state-of-the-art El Monte Station and it has funded improvements to the Harbor Gateway Transit Center in Gardena, Metro bus stations along the Harbor Freeway, widened the Adams Boulevard off ramp from the 110 Freeway by adding an additional turn lane and created a new pedestrian bridge along Adams Boulevard and downtown parking. Additionally, approximately $15 million was provided for the construction of the new Patsaouras Plaza ExpressLanes bus stop at Union Station.

As an example, ExpressLanes has awarded 42 net toll revenue grants totaling $47.6 million since 2014. The top five grants include:

City of Los Angeles ($10.47 million) – ATSAC, Commuter Express Service, Active Streets Projects, Cesar Chavez Great Streets, My Figueroa Marketing Project, DASH Service Improvements, Downtown LA Mobility Center, Vision Zero Traffic Signal Improvements.

LACMTA ($9.62 million) – Downtown Bikeshare, Dodger Express, Union Station Bike Hub, BRT Station Sound Enclosure, Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station Improvements.

County of Los Angeles ($8.33 million) – South Bay Performance Measurement Project, South Bay Congestion Relief Project, Vermont Green Line Intersection Improvement, Firestone Blue Line Station Intersection and Bikeway Improvements Project, Whittier Blvd Transit Priority Project, Eaton Wash Bike Path – Phase 1.

City of Carson ($4.9 million) — Carson Rapid Bus Priority System, Dominguez Channel Bike & Pedestrian Path, Carson Rapid Bus Priority System, I-110 Freeway Arterial Improvements.

Torrance Transit ($3.2 million) — Torrance Transit Expansion of Line #1 and Line #4 HOTLane Service, Torrance Transit Line #4 Express Buses and Relief Vehicles.

Metro will be rewarding its ExpressLanes loyal customers with toll credits to their accounts to celebrate the 10th anniversary during a planned 120-day celebration. Additionally, ExpressLanes customer “pop up” events will take place at several American Automobile Club (AAA) offices, where customers can sign up to win prizes to say thanks for using Metro ExpressLanes. These will take place monthly starting in November 2022 through February 2023. The Automobile Club, Metro’s ExpressLanes partner from the beginning, continues to offer its club members a discount on opening an ExpressLanes account, charging only $32 instead of the normal $40 fee.

For more information on Metro’s ExpressLanes visit: https://www.metroexpresslanes.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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro Celebrates ExpressLanes 10th Anniversary appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and A Community of Friends, a nonprofit specializing in developing supportive housing, today broke ground on construction of a new affordable housing development called Lorena Plaza located at the intersection of 1st and Lorena Streets in Boyle Heights. Low-income veterans will receive preference for half of all units in the development. 

The joint development project, scheduled for completion in 2024, is Metro’s latest effort to add critically needed affordable housing to the L.A. region and provide new opportunities for Metro customers to live adjacent to transit in their own communities.

Located next to the L Line (Gold) about a quarter mile from the Indiana Station, the development will be home to a four-story apartment building that will include 49 affordable housing units. This includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. It will also feature 7,500 square feet of commercial space. Thirty-two of the 49 apartments will go to unhoused individuals and families, another 16 to low-income families and the remaining unit will go to a resident manager.

Of the 48 apartments to be leased, half will go to veterans who are either unhoused or low-income. In addition to housing, the Lorena Plaza project will also provide supportive services to its tenants.

 “The housing crisis in Boyle Heights and throughout Los Angeles is so critical that we need all the tools we can lay our hands on to meet the housing demand,” said Glendale City Councilmember and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “Lorena Plaza brings us ever closer to realizing Metro’s mandate of delivering 5,000 affordable housing units as part of our agency’s Joint Development portfolio by 2031. This development is a prime example of innovative thinking and strategic partnerships that are making a real difference for working families in Boyle Heights.”

Onsite amenities include a large community room with kitchen that opens into a private, landscaped interior courtyard with outdoor seating. There will also be a barbecue area, play area for children, on-site laundry rooms, offices for case management staff and property manager, bicycle parking, computer room, fitness center and elevators.

“The need for affordable and permanent supportive housing has never been more urgent,” said Metro Board Member and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District. “Many residents in Boyle Heights are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. By leveraging Metro property for housing and other community benefits, projects like Lorena Plaza and the rest of the Metro Joint Development Program help to provide Angelenos with access to stable, affordable housing and opportunity.”

As a part of the original Spanish land grant that established the City of Los Angeles in 1781, Boyle Heights was one of the first neighborhoods to develop outside of Downtown Los Angeles. When Lorena Plaza is completed, it will help the Boyle Heights community maintain its rich history of vibrancy and diversity and help its residents avoid displacement.

“We are proud to be collaborating with Metro on this development that will help address the acute affordability challenges families face throughout Los Angeles, especially for people with special needs,” said A Community of Friends President and CEO Dora Leong Gallo. “Lorena Plaza is a prime example of how adding affordable housing options can positively impact Los Angeles neighborhoods by supporting the city’s most underserved residents.”

Metro’s joint development sites are a gateway to the Metro transit system and hold unique potential to advance community development goals while attracting new riders to the Metro system. In June 2021, the Metro Board of Directors adopted an updated Joint Development Policy with a mandate to build as much affordable housing near transit for those who need it most, as soon as possible.

“This project demonstrates what holistic approaches, strong partnerships and perseverance can achieve. We are grateful to the many members of the community who were involved in making this project a reality,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We are excited to partner with A Community of Friends to bring much-needed affordable housing to Boyle Heights.”

In 2022, 300 affordable housing units have begun construction on Metro-owned property. This is in addition to the 2,200 existing units already in Metro’s portfolio. Last June, Metro celebrated the groundbreaking of Los Lirios, another Boyle Heights affordable housing development. With the addition of Lorena Plaza, 111 affordable housing units are now under construction in Boyle Heights.

Metro’s overall joint development efforts are designed to help reduce auto use and increase transit ridership by directly linking Metro’s transportation network with housing, employment, retail and commercial opportunities.

For additional project information, please visit https://www.metro.net/about/joint_dev_pgm/.

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 about 800,000 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 A Community of Friends

A Community of Friends (ACOF) has been the leading nonprofit permanent supportive housing developer in Southern California since 1988. Its mission is to end homelessness through the provision of quality permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness. ACOF currently has 43 buildings in its portfolio in Los Angeles and Orange counties, which provide homes for nearly 2500 people, including more than 630 children. 

The post L.A. Metro and A Community of Friends Celebrate the Start of Construction of Lorena Plaza Affordable Housing Complex in Boyle Heights appeared first on LA Metro.

To participate in the public hearing virtually, visit http://boardagendas.metro.net on the day of the hearing.  Spanish translation will be provided.

Written testimony can be sent by email to simplefares@metro.net or by mail to:

Metro Board Clerk**

RE: Public Hearing on Metro Fare Changes
1 Gateway Plaza, 99-3-1

Los Angeles, CA 90012

** Written testimony should be postmarked by Nov. 14, 2022.   

Metro is proposing a simpler system where no customer ever overpays and our most frequent riders — who rely on the system — pay less.  Currently, 83 percent of our riders have household incomes less than $49,000 per year, 78 percent use transit three or more times per week and 73 percent of riders do not have regular access to a car.

These proposed changes will ensure that frequent riders benefit from more free rides. Under the fare capping proposal, one-day, seven-day and 30-day passes would no longer be necessary. These changes are expected to reduce costs for regular riders and would create a pay-as-you-go system. 

The proposal will also address Metro’s current transfer policy that offers transfers in one direction for up to two hours.  With the proposed changes, once a customer reaches their daily or weekly dollar cap, they can ride in any direction with no time limits.  These changes will ensure that frequent riders benefit from more free rides.

The new fare policy creates one equitable discount price for all reduced fare categories and would cap the maximum dollar amount a rider using the TAP system will have to pay. With the proposed fare changes, a regular rider will pay no more than $6 a day or $20 a week for unlimited rides – down from the current $7 daily pass and $25 weekly pass. Fares will increase from $1.75 to $2 — after a rider taps their card three times in one day, they will be able to ride free the rest of the day.  If a rider taps 10 times a week, they will be able to ride fare-free the rest of the week. Participants in the Low-Income Fares is Easy (LIFE) program will receive 30 free rides every 30 days, up from 20 free rides today.    

The new system will also create a foundation for a single regional fare structure in the future. Although infrequent riders will see a small increase in the cost of their fares, it is expected that the proposed changes will help many Metro riders save money.  

The fare changes will not affect students participating in the GoPass, a free-fare program available to students at participating K-12 schools and colleges in Los Angeles County. The proposed changes are expected to provide system-wide support to transition lower-income, seniors and disabled riders into the lowest fare program such as the Low-Income Fares is Easy, GoPass and ACCESS.   

To learn more about Metro’s new fare structure proposal, please visit metro.net/simplefares. 

The post L.A. Metro to Host Public Hearing November 14 for Proposed Fare Changes That Promote Equity and Simplicity appeared first on LA Metro.

As part of Metro’s ongoing Putting People First engagement efforts, this Telephone Town Hall will invite participants to share their comments and feedback on Metro’s other initiatives, including reimagined public safety, enhanced cleaning and its new initiative to implement fare capping on Metro’s Bus and Rail services. Participants will also have the opportunity to offer input on the kinds of work and projects that should be prioritized in the FY2024 budget.

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. Residents can also pre-register to be called at the time of the event. When residents answer their phones, they will be automatically connected to Metro’s English-language meeting, with the option to select a Spanish-language Simulcast as they join. Participants will also have an opportunity to provide input through real-time polling questions in their designated language.

This Telephone Town Hall is part of Metro’s larger effort for the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget process. There will be additional opportunities for the public to engage with Metro in the coming months.

To join by phone, the public can register to receive a call from Metro at the time of the event using our web registration page:

Alternately, members of the public can join manually at the time of the meeting by dialing the inbound participant line for the language of their choice.

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

Spanish Inbound Line:

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

To participate in the Telephone Town Hall via a computer or smart device, participants can stream a live webcast of the forum. The webcast will be accessible at the time of the event in English and in Spanish using the links below. Pre-registration is not required to join a webcast.

The English Audio Webcast Link is:

The Spanish Audio Webcast Link is:

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 represents a one-year snapshot that identifies the priorities, programs and initiatives Metro 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 FY24 Budget process will wrap up with a legally required public hearing in May followed by the adoption of the budget a week later at the Metro Board of Directors’ May 2024 meeting.

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

The post L.A. Metro to Host Telephone Town Hall on October 18 to Discuss FY24 Budget Process appeared first on LA Metro.

Voting is essential to democracy and Metro encourages all eligible county residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote. By offering free rides on Election Day, Metro is doing its part to encourage voter turnout and make it easier for people to travel to and from local polling places.

Additionally, Metro’s Bike Share Program will be providing free 30-minute rides on Election Day with the promo code 110822. Just 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. The promo code may be redeemed multiple times throughout the day. Electric Metro Bike fees are waived and bike rides are just an additional $1.75 for each half hour after the first 30 minutes.

Metro Bike Share has created an interactive map for users to easily locate in-person voting locations and ballot drop boxes for users to pedal to the polls on Election Day, available at https://bikeshare.metro.net/go-vote/. Metro encourages customers to share the hashtag #pedaltothepolls along with tagging photos @bikemetro on social media for a chance to be featured on Metro feeds.

Metro’s on-demand rideshare service Metro Micro will also be providing free rides on Election Day. Metro Micro provides short trips in eight zones across Los Angeles County. Use the coupon code Vote2022 when booking your trip on the app, online, or through the call center at 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876) and press option 5. This coupon code is only valid on Election Day.

A listing of local Vote Centers, including operating hours is available at  https://locator.lavote.net/.

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

• Union Station (East Portal)

• El Monte Bus Station J Line, many local bus lines (plaza area)

• Harbor Freeway Station C and J Lines (park and ride area)

• Harbor Gateway Transit Center J Line, many other local lines (transit plaza area)

• Hollywood/Western Station B (Red) Line, (mezzanine area)

• North Hollywood Station B (Red) Line, (plaza area outside portal)

• Norwalk Station C Line, (plaza area)

• Wilshire/Vermont Station B (Red) and D (Purple) Lines, (courtyard area)

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 get to the polls via public transit. 

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Offer Free Rides on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8 appeared first on LA Metro.

Metro’s 2022 Customer Experience Survey was conducted between March and May 2022. A total of 12,239 surveys were taken on board Metro buses, trains, and Metro Micro vehicles, reflecting a 63 percent response rate. The survey is used to develop an in-depth understanding of who is riding the system, why they ride and how they feel about the experience while using Metro buses, trains and – for the first time this year – micro-transit. Survey results are used to identify and address customer pain-points that guide cross-agency ideation, planning and budgeting to address them. There was no survey conducted in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Metro remains resolved in our efforts to improve the customer experience by listening to our riders’ concerns and acting on them quickly,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “Our system must be safe, clean and reliable and we won’t settle for anything else.”

The 2022 Customer Experience Survey asked respondents to identify what they most want Metro to improve.

The top five improvements rail customer want Metro to make:

• Cleanliness inside trains
• How well Metro addresses homelessness on trains
• Safety from crime
• Train comes on time 
• How frequently trains come

The top five improvements bus customers want Metro to make:

• Bus comes on time
• How frequently buses run
• How well Metro addresses homelessness on buses
• Safety from crime
• Cleanliness of bus stop area

The top five improvements female rail customers want Metro to make:

• Safety from crime, sexual harassment, or racial or ethnic harassment
• Cleaner trains
• Homelessness issues on trains
• Cleaner stations
• Trains to arrive on time.

The top five improvements female bus customers want Metro to make:

• Safety from crime, sexual harassment, or racial or ethnic harassment
• Buses to arrive on time
• More frequent service
• Homelessness issued on buses
• Cleaner buses

For the first time, the survey included questions about Metro Micro. Some issues expressed by riders included on time service, more availability of accurate information to plan their trip, better real-time information, how to get a ride quicker and how to identify how long the trip will take.

 “At Metro, we strive to be the best transit agency in the country. This year’s feedback from Metro riders reflects a candid assessment of where our agency needs to do better towards that vision. We heard you and we are doing more to provide a safe, clean, and reliable environment for everyone, said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly Mitchell, who is also Chair of the Operations, Safety and Customer Experience Committee.

The Metro Customer Experience Survey found some demographic shifts among Metro riders since 2019:

• People between the ages of 25 and 64 represent most Metro riders – a 6% increase from 2019.
• Latinx/Hispanics are the largest ethnic group, representing 58 percent of riders (59% in 2019); Black/African Americans constitute 14 percent of Metro riders (16% in 2019), followed by 12% who are White/Caucasian (11% in 2019).
• Notably, 49 percent of bus riders and 44% of rail riders identify as female, which is down from 53% and 46% from Metro’s 2019 survey in both categories. 
• Approximately 83 percent of riders reported a household income of under $50,000 a year, compared to 81% in 2019.

The survey also found that 78 percent of respondents ride the system at least three days a week, down 11 percent from 2019; 72 percent have been riding the system for more than three years, the same as 2019 and 27 percent have regular access to a car, up six percent from 2019.

More than 60 percent of bus riders and 58 percent of rail riders reported being satisfied with Metro’s service. While these satisfaction ratings are similar to those of other large transit authorities across the country, this reflects a modest decline in satisfaction results (1 percent rail and 7 percent bus) compared to a 2020 Customer Experience Survey. Sixty-five percent of rail users and 66 percent of bus riders would recommend riding the system to their friends.

Knowing that safety, cleanliness, and homelessness are important customer issues, the Metro Board in February approved a plan to Reimagine Public Safety, based upon community and customer feedback. The plan uses a layered approach to public safety that involves security, cleanliness, and customer care. These include:

Security:

• Via the Respect the Ride program, strategically deployed additional security to enforce Metro rules and law enforcement to address crime.
• Installing more security cameras and lighting within the system.
• Additional marketing of the Transit Watch app for riders to use and alert us of issues.

Cleanliness:

• Replacing cloth bus and rail seats with vinyl seats that are easier to clean and maintain by the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2023). In August, seats on 49 percent of buses and 89 percent of rail cars had been replaced.

• Implemented cleaning surges at the end of the line, midday on buses, trackways, stations, and escalators to address customers concerns on cleanliness of the Metro system and added more cleaning staff. 

Customer Care

• Launched the Metro Ambassador Program to improve the overall customer experience for all Metro riders while navigating the system. A total of 55 Transit Ambassadors have been trained in everything from customer service to trauma informed response and mental health awareness and disability awareness and deployed on parts of the system. The goal is to deploy 300 ambassadors by February 2023.
• Doubling homeless outreach teams to assist those in need.
• On-boarding crisis intervention teams for those in need of mental health assistance.

“My goal is to make Metro the first choice in transportation, and I am grateful so many of our customers are willing to share with us what they consider most important when they are considering whether they want to ride Metro,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We are putting their feedback into action, and the first step in doing that is transparently sharing what we learned from them. Our customers’ feedback is a gift.”

The 2022 Customer Experience Survey will inform the development of the 2023 Customer Experience Plan, which will build and expand on the initiatives that are already in progress.

For more information on the 2022 Customer Experience Plan and the new 2022 CX Survey results visit metro.net/CXPlan.

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 about 800,000 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’s Customer Experience Survey Identifies Reliability, Frequency, Safety, Cleanliness, and Homelessness as Top Improvement Areas. The Annual Survey Informs CX Action Plan to Address Customer Experience Pain-Points. appeared first on LA Metro.

The committee was formed following the approval of Measure M in 2016 to monitor and ensure that all tax measure revenues are spent for transportation purposes. 

“We welcome Paul Rajmaira to this oversight committee. It is an important position that will help the committee ensure Metro is doing everything right in terms of investing taxpayers’ dollars wisely,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “We need more people like Mr. Rajmaira to help Metro deliver on its promise to taxpayers to greatly improve mobility options for all Los Angeles County residents.” 

Paul Rajmaira is currently a Commercial Manager on the LAX Automated People Mover Project within Fluor’s infrastructure business line. Paul has 22 years of diverse experience in project management, operations, sales, contract management, finance, and risk management. He fills a recent vacant position on the committee and has large-scale construction project expertise.   

“We are grateful for Paul’s willingness to serve on the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Paul will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and an independent eye to the table to help guide our Measure M program to ensure transparency to the public.”  

There are currently two additional vacancies remaining on the seven-member committee with applications now being accepted to fill those vacancies as soon as possible. Metro is specifically looking for committee members that represent the following professions or areas of expertise: 

Retired State Judge 

Municipal/Public Finance/Budget 

Current committee members:  

Richard Stanger – Transit (Operations & Labor Practices) Professional 

Ryan Campbell – Financial Policies, Performance Measurements and Reviews 

Virginia Tanzmann – Licensed Architect or Engineer 

Linda Briskman – Business Representative 

Paul Rajmaira – Management of Large-Scale Construction Projects 

General responsibilities of the Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee include approving the scope of work and directing the work of auditors. Preparing an annual report on the results of the annual audit, including any findings, and reporting the comments to the Metro Board, reviewing all proposed debt financing, and making a finding on whether the benefits of the proposed financing for accelerating project delivery, avoiding future cost escalation, and related factors exceed issuance and interest costs, reviewing any proposed amendments to the Ordinance, including the Expenditure Plan, and making a finding. 

Interested members must reside in Los Angeles County and will be subject to conflict-of-interest provisions. No person currently serving as an elected or appointed city, county, special district, state, or federal public officeholder shall be eligible to serve as a member of the committee. 

The term of the appointment is five years with no limit on the number of terms that can be served. A stipend of $100 per meeting will be provided. The committee meets virtually four times a year. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2022. Metro will appoint new members through January 1, 2023.  

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. 

For more information on how to submit an application to participate in this committee, please visit https://www.metro.net/about/measure-m/#measure-m-independent-taxpayer-oversight-committee  

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro Board Approves the Selection of Paul Rajmaira to Serve on the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee  appeared first on LA Metro.

This policy clarifies and standardizes Metro’s practices for protecting the urban tree canopy throughout its construction program. It also establishes the agency’s commitment to a sustainable tree replacement strategy when tree removal is deemed unavoidable to build Metro projects. 

Trees are extremely beneficial to the environment, and they can help reduce health and safety impacts on transit riders. L.A. County’s urban tree canopy helps improve air quality, manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, and provide shade, carbon storage, and a habitat for birds and other pollinators.

“We are committed to addressing climate change and helping alleviate health risks for our transit customers. This new tree policy will give Metro the guidance it needs to help protect existing trees and look for partnerships that provide more equitable access to shade and canopy throughout the L.A. County region” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian.   

Metro will also seek out ways to use trees to provide shade at rail and bus stations, right-of-way, transit centers and at Metro maintenance and administrative facilities. The agency will encourage and support partnerships that expand urban canopy on transit corridors.

“I thought that it was time to get a tree policy on the books so we can assure neighborhoods that we are not only protecting our urban canopy, but adding to it,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Director Janice Hahn, who authored the motion that led to this policy’s creation and adoption. “This policy will mean cleaner air, more shade for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders, and more walkable, livable, and beautiful neighborhoods.”

“Trees provide our customers with shade and protection from extreme heat, and they also improve the air quality of the neighborhoods we serve,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.  “We are proud to be the first transit agency in the country to implement a tree policy, and we look forward to working in partnership with community, municipal, and county partners on its implementation.” 

The policy also requires a minimum tree replacement ratio of 2:1 (or 4:1 if the tree is considered a heritage tree), planting California-native or other drought tolerant trees and collaborating with regional partners, local agencies and communities during the planning and design of capital projects.

In 2020, the Metro Board adopted the Metro Sustainability Strategic Plan, which includes commitments increasing runoff infiltration, capturing capacity for stormwater and reducing nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions in this decade.

An L.A. County Climate Vulnerability Assessment found that, by 2050, nearly 2.2 million people will be residing in areas with exposure to extreme heat and many of them are transit riders.  Exposure to heat exacerbates pre-existing health conditions and increases risk of death.

For information, please visit https://www.metro.net/about/sustainability/

The post L.A. Metro Board Approves New Tree Policy for Agency’s Transportation Construction Program, Transit Properties appeared first on LA Metro.

Changes to the bus system will include more frequent service added to a number of bus lines as Metro continues the process of restoring service levels to pre-pandemic levels through the hiring of additional bus operators. There are additional improvements and modifications planned for the bus system in mid-December.

The following lines will have weekday frequency improvements: 4, 18, 30, 53, 66, 70, 90, 92, 180, 207, 210, 212, 217, 224, 240, 690. Saturday and Sunday frequency improvements: 2, 4, 28, 210, 224, 690.

The following lines will have added trips to provide more capacity for riders: Weekday: 108, 224, 460, 534 (134), Saturday: 33, 212, and Sunday: 212.

The following lines will have revised schedules to improve reliability and on-time performance:

Weekday: 2, 14, 18, 28, 37, 62, 78, 90, 92, 94, 150, 152, 210, 217, 224, 234, 240, 534. Saturday: 14, 18, 37, 62, 90, 92, 94, 106, 150, 152, 210, 224, 240, 534. Sunday: 14, 18, 37, 62, 76, 92, 94, 106, 150, 210, 224, 240, 534.

Below is more detailed information on bus changes and improvements commencing on Sunday, Oct. 23:

2 – Improved Saturday, Sunday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes. Revised schedule weekday to improve service reliability.

4 – Improved weekday frequency from every 10 minutes to every 7.5 minutes and Saturday, Sunday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

14 – Revised schedule weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

18 – Improved weekday peak periods frequency from every 7.5 minutes to every 6 minutes. Revised schedule weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

28 – Improved Saturday, Sunday frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes. Revised schedule weekday to improve service reliability.

30 – Improved weekday peak periods frequency from every 10 minutes to every 7.5 minutes.

33 – Added one additional trip Saturdays to accommodate more riders.

37 – Revised schedule weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

40 – Rerouted southbound to serve Downtown Inglewood K Line Station; reroute northbound via Crenshaw Bl Leimert Park Station; new stop southbound Crenshaw Bl at Martin Luther King Jr K Line Station.

53 – Improved weekday frequency from every 10-12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

62 – Revised schedules weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

66 – Improved weekday midday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

70 – Improved weekday frequency from every 10 minutes to every 7.5 minutes.

76 – Revised schedule Sundays to improve service reliability.

78 – To better accommodate buses, the terminus for eastbound trips at Arcadia is relocated from westbound Las Tunas Dr to eastbound Live Oak Av at McCulloch Av. Revised schedule weekday to improve service reliability.

90 – Improved weekday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes. Revised schedules weekday, Saturday to improve service reliability.

92 – Improved weekday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes. Revised schedules weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

94 – Revised schedules weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

106 – Revised schedules Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

108 – Added two additional trips weekdays to accommodate more riders.

111 – Rerouted westbound to serve Downtown Inglewood K Line Station.

150 – Revised schedules weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

152 – Revised schedules weekday, Saturday to improve service reliability.

180 – Improved weekday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

207 – Improved weekday midday frequency from every 10 minutes to every 7.5 minutes.

210 – Rerouted northbound via Crenshaw Bl Leimert Park K Line Station. Improve weekday, Saturday, Sunday frequency from every 12-15 minutes to every 10 minutes. Revised schedule weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

211/215 – Extended route to serve Downtown Inglewood K Line Station.

212 – Route changed. This line will end near the Hollywood/Highland Station and will no longer serve Hollywood Bl and the Hollywood/Vine Station (Line 217 will still serve this route segment). Board Line 212 South on westbound Hollywood Bl at Sycamore Av. Resources will be redeployed with higher frequency for this line, with weekday frequency improved from every 12 to every 10 minutes. Extend three late night trips to or from Hawthorne/Lennox Station weekday, Saturday, Sunday. Add three extra trips Saturday, Sunday to accommodate more riders.

217 – Improves weekday frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes. Revised schedule weekday to improve service reliability.

224 – Line 224 will extend from Sylmar Station to Olive View Medical Center in place of Line 690 weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays. Weekday service frequency will increase to every 15 minutes between Universal City/Studio City Station and Sylmar Station, with service every 30 minutes between Sylmar Station and Olive View Medical Center. Saturdays and Sundays Line 224 service frequency will increase to every 20 minutes between Universal City/Studio City Station and Sylmar Station, with service every 40 minutes between Sylmar Station and Olive View Medical Center. The revised schedules weekday, Saturday, Sunday will improve service reliability.

234 – Revised schedule weekday to improve service reliability.

237 – Rerouted direct via Burbank Bl and Lankershim Bl to/from North Hollywood Station as planned in the NextGen Bus Plan to better distribute east-west bus service.

240 – Improved weekday peak period frequency from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes. Revised schedule weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability.

265 – At Pico Rivera, service will now terminate on Whittier Bl at Rosemead Bl due to closure of bus lot at Passons Bl/Jackson St.

460 – Added one extra trip weekday to accommodate more riders.

534 – Renumbered this line as Line 134. No change to route or stops. Revised schedule weekday, Saturday, Sunday to improve service reliability. Added one extra trip weekday to accommodate more riders.

690 – Line 224 will now extend from Sylmar Station to Olive View Medical Center in place of Line 690, which will continue to operate its usual route between Olive View Medical Center and Sunland. Line 690 frequency between Olive View Medical Center and Sunland will increase from every 50 minutes to every 30 minutes weekdays, and 40 minutes Saturdays and Sundays.

C & K Line Link 857 – New bus line linking new K Line Westchester/Veterans Station and the existing C Line (Green) Aviation/LAX Station. Note: This line begin operation when the K Line opened for service, October 7, 2022.

Previous bus service improvements occurred in June of this year with the implementation of more frequent service being restored to our busiest bus lines. Metro also revised weekday and weekend service schedules and adjusted them to reflect more current traffic levels. For riders, that meant more buses arriving on schedule, improving the customer experience. 

For additional information on bus service changes, check specific bus line schedules 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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Implement Bus Service Changes to Restore Service and Improve Reliability for Metro Riders Effective Sunday, Oct. 23 appeared first on LA Metro.

The opening of the K Line — previously known as the Crenshaw/LAX Line — marks the official return of rail service on Crenshaw Boulevard since the last Los Angeles Railway Line 5 yellow street cars trundled down the street in 1955 — nearly 70 years ago.  

To mark its historic milestone, Metro will provide free rides on the K Line and all other Metro bus and rail lines and Bike Share services all weekend starting Friday at noon until the end of service Sunday night, Oct. 9. Metro encourages Angelenos to explore new communities now accessible via the K Line as well as to access area entertainment venues, sporting events, dining and shopping areas.

The new line represents Metro’s single largest transportation investment in the South Los Angeles region since the construction of the Metro A Line (Blue) and C Line (Green) more than 20 years ago. It is anticipated to open new access to opportunity for numerous South L.A. communities, including the Crenshaw Corridor, Hyde Park, Leimert Park, Fairview Heights, Inglewood and Westchester, by connecting these communities with new local destinations as well as the rest of Los Angeles County’s expanding Metro Rail system. 

“What was conceived decades ago as only lines on a map and a hopeful dream have today been made a reality thanks to county taxpayers’ investment in Metro,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair and Ara J. Najarian. “We now have a train that Angelenos can take to reach destinations they never could before via Metro Rail. The K Line is the perfect example of how Metro is continuing to transform public transportation for the better in Los Angeles County.”

The rail line through this South Los Angeles corridor was the ambition of city leaders since the formation of Metro in 1993. Previous officials supporting the line’s construction included Mayor Tom Bradley, Rep. Julian Dixon, Ambassador Diane Watson and Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, among others.

“Today, we’re fulfilling a dream that started with Mayor Tom Bradley and was carried on for decades by countless community leaders and elected officials: world-class public transportation in South Los Angeles,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.  “Angelenos generations from now will recognize the opening of this line as a new chapter in Los Angeles’ transportation history – as a moment where we opened doors of opportunity to communities that had been ignored for too long and put our commitment to making Los Angeles a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable city on the fast track.”

“With seven new stations and two more to come, the new Metro K Line will bring improved public transit to many underserved neighborhoods that have gone too long without easy access to public transit,” said Senator Alex Padilla.“I’m proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which makes the single largest investment in transit ever to continue connecting our communities. I’ll keep working in Congress to build on these investments in modernizing our outdated, crumbling infrastructure.”

The $2.1 billion K Line was largely funded by local tax dollars. Metro’s Measure R transportation sales tax measure was approved by voters back in 2008. The line also included key federal funding grants and loans that helped ensure the timely start of construction. Prior to Measure R’s 2008 passage, however, earlier plans for a train service along the Crenshaw Corridor languished due to the lack of local funding. 

“Residents and businesses along the route of the new K Line have been looking forward to the expanded access this rail line will provide to work, school, shopping, entertainment, and LAX,” said Congressmember Maxine Waters. “I worked very hard to ensure federal support for this corridor, which resulted in $233 million in grants and a $546 million loan, and I am proud to see it finally coming to fruition.”

“I’ve long supported federal funding for Southern California to build out the region’s public transportation options, which is why I’m so pleased that the new K Line is opening,” Senator Feinstein said. “Once stations at LAX are complete, L.A. residents will be able to travel to the airport without having to leave the Metro system. This project will increase connectivity and mobility for the city, reduce car traffic and provide a vital service to visitors as the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.”

The K Line is a part of Metro’s ambitious rail expansion plan in Los Angeles County.  With Metro’s other Measure M voter-approved transportation tax measure in 2016, the agency now has the biggest rail expansion program in the United States. Metro is now simultaneously building the Regional Connector Transit Project in downtown L.A. and the Purple (D Line) Extension Project in three separate segments that will connect downtown Los Angeles with West Los Angeles. Metro’s construction authority partner, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, is also building an extension of the L (Gold) Line further east in the San Gabriel Valley.  Numerous other Metro Rail and Bus projects are now in various stages of development today. 

Now that the K Line is open, Angelenos can visit key cultural events and venues in the historic Crenshaw Corridor, public parks and major venues in Inglewood, and have easier access to medical facilities and job and commerce centers throughout Los Angeles without the hassles of traffic and parking.

“The K Line fulfills a long-awaited promise to the community and ushers in a new era of equitable transportation investment that connects the Crenshaw Corridor and Inglewood residents to convenient, fast, reliable and low-cost rail transit,” said Metro Board First Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. “What’s more, it will provide a new gateway to jobs, education and healthcare for our communities that need it the most.”

“South Los Angeles fought hard for decades for the Crenshaw Line and today they reap the rewards of their patience,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “We are not only opening the K Line but also welcoming riders to the future of Metro from new alternatives to public safety programs like Transit Ambassadors to acknowledging disproportionate cost burden through the LIFE program and intentional investment in the community.”

Metro anticipates the line will carry more than 32,000 daily boardings by the year 2035.  During this time, ridership is expected to continue to grow once Metro’s new Regional Connector line opens to the public early next year, the K Line’s two remaining stations open in the next couple of years and all bus lines and bus stations that serve the line are fully integrated. 

“With the K Line opening, Inglewood will now have three light rail stations in the City of Champions that will link residents and patrons to The Kia Forum, Sofi Stadium and soon, Intuit Dome, the future home of the Los Angeles Clippers,” said Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member James T. Butts. “Little by little, we are becoming the world’s center of sports and entertainment, thanks in part to the K Line coming to our city.”   

By 2024, Metro will complete a new station to connect the K Line with Los Angeles International Airport via its People Mover to airport terminals, finally providing a direct transit connection to one of the world’s busiest airports for the first time. Connecting Metro Rail directly with LAX will be critical for both domestic and international travelers attending the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. 

“When we make the all-important connection to LAX, the K Line will be the fastest, most convenient transportation choice for residents, travelers, visitors, and airport employees alike,” said L.A. City Councilmember and Metro Board Member Mike Bonin. “This line will simply be the best choice for travelers and will finally give them a viable transit alternative to driving to the airport.”

The K Line was designed and built with the help of community input and local voices. This transit project ushered in model programs that are now used on all of Metro’s major construction projects. For example, this was the first project to employ Metro’s Board-approved small business mitigation programs: the Business Interruption Fund, Business Solution Center and Eat, Shop, Play. These programs helped to support small businesses in this corridor during construction.

“After decades of going without rail transit, I’m proud to lead Metro as it delivers the K Line to Crenshaw, Inglewood, and all the other south Los Angeles communities.” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “We’re eternally grateful to the area’s residents and businesses for hosting us in the community during a long and technically complex construction period. I know the K Line will be well used and well loved by these communities and the rest of Los Angeles County for decades to come.”

Grammy award-winning music icon Dr. Jody Watley officiated Metro’s opening ceremony today with members of the community and officials. 

“I was thrilled to be part of this historic opening of Metro’s K-Line,” Watley said.  “The day was very special for me. I am a local to this area. I attended and graduated from Dorsey High School, which is just minutes from the new station.”

Metro now plans to expand the K Line north. The agency is now developing a draft environmental impact report that will explore alternatives for extending the K Line to reach Hollywood. Metro plans to release its draft report for public review and comments in 2023.

Riders can purchase a commemorative K Line TAP card to prepare for regular fares on Monday, Oct. 10. These TAP cards will be available at all Metro ticket vending machines. 

For additional information about the K Line, please visit https://kline.metro.net/.

The post L.A. Metro Officially Opens the K Line, Marking a New Transit Milestone for Los Angeles County appeared first on LA Metro.

Breathing clean air is not just important for good health, it’s a basic human right. And this annual event helps bring cleaner air to the region, especially in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. When Angelenos leave their cars at home and ride Metro instead, we can all breathe easier.

“The best way for residents of Los Angeles County to reduce toxic tailpipe emissions in the air is to leave the car at home and ride Metro,” said Metro Board Chair and City of Glendale councilmember Ara J. Najarian. “If people park their cars and ride Metro on Clean Air Day, we know they’ll see how safe, clean, and convenient it is to ride Metro. And we hope they’ll make it a daily habit.”

All Angelenos are invited to participate in the fifth annual California Clean Air Day via a simple, online pledge of at least one action that will help clean our air. One action could be taking advantage of the free rides offered by Metro.

“Leaving your car at home and opting to take transit is a great way to cut your carbon footprint and celebrate Clean Air Day,” said Metro Board 2nd Vice Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “As a County, we need to get to the point where every day is ‘Clean Air Day’ and that is why it is so important that we continue to get more zero emissions trucks and buses on the road and make transit a convenient and reliable option for all residents.”

California Clean Air Day, launched by the Coalition for Clean Air, is a program built on the idea that shared experiences unite people to take action to improve our community health. This effort will allow people and communities across California to participate in ways that makes sense for them.

“I was proud to lead the effort through a motion for free transit on California Clean Air Day because transit is a safe, affordable and sustainable mode of transportation for all Angelenos,” said Metro Board Member and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District. “We know that transportation is the number one contributor to greenhouse gas

emissions and poor air quality, so I’m encouraging Angelenos from across the County to leave their car at home on October 5 as we take action for clean air.”

“Metro is proud to celebrate California Clean Air Day by encouraging everyone to take transit instead of driving with free rides on Metro train, bus, or bike share” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “By going Metro, you can do your part to help us reduce tailpipe pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our region. We hope everyone goes Metro on Clean Air Day and every day!”

All Metro operated buses and trains will offer free rides for California Clean Air Day. Metro Bike Share also will offer free 1-Ride fares for those using the promo-code 100522 on Wednesday October 5. Go to www.CleanAirDay.org to view the Clean Air pledge and see how everyone can be part of this statewide day of action that is easy, fun, and totally California.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring full-time and part-time bus operators. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $23/hr. with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving.  Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Provide Free Rides on Metro Trains, Buses and Metro Bike Share for California Clean Air Day on Wednesday, October 5 appeared first on LA Metro.

Metro will provide free bus shuttles to replace all C Line rail service between the Norwalk Station and the Long Beach Station, stopping at all closed stations.

The shuttle between the Aviation/LAX Station and LAX that is operated by the Los Angeles World Airports will continue to run on its regular schedule.

Metro apologizes for any inconvenience to Metro Green Line patrons during this weekend closure. For the latest service updates, visit metro.net or follow Metro on Twitter@metrolosangles or metroalerts.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring full-time and part-time bus operators. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $23/hr. with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving.  Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Perform C Line (Green) Weekend Signal Systems Upgrade Work that Will Require Closure of Three Stations; Free Bus Shuttle Service Will be Provided appeared first on LA Metro.

Closing this gap will make it easier to get around the eight-mile biking and walking path along the L.A. River between Elysian Valley and Vernon. The overall L.A. River Path will create a safe and efficient active transportation travel option connecting the San Fernando Valley and Long Beach. The project has $365 million in funding from Measure M.

Meetings will be hosted via Zoom and video recordings will be available on the project’s website following each meeting. The public will also have an opportunity to ask questions and share comments with staff at both meetings.

All meetings will be broadcasted simultaneously in Spanish.

Community meetings are as follows:

Thursday, September 29, at 6 p.m.

Virtual meeting: Zoom Link: bit.ly/larpsept29

Phone: (877) 853-5247 (toll free)

Meeting ID: 826 8465 3402

Saturday, October 1, at 10 a.m.

Virtual meeting: Zoom Link: Link: bit.ly/larpoct1

Phone: (669) 444-9171

Meeting ID: 870 7001 9266

To support communities that may have limited access to electronic devices and/or internet, an in-person viewing location will be available at the site below with screens showing the live October 1 meeting. Spanish-speaking staff will also be available for support. COVID-19 safety protocols will be used at all sites. Please see details below.

Saturday, October 1, at 10 a.m.

Metro Headquarters

Plaza Level, Gateway Plaza

Los Angeles, CA 90012

All Metro meetings are held in ADA accessible facilities. Other ADA accommodations and translations are available by calling (213) 418-3422 or the California Relay Service at 711 at least 72 hours in advance. For more information on the project, by telephone, call (213) 418-3422, or email lariverpath@metro.net . The project webpage is: https://www.metro.net/projects/lariverpath/

The post L.A. Metro to Hold Two Virtual Community Meetings for the L.A. River Path Project on September 29 and October 1, 2022 appeared first on LA Metro.

The K Line extends from E Line (Expo) at Expo/Crenshaw Station and eventually merges with C Line (Green) at Aviation/LAX Station, connecting the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood and El Segundo. It brings a new era of equitable transportation investment that connects the Crenshaw Corridor and Inglewood residents to convenient, fast, reliable and low-cost rail transit that has not served the area since the Los Angeles Railway’s Yellow Cars shut down service in the 1950s. 

“The wait is over! We have completed our official line testing and will soon bring new rail service to Los Angeles County residents,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair and Ara J. Najarian. “The K Line fulfills our promise to build a first-class project that will better connect the Crenshaw Corridor and Inglewood to our region’s transit system and make it far easier to reach the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood and LAX without the hassle of traffic congestion, high gas prices and parking.”

Once the K Line opens, Metro riders will be able to visit cultural events and venues in the historic Crenshaw Corridor, public parks and major venues in Inglewood, and have easier access to medical facilities and job and commerce centers throughout Los Angeles. Many of the key destinations along the K Line are within walking distance of the stations.  

“The K Line will have a solid presence in the heart of the Crenshaw Corridor and Inglewood; it represents a new gateway to jobs, education and healthcare,” said Metro Board First Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. “The K Line will provide riders with easy access to high density housing, popular restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues ranging from Leimert Park Village to SoFi Stadium.”

“Communities in South Los Angeles and Inglewood are going to reap the benefits of Metro’s transportation investments for generations to come,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “We have waited for a long time for this rail line to come to our part of town, it is exciting to see this line come into fruition before the end of the year.”  

“With our opening date set, we’re almost ready to fulfill a dream that started with Mayor Tom Bradley and was carried on for decades by countless community leaders and elected officials: world-class public transportation in South Los Angeles,” said Metro Board Member and Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The K line is integral to Los Angeles’ transportation future, and in just a few weeks, it will open doors of opportunity for riders across our region and help make Los Angeles a more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive city.”

The K Line’s Expo/Crenshaw, Martin L. King Jr., Leimert Park, Hyde Park, Fairview Heights, Downtown Inglewood and Westchester/Veterans stations will open first. The K Line’s Aviation/Century station is projected to open in late 2023 and will provide access to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station along the new K Line tracks is planned to open in late 2024 and will provide easy transfers between Metro and the LAX Automated People Mover that will serve airport terminals.

“When the K Line opens, Inglewood will have three light rail stations in the City of Champions that will link residents and patrons to The Kia Forum, Sofi Stadium and soon, Intuit Dome, the future home of the Los Angeles Clippers,” said Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member James T. Butts. “Little by little we are becoming the world’s center of sports and entertainment, thanks in part to the K Line coming to our city.”  

“Metro is about to be the fastest, most convenient choice for LAX employees, travelers, residents and visitors,” said L.A. City Councilmember and Metro Board Member Mike Bonin. “When the K Line opens, the Westchester/Veterans station will connect Westchester residents and Inglewood businesses to the broader regional transit network. It’s my hope that these new stations will change the lives of residents and future generations of Angelenos who need fast and efficient access to Downtown Los Angeles, the Westside, South Bay and other job and commerce centers.”

With its offer of free rides on buses and trains systemwide, Metro encourages Angelenos to explore new communities, especially those along the new alignment. During opening weekend, residents can take transit to entertainment venues, sporting events, dining and shopping. 

“The opening of the K Line fulfills a promise long made to the people of South Los Angeles and Inglewood,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The K Line provides better access to jobs and community amenities for this region of the county, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Metro team for delivering this incredible piece of infrastructure to our community.”

The K Line was designed and built with the help of community input and local voices. This transit project ushered in model programs that are now used on all of Metro’s major construction projects. For example, this was the first project to employ  Metro’s Board approved small business mitigation programs: the Business Interruption Fund, Business Solution Center, and Eat, Shop, Play. All which helped to support small businesses in this corridor during construction. The Business Interruption Fund awarded more than $20.1 million to over 230 small “mom and pop” shops, Metro’s Business Solution Center provided hands-on business development, support services and referrals to partnering business resources providers to more than 300 small businesses and the Eat Shop Play program provided free marketing assistance to more than 150 businesses along the K Line alignment. 

Metro also implemented a Project Labor Agreement and Construction Careers Policy to encourage construction employment and training opportunities as we built the K Line. More than 60 percent of construction workers hired by Metro’s prime contractors on the K Line project were from economically disadvantaged areas, 23 percent were hired as apprentices to start their careers in construction and 10 percent were those with social barriers that made it hard for them to find employment. PLA/CCP workers included 63 percent who were Latino, 11 percent African American and three percent female.

For additional information about the K Line, please visit https://kline.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 about 800,000 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 L.A. Metro to Open New K Line Light Rail Line on October 7, Offer Free Rides on Entire Metro System October 7-9 appeared first on LA Metro.

LOS ANGELES (September 21, 2022) — United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that LACCD has secured a $1 million grant through the Congressional Directed Funding process to help extend Metro’s GoPass Program through the 2022-2023 academic year for all 21 community colleges in Los Angeles County.   The program provides free transit passes to students at participating K-14 schools.

Metro’s GoPass program provides a Metro TAP Card to Los Angeles County community college students that they can use to ride all Metro buses and trains and thirteen additional transit agencies — completely free of charge. The federal funding makes it possible for more students to take free public transit to their community colleges countywide, an extremely valuable “Back to School” benefit for students this year. 

With high gas prices, escalating car payment and insurance costs, driving to campus is simply not an option for many students. Before the launch of Metro’s GoPass program, LACCD students were paying $160 or more per semester for a Metro U-Pass, which was unaffordable to many community college students. The advent of truly free public transit has eliminated one of the major pain points faced by LACCD students and dramatically increased equity on campus and made it easier for students to return to in-person instruction this fall.

“Lack of transportation is one of the leading barriers for students seeking to complete their education, and that’s particularly true in large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles,” said Senator Feinstein. “That’s why this program, which will enable up to 500,000 community college students across L.A. County to apply for the GoPass Program, is so important.  I was pleased to support this funding and will continue advocating for funding that will allow students throughout California to advance their education.”

The GoPass program is a game changer. Approximately one-quarter of students at LACCD reported regularly using public transit to attend class before COVID-19, with their top concern being price.

“As a longtime community college educator, I believe that students shouldn’t have to make the tough choice between paying for transportation or buying breakfast,” said Trustee Andra Hoffman. “I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and rode the bus all around Los Angeles to get to school and work. I am proud to be part of the solution with the GoPass program and look forward to continuing to make it easier for all students to be able to safely travel to school and work. Access to affordable and reliable transportation should be a right for all students.”

With more than half of LACCD students living below the poverty line, saving money on bus or train fares every day can free up resources for other basic life necessitiesites, supporting their success in school. Fareless transit also allows  students to come to campus more often and take advantage of amenities and student services.

“I would like to personally thank U.S. Senator Feinstein for her help securing this critically important grant funding to extend LACCD’s participation in Metro’s GoPass Program,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “Now more community college students can enjoy free transit on Metro – not just to school, but to any other destination these students want or need to travel to in our county.  It’s a truly unlimited pass program that I know will improve students’ lives and save them significant sums of money in transportation costs.”

“We are pleased to have this program extended for another year,” said LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. “Everything we do at LACCD is through an equity-first lens, and fareless transit directly enables more students to access higher education. As we return to more in-person classes and services on campus, this program will be a true lifeline for accelerating student success.”

Remote learning was extremely challenging for many community college students, but one silver lining was that they spent much less money commuting. The return to campus is critical for a variety of reasons and allows students to access resources and services, but it was important for students not to have to worry about transportation costs.

LACCD serves a student body that is 68 percent low-income. Providing free transit for a year has a meaningful impact on family budgets and overall quality of life, making it more likely that students will thrive in their studies — and eliminating the worry of how they will pay bus fares to get to class.

“The costs of transportation should never stand between our students and opportunity,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Our community colleges are gateways to prosperity for Angelenos in every zip code – and thanks to this grant from Senator Feinstein, Metro can keep doing its part to make sure nothing keeps our students from chasing their dreams.”

Metro’s GoPass for K-14 students is increasingly popular since its official launch in 2021. Metro has already added 20 new school districts for Year 2 and is in the process of adding 10 more.  Metro seeks to double participation in the program over the next year to help more students.  Toward that goal, earlier this month Metro partnered with Glendale Community College to make the program available to its 15,000 community college students. 

“We have set an aggressive goal to double the number of students participating in GoPass because we know it can make such a positive difference in their academic and economic success,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro.  “This grant helps ease a financial barrier for hundreds of thousands of students, and gives them more freedom to pursue jobs, opportunity and recreation. I encourage all LACCD students to take advantage of our free GoPass program today!”

For more information about Metro’s GoPass Fareless Pass Program, please visit www.metro.net/gopass.

About the Los Angeles Community College District

We are the Colleges of Los Angeles! LACCD (www.laccd.edu) is the nation’s largest community college district, educating about 250,000 students annually at its nine colleges that serve the residents of more than 36 cities and communities from 900 square miles of Los Angeles County. Since 1969, the District has been providing an important learning pathway for students seeking transfer to four-year colleges or universities while also offering two-year degrees and certificated training programs to Southern California’s diverse workforce in many specialized trades and professions. Follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/LACCD, @LACCD, and on Twitter, https://twitter.com/laccd @laccd and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/laccd_edu/ @laccd_edu.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring full-time and part-time bus operators. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $23/hr. with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving.  Apply at metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/driveLA.

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 about 800,000 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 Los Angeles Community College District Receives $1 Million Federal Grant Enabling All its Community College Students to Participate in L.A. Metro’s GoPass Fareless Pass Program appeared first on LA Metro.

The three Metro C Line stations impacted will include Norwalk, Lakewood Boulevard, and Long Beach Boulevard stations. Metro will provide free bus shuttles to replace all C Line rail service between the Norwalk Station and the Long Beach Station, stopping at all affected stations.  

The shuttle between the Aviation/LAX Station and LAX that isoperated by the Los Angeles World Airports will continue to run on its regular schedule.

Football fans planning to attend the Rams football game on Sunday Sept. 18 are advised to use the Hawthorne/Lennox C Line Station Park and Ride lot to connect with the C Line (Green) and minimize delays.

Metro apologies for any inconvenience to Metro Green Line patrons during this weekend closure. For the latest service updates, visit metro.net or follow Metro on Twitter@metrolosangles or metroalerts.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $23 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 C Line (Green) Weekend Signal Systems Upgrade Work to Close Three Stations; Free Bus Shuttle Service to be Provided appeared first on LA Metro.

There are currently three vacancies on the seven-member committee with applications now being accepted to fill those vacancies as soon as possible. Metro is specifically looking for committee members that represent the following professions or areas of expertise:

Vacant committee positions:

Retired State Judge

Municipal/Public Finance/Budget

Management of Large-Scale Construction Projects

Current committee members:

Transit (Operations & Labor Practices) Professional

Financial Policies, Performance Measurements and Reviews

Licensed Architect or Engineer

Business Representative.

General responsibilities of the Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee include:

• Approve the scope of work and direct the work of the auditors.
• Prepare an annual report on the results of the annual audit, any findings made, and report the comments to the Metro Board.
• Review all proposed debt financing and make a finding as to whether the benefits of the proposed financing for accelerating project delivery, avoiding future cost escalation, and related factors exceed issuance and interest costs.
• Review any proposed amendments to the Ordinance, including the Expenditure Plan, and make a finding.

Members must reside in Los Angeles County and will be subject to conflict-of-interest provisions. No person currently serving as an elected or appointed city, county, special district, state, or federal public officeholder shall be eligible to serve as a member of the committee.

The term of the appointment is five years with no limit on the number of terms that can be served. A stipend of $100 per meeting will be provided and the committee meets virtually, four times a year. The deadline to submit your application is November 30, 2022, with appointments being made by January 1, 2023.

Please 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.

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.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Wants You to Serve on the Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee appeared first on LA Metro.

GLENDALE (August 31, 2022) – Glendale Community College (GCC), the City of Glendale Beeline and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) have announced a new partnership that allows all GCC students to receive a free year-long GoPass transit pass good for free rides on all Metro and Beeline buses/trains, just in time for the 2022-2023 school year. 

With this partnership, Metro’s expanding GoPass program to eight community college districts in Los Angeles County. The addition of GCC comes at a crucial time for enrollment, as more students reengage on campuses following two and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 “The GCC GoPass benefits every single student at GCC. It helps our in-person students reengage in an on-campus environment that is such an important part of the college experience,” said GCC Board President Ann Ransford. “The pass is also an important tool for our students who continue to take their classes remotely online because they can use it for any reason and on all participating transit lines. By using it for school, work or play, the pass truly opens up a whole new world.” 

“I’m so glad that Metro’s GoPass Program has finally arrived for community college students in my home city of Glendale!” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “This program is one of Metro’s most transformative efforts to help Los Angeles County students gain access to educational opportunities while helping increase Metro ridership. We want to do everything we can to encourage all community colleges in L.A. County to take advantage of this unique opportunity to provide these and other key benefits for students.” 

Any GCC student taking just one unit or more on the Verdugo or Garfield Campus is eligible to receive a free GCC GoPass, which allows students to ride free on Glendale Beeline, all Metro Bus and Rail lines, Pasadena Transit, LA County Shuttles, LADOT Dash, City of Commerce, Culver CityBus, Foothill Transit, GTrans, Long Beach Transit, Montebello Bus, Norwalk Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Torrance Transit.  

“I was so excited when I heard GCC was offering this program to students,” said GCC student Myllena Cristyna Braz Da Silva. “Being able to wake up and not have to worry about how I am going to pay for my bus ride feels like a dream.” 

 “Data shows us that since its initial rollout, GoPass has engaged more of our County’s students as riders and, as a result, is increasing their access to more opportunities,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Finance Committee Chair Kathryn Barger. “This new partnership also has excellent timing since Metro is preparing to open the new K (Crenshaw) Line and Regional Connector in the coming months. I’m proud of these big steps forward that create more transit connectivity to different corners of our County.”

“On behalf of Glendale City Council, we were proud to vote to fund the Beeline portion of this program,” said Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “The City and GCC are community partners who are committed to providing all of our citizens access to education. I’ve taught at this college and have witnessed first-hand how important public transportation can be to many of these students. It can be the difference maker in terms of success. It can change the course of a person’s life for the better.” 

The lack of affordable or reliable transportation is a frequently cited barrier to regular school attendance and the cost barrier to transit disproportionately impacts low-income households. Metro’s GoPass Program helps participating L.A. County students better manage the ever-rising cost of living. By providing a free transit pass good for unlimited access to public transportation not just to school, but for extracurricular activities, work, and any other destination, making it an invaluable transportation choice.     

The program that serves K-12 school districts in addition to community college districts is increasingly popular.  In the first year of the program, for example, students from participating schools and school districts rode transit nearly 5.6 million times.  Over 90 percent of boardings are occurring Monday through Friday, with the highest usage peaking at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is consistent with school hours.   

“With GoPass, GCC students have the freedom to get to where they need to go quickly and reliably while helping us remove cars from the road and reducing the harmful effects of climate change,” said Stephanie N. Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “I thank the administration of GCC for partnering with us and we look forward to seeing more GCC students on our system!” 

The GoPass Program has grown by leaps and bounds since its official launch in 2021.  Metro has already added 14 new school districts for Year 2 and is in the process of adding 10 more.  Metro seeks to double participation in the program over the next year.   

GCC students interested in obtaining a GCC GoPass can sign up for the GoPass program through the district’s basic needs office, GCC CARES. Students will be contacted at the beginning of Fall semester with instructions on how to pick-up the pass or request it by mail. 
 

To obtain more information about Metro’s GoPass Fareless Pass Program, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/gopass. 
 

About Glendale Community College 

Glendale Community College is a dynamic institution with more than 25,000 students. They are enrolled in college-credit at the Verdugo Campus, continuing education at the Garfield Campus, community services classes held throughout the community, and the Professional Development Center (PDC) located in Montrose. The college serves an ethnically diverse student body with no single group forming a majority. 

The faculty has used its energy to develop a wide-ranging curriculum intended to prepare students for the 21st century. Student services faculty provide invaluable academic, career, and financial counseling to students. Today the goal of those farsighted citizens of Glendale has been achieved. Higher education is available to all who come to Glendale Community College. 

About Metro 

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. 
 
Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
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 Glendale Beeline

Glendale Beeline operates twelve fixed routes serving the cities of Glendale and La Cañada Flintridge and the unincorporated areas of La Crescenta and Montrose. The Beeline functions primarily as a community circulator system that complements the regional transit service provided to Glendale residents by Metro routes. Our goal is to get you to your destination in a safe, enjoyable and timely manner. Whether you’re a first time rider or a seasoned transit pro, riding the Beeline Bus is easy! Glendaleca.gov/beeline

The post Glendale Community College, L.A. Metro, Glendale Beeline Partner to offer GoPass Free Transit Pass Program to All Students for Start of School Year   appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) commemorates Rail Safety Month in September by launching a comprehensive rail safety campaign that reminds everyone that “Safety Begins With You” and to practice safe behavior around Metro trains at all times.   

The campaign launches Sept. 1 in the communities along Metro’s rail lines, including those in South Los Angeles near the soon-to-open K Line. The campaign educates both pedestrian and drivers on the importance of train safety and includes several special Metro Safety Kids videos that focus on the key Do’s and Don’ts when riding Metro trains. The safety videos will be promoted throughout September on YouTube, Connected TV, Spotify, Snapchat, and TikTok. Each video promotes a safety message:  

• Always stay behind the yellow line
  
• Look both ways
  
• Never walk on train tracks

• No bike riding on platform

“As we approach the opening of Metro’s K Line later this year, rail safety couldn’t be more important for the communities who will live, work and play next to this new rail line,” said Ara Najarian, Metro Board Chair and City of Glendale Councilmember. “We urge everyone to practice safe behavior around Metro trains as we continue to expand the Metro Rail System throughout our county.”

In addition to Rail Safety Month activities, Metro’s Rail Safety team will join with Metrolink and Amtrak to kick off Rail Safety Month with interactive informational booths at Los Angeles Union Station’s East Portal on Thursday, September 1from 7:30 am to 10 a.m.

Metro will also add safety-related messages on the exterior of Metro trains to remind patrons how to practice train safety. 

Metro’s Rail Safety Program seeks to increase awareness of rail safety through interactive and informative educational programs. The team conducts workshops year-round to provide educational information and safety tips when riding or interacting with trains in the communities along Metro’s light rail system.

“The safety of Metro’s customers is our top priority, and that includes the safety of kids on and around our system,” said Stephanie N. Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Rail Safety Month gives us an opportunity to highlight our rules and best practices for safe riding and remind the public that rail safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Metro reminds all pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and commuters to follow these safety tips near train rails and stations:

• Never walk on or around train tracks.
• Never go around lowered crossing gates.
• Obey all warning signals and devices.
• Look and listen for trains in both directions.
• Never run to catch the train.

To learn more about Metro’s Rail Safety Program, visit metro.net/railsafety.  

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving.  Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandem

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 Reminds Everyone That “Safety Begins With You” Around Metro Trains appeared first on LA Metro.

Just in time for back to school, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announces a partnership with Target, who has agreed to sponsor Inglewood Unified School District’s GoPass participation for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.

This will mean that nearly 8,000 students enrolled in Inglewood Unified School District will be eligible for the GoPass Tap Card allowing them unlimited free rides on Metro buses and trains and on other participating municipal transit operators enrolled in the Metro GoPass Fareless Program.

“Hats off to Target and Metro in forging this partnership funding deal that marks the first business sponsorship of the GoPass Fareless Program for K-14 students, and we hope it will be the first of many to come as the programs grows in popularity,” said Glendale City Councilmember and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian.

Transportation is a big cost to families, and lack of access to transportation sometimes results in kids missing school. The GoPass Program provides financial relief by offering students grades K-14 and attending participating schools with unlimited access to transit ensuring they always have a way to get to school. And because their pass is valid all day, every day, students can also use the GoPass for other activities such as commuting to a weekend job or attending sporting and cultural events, promoting social equity, and providing greater access to economic opportunities.

“This represents a win-win for Inglewood Students and Metro as major corporations like Target begin to realize the importance of this program and how attracting new younger riders to the Metro system benefits all of us in the long run,” said Inglewood Mayor and Metro Board Member James T. Butts. “I applaud Target and Metro for working together to make this a reality.”

“Moving to a fareless system is one of our most effective tools to help alleviate financial burdens and achieve equitable outcomes, especially for our young people  who have already taken over 5.6 million trips since the GoPass program began last October,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member, Holly J. Mitchell. “The high demand for this program further highlights the importance of creative partnerships like this that invest in community needs and make public transit more accessible.” 

“We are extremely grateful for the generous support that Target has made by purchasing 8,000 GoPass TAP cards for all of our students, who will now have access to free public transportation for a year. This is a reflection of Target and Metro’s commitment to our Inglewood students, families, and community”, said County Administrator for Inglewood Unified School District, Dr. Erika Torres.

“We know that private-public partnerships can be instrumental in solving some of our greatest challenges. And one of those challenges is ensuring our region’s young people can get to school, learn, graduate and succeed,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “The availability of transportation is critical in ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors can do that. I’m grateful that Target recognizes the importance of investing in the neighborhoods they serve in such a powerful way.”

Metro’s GoPass Program has been a tremendous success and continues to expand as more and more school districts enroll in the program. In the 2021-2022 school year, the program had 51 participating K-12 districts and charter networks and 14 community colleges participating.

In addition, nearly 140,000 participating students took over 5.5. million trips on Metro and 12 partner transit agencies. Metro is starting the second year of the Pilot with over 20 new K-12 districts and two new community colleges joining the program. Metro’s goal for the second year of the program is to double boardings and participants. To find out about the GoPass program and the school district signed up as well as participating transit agencies honoring the GoPass program go to metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/GoPass.

Target and Metro will work together to give every Inglewood Unified student needed access to reliable, clean, safe transportation. In addition, Metro continues to seek funding sources to extend the GoPass program beyond the June 30, 2023 pilot end date including state and federal funding and additional sponsorships.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 GoPass Program Expands to Inglewood Unified School District with Target Sponsoring Participation for the 2022-2023 School Year appeared first on LA Metro.

“This is a historic day for Metro and our union representing the men and women who operate our fleet of buses and trains and really represents true collaboration and leadership from both Metro and our workers reflecting our shared commitment to serving the people of our region,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian.

The approved contract agreement ensures fair and equitable labor costs for both the agency and for Metro employees and their families, a major milestone as the region recovers from the pandemic.

“Our bus and train operators have been there when we needed them the most, and I want to thank them for their tireless commitment to the people of L.A. County,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “This new agreement with SMART provides our bus and rail operators with competitive salaries and benefits, helping us to improve retention, grow our operator ranks, and improve performance to deliver a transit experience that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

The agreement includes the ability to hire full-time bus operators and external recruitment of train operators which provides flexibility in scheduling without impacting existing staffing.  One of the lessons learned from the pandemic was the need to address fatigue and stress.  The agreement also reduces the amount of ordered call backs for full time employees.

“This is an historic, record setting contract agreement,” said John M. Ellis, General Chairman, SMART-TD GO-875. “We believe that this new contract represents a significant improvement and protection in wages and benefits for our 4,600 + members and their families. The overwhelmingly positive vote was a strong indicator that union members were pleased with the agreement and the new contract represents a monumental accomplishment”. 

The new contract provides a starting rate of $23 an hour, an increase from the current $20.49 an hour with a top rate increasing from $33.21 to $42.07 for full time operators. In addition, the time it takes to progress to the top rate is reduced from 11 to 5 years. The average annual adjustments is 3.4 percent compounded annually over the life of the contract. The new agreement will require a budget increase  estimated at $46.5 million, which is 0.5 percent of Metro’s total $8.8-billion budget for FY23. Salary adjustments will be retroactive to July 1.

With the new agreement in place, Metro has scheduled a series of additional Bus Operator Hiring Events over the next few months to hire additional operators for an exciting career in transportation.

Metro Bus Operator Hiring Events include:

• Saturday, Aug. 27 (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) at Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glenn.

• Saturday, Sept. 24 (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Rio Hondo College, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.

• Saturday, Oct. 29 (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Metro’s Operator Central Instruction, 490 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Approves Contract Agreement with SMART Union Representing Agency Bus and Rail Operators and Scheduling Analysts appeared first on LA Metro.

The K Line, also referred to as the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, is officially expected to open later this year. The station is located between the intersections of Redondo Boulevard and West Boulevard in the Fairview Heights community in Inglewood.  It will serve as a bridge between Inglewood and the greater Los Angeles region and is also less than a mile from Edward Vincent Jr. Park. This park contains the historical Centinela Springs, soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, picnic areas, an Olympic-size pool and veterans center.

Also nearby are several housing developments, local mom-and-pop businesses and schools including Centinela Elementary School and St. Mary’s Academy. 

As an additional station amenity, Metro will also open a 200-space park-and-ride lot directly across the street, making auto/transit trip making much easier for commuters in Fairview Heights and surrounding communities. 

“With a park and ride lot and planned connections to a new Metro active transportation corridor, Fairview Heights Station will play a prominent role in meeting Inglewood’s future multi-modal transportation needs,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “It will add tremendous convenience for residents and visitors who want to avoid congested streets and highways by choosing instead to walk, bike and ride Metro Bus and Rail.” 

Metro is now building a 5.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle path that will connect directly with Fairview Heights K Line Station, Silver Line and the A Line (Blue) Slauson Station. The $143 million project, called the Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor Project, will be built along the former Harbor Subdivision, and represents a substantial local and state transportation investment for the underserved communities of South Los Angeles.  The project is expected to be completed in 2024. 

“These and other projects make it much easier to get around South Los Angeles, especially for those who depend on walking, biking and transit as their primary means of transportation,” said Metro Board First Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker.  “Metro is making a huge investment in better mobility for South Los Angeles communities that will benefit future generations of residents.”

Metro has also had a hand in building new affordable housing near Fairview Heights Station. Just across the street from the station are the Fairview Heights Apartments. It is a transit-oriented development built jointly by Metro and the County of Los Angeles. The 101-unit apartment complex provides 50 units for permanent supportive housing for people who were once homeless and 50 affordable housing units for low-income families.  

“Fairview Heights is rich with community organizing energy, from vital community-led projects like the Rail to River bike and pedestrian path and Fairview Heights Apartments low-income housing to decades-old organizations serving community needs like Maranatha Community Church and Chuco’s Justice Center,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.  “As we introduce new opportunity through the opening of the Fairview Heights station along the K Line, I know we can continue building on that legacy with Metro as a partner.”

The station will also provide an essential transit link for commuters heading to other key downtown Inglewood destinations as well as Los Angeles and the Westside via connections with the E Line (Expo).  Another nearby station, Aviation/Century, is projected to open in fall 2023 and will provide access to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), hotels and is one stop away from the C Line (Green). 

Metro Airport Metro Connector Project, which will provide a connection to LAX, is planned to open in late 2024, giving Fairview Heights community members close access by train to the airport for the first time.

The Fairview Heights station offers residents and riders quicker, car-free access to Inglewood’s entertainment venues such as The Kia Forum and SoFi Stadium.

“The K Line will continue to be part of the amazing expansion and growth of Inglewood, the new entertainment capitol in Southern California,” said Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member James Butts. “This rail line will provide Inglewood residents and visitors from all over our region with quick access to a revitalized downtown, not to mention our newly built SoFi stadium and other sports and entertainment venues.”  

“L.A. Metro’s Fairview Heights K Line Station brings rail transit to the doorstep of residents who will eventually benefit from an array of rail, bus, bicycling and walking connectivity never seen before in Inglewood,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “I am looking forward to the immediate benefits this station will bring Inglewood, especially for those who are trying to improve their quality of life.”

During Metro’s station dedication ceremony today, the agency also celebrated the importance of station art. Officials recognized Fairview Heights station commemorative pin contest winner, high school student Isabella Gonzalez. All K Line stations include artwork commissioned through the agency’s Metro Art program.  Artists were selected through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of community-based arts professionals.

Artwork commissioned for the Fairview Heights station features murals by Kim Schoenstadt that portray hybrid structures based on existing and historical buildings from the surrounding neighborhood.

For additional information about the project, please visit https://kline.metro.net/about-fairview-heights/

For more information about Metro Art, please visit metro.net/art. 

Other Quotes:

Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles and Metro Board Member

“The Fairview Heights station is a clear example of how investment in transportation infrastructure can be life-changing, especially for the residents who need access to reliable and cost-effective transit,” said Mayor of Los Angeles and Metro Board Member Eric Garcetti. “This station will provide an array of opportunities to residents in this area — bringing them closer not only to job centers but parks, sports venues, and our airport.”

The post New Fairview Heights K Line Station to Provide Community Connectivity to Key Inglewood Destinations, Future Metro Rail to Rail Project appeared first on LA Metro.

This will enable 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. The grant also funds related workforce development and training activities.

“Metro is thankful to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his talented team at the Federal Transit Administration for issuing a $104 million Low or No Emission Grant for our agency,” said Glendale City Councilmember and Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. “This grant for Metro’s Zero Emission Bus and Infrastructure Deployment Project will help bring our agency closer to having a fully electric bus fleet in the coming decade. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to personally thank the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation – and of course – our Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation for supporting Metro’s successful effort to secure these valuable federal funds.”

The grant, announced today by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is being provided through a nationwide competitive process in which Metro submitted an application for the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program.

“The J Line, aka the Silver Line, is a vital link for our regional economy, but residents of Wilmington and San Pedro should never have to pay a price for it with their health,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board 2^nd Vice Chair Janice Hahn. “We need to fight air pollution in our communities with all the tools and technologies available, and with this switch to a fully electrified J Line, we’re accomplishing that.”

“As we navigate rising temperatures, longer and more severe droughts, and a myriad of other consequences of human-made climate change, let’s not forget our commitment to future generations,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Through electrifying our transportation system we have so much ground to gain in the fight against climate change — cleaner air, lower emissions, and healthier communities. This historic investment brings us another step closer to meeting our goals and furthers our fight against climate change.” 

“We are appreciative of the strong support from the federal government in Metro’s commitment to convert its entire fleet of buses to zero-emission electric buses,” said Metro Board Member and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These federal grant funds will also be used for workforce training for the operation and maintenance of our growing zero-emission bus fleet – which is vitally important in providing good jobs for those that need them the most.”

“Metro’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation has never been stronger,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “This grant will strengthen our agency’s efforts to provide clean, dependable zero emission bus service to millions of transit riders.  Thank you to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, members of the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, and the Metro Board of Directors for supporting this grant request. I cant wait to get these new buses on the road!”

The restructuring of Metro bus service to be zero emission is incorporated into Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan that is reorganizing bus service to be faster, more frequent, reliable, and accessible for Metro riders.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 USDOT Awards $104 Million Federal Grant to L.A. Metro for Zero Emission Electric Buses and Infrastructure appeared first on LA Metro.

In advance of the opening of the K Line later this year, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today held a station dedication celebration for the community at the future Leimert Park Station.

The station dedication brought together residents, students, businesses, community leaders and advocates to recognize their efforts to reach this point in the project and to showcase the line’s amenities prior to its official opening.

The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, now the K Line, represents a $2 billion public transportation investment for the communities in the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood and El Segundo. The last time rail transit served the Crenshaw Corridor was approximately 70 years ago. Yellow Cars stopped serving local streets in 1955.

The project will extend light rail from the existing Metro E Line (Expo) at Crenshaw and Exposition Boulevards to the C Line (Green). The eight-station K Line will travel 8.5 miles and serve communities in Los Angeles, Inglewood and El Segundo, along with portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County.

“The residents of Leimert Park and the Crenshaw Corridor have waited years to see a return on their investment of time, money, and patience since this rail line was first proposed over 30 years ago,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This investment in South Los Angeles has been a long time coming and I am happy to see that residents in the Crenshaw Corridor will be able to have easy access to Metro’s fast and efficient transit system within their community.”

The station dedication ceremony also included a train ride and windshield tour from the Leimert Park Station to the Martin L. King, Jr. Station. The ceremony highlighted the cultural uniqueness of Leimert Park, which includes the Leimert Park Village and several historic artistic and musical venues and its proximity to several legacy businesses and restaurants in the Crenshaw Corridor.

“The Leimert Park Station represents the vision and hard work of Metro staff, residents, and community leaders who were intentional about ensuring the art, culture and history that is unique to Leimert Park is felt and honored,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “It has been a long road to get to this point. As a third generation Angeleno who grew up in this neighborhood, I look forward to this station and the K Line being part of the fabric of our community.”

Public officials also recognized early project champions, small businesses, local performing artists and Leimert Park station commemorative pin contest winner, high school student Jewel Cox.

“The K Line is integral to L.A.’s transportation future — and this first station dedication shows how close we are bringing world-class public transportation to South Los Angeles,” said Metro Board Member and Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Once complete this fall, this new line will open doors of opportunity for riders across Los Angeles — and is a clear indication of our commitment to make Los Angeles a more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive city.”

“About 70 years ago, Angelenos were able to ride the Yellow Car which traveled in the center island on Crenshaw Boulevard carrying passengers from North Los Angeles to South Los Angeles,” said Metro Second Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. “Now we are able to restore that memory and Angelenos will once again have a safe, fast efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective rail line along the Crenshaw Corridor.”

“With the K Line, we are delivering on a promise made long ago to South Los Angeles communities,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “The newest addition to Metro’s rail network will reshape and transform this city, helping residents and visitors get around one of the most dynamic and exciting parts of our community. We could not have constructed this project without the help of the K Line’s many champions, who have worked tirelessly with us over the years to ensure we deliver a project that meets the community’s need for better mobility. I can’t wait to welcome our first customers aboard!”

All K Line stations include artwork commissioned through the agency’s Metro Art program. Artists were selected through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of community-based arts professionals. Artworks commissioned for the Leimert Park Station include Talking Drums by Ingrid Calame, a mosaic mural by Mickalene Thomas and porcelain enamel art panels on the platform level by Dean Erdmann.

“The K Line stations are like open air art galleries, with spectacular examples of collaboration with Metro to help residents express how they feel about their communities through art,” said Inglewood Mayor and Metro Board Member James T. Butts. “With the K Line there are key connections to spectacular venues, job centers and beaches throughout the region – the K Line is game changer. The completion of the K Line is a demonstration of our commitment to rebuilding a transit network to bring equitable transportation to every resident.”

Metro will hold additional station dedication ceremonies for other communities along the line in anticipation of the line’s official opening.

For additional information about the project, please visit https://www.metro.net/projects/crenshaw_corridor. For more information about Metro Art, please visit at metro.net/art.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving.  Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Hosts Dedication Celebration to Showcase Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project’s Leimert Park Station Amenities, Art and Neighborhood Impact appeared first on LA Metro.

In advance of the opening of the K Line later this year, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today held a new station dedication celebration at the future Expo/Crenshaw station in the Crenshaw District.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, U.S. Congress Members Maxine Waters and Karen Bass, Calif. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Metro Board Chair and Glendale Council Member Ara Najarian, fellow board members and Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins joined local officials to recognize community leaders, advocates and residents for their efforts to help the project reach this point.   

“This is a monumental accomplishment that many have referred to as the most important investment in the heart of Los Angeles’ Black community in decades,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.  “This is a good investment in good public transit that will bring new businesses, housing and economic development right here.” 

The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, now the K Line, represents a $2 billion public transportation investment from Metro’s federal, state and local partners that will serve communities in the cities of Los Angeles, Inglewood and El Segundo.  This investment provides an essential link for passengers heading to key destinations in downtown Los Angeles, the Westside and Los Angeles International Airport.

The project will extend light rail from the existing Metro E Line (Expo) at Crenshaw and Exposition Boulevards to the C Line (Green) in El Segundo.  The Expo/Crenshaw station will serve as a transfer station for the E and K Lines, which will allow passengers to transfer between rail lines via a short walk.   The eight-station K Line will travel 8.5 miles and serve communities in South Los Angeles and the South Bay.  Rams and Chargers fans and concert goers will eventually have easier access to SoFi stadium in Inglewood, as the Downtown Inglewood station is just a mile away.   

The U.S. Department of Transportation provided an array of federal funding, which included funds from TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, Highway Infrastructure Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program for a total of $263.9 million.

“Transit all over our country has the ability to be the great equalizer, bringing the same chance to work, learn and play to everyone who steps aboard,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “In this critically important part of Los Angeles, thousands of people will have a fast, safe, reliable way to connect with their community. When Metro Airport Connect is finished, it’s a short train ride to LAX, where they can connect with the whole world.”

The State of California contributed funds from Proposition 1B (Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement and Service Enhancement Account and the State and Local Partnership Program) and Regional Improvement Program, totaling to over $215 million.

“Metro’s rail investment in our South L.A. communities is more than just about expanding the transit system, it’s about creating greater mobility, jobs, access to opportunity and improved quality of life for residents in this corridor,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian.  “As we near the opening of this critical new line, we are celebrating with the community as well as our local, state and federal partners who helped make this line a reality.”

The project also received over $1.6 billion in local funding directly from L.A. County voter approved initiatives such as Proposition A, Measures R and M and Proposition C.  Funds were also provided by local agency contributions and Metro’s general fund.

“The K Line is a long-awaited promise of transit equity for South Los Angeles,” said Metro Board First Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker.  “This line will be complemented by projects in the pipeline such as the K Line Northern Extension, the Airport Metro Connector and the C Line Extension, all of which will serve as a nexus to other transit lines.  Additionally, passengers will benefit from enhanced first/last mile connections which includes buses, bikes, Metro Micro and walking.”

The Crenshaw/LAX project also offered many residents within the alignment an opportunity to work on the project.  As part of Metro’s project labor agreement (PLA) and construction careers policy, the project exceeded the following workforce requirements:

• Metro’s goal to hire 40 percent targeted workers from an economically disadvantaged community was exceeded by 20 percent, reaching 60 percent of targeted workers on the project.

• Metro’s goal to hire 20 percent apprentice workers actually reached 23.51 percent.
• Metro’s goal to recruit and hire 10 percent disadvantaged workers or socially barriered individuals reached 10.31 percent.

“The K Line is integral to L.A.’s transportation future — and this station dedication shows how close we are bringing world-class public transportation to South Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Member Eric Garcetti. “Once complete this fall, this new line will open doors of opportunity for riders across Los Angeles — and is a clear indication of our commitment to make Los Angeles a more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive city.”

The station dedication ceremony also included a brief train ride from the Martin L. King, Jr. station to Expo/Crenshaw station. The ceremony highlighted the regional importance of the transfer stations, station art and nearby historic neighborhoods.  Public officials also recognized and featured early project champions, small businesses, local performing artists and Expo/Crenshaw station commemorative pin contest winner, high school student Jada Harmon.

All K Line stations include artwork commissioned through the agency’s Metro Art program.  Artists were selected through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of community-based arts professionals.  Artworks commissioned for the Expo/Crenshaw Station include mosaic murals by Rebeca Méndez, a glass pavilion by Erwin Redl and porcelain enamel panels by Jaime Scholnick.

“As a former resident of South Los Angeles, I am happy to see how the station-specific art uplifts our customers, marks each station as unique and contributes to a sense of place in local communities,” said Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member James Butts.  “On the K Line, art is a station-defining element that builds on the creative vitality and cultural richness of our Crenshaw area communities.”  

“My vision is for Metro to be Angelenos’ first choice for transportation. The K Line is a transformative, meaningful investment to help the people of Crenshaw, Inglewood, and south Los Angeles access jobs, opportunity, family, and fun,” said Stephanie N. Wiggins, Metro CEO. “Once other enhancements are complete, the K Line will not only be the first choice for transportation in the area, it will be the best choice for Angelenos to get to the Airport, SoFi Stadium, and destinations in Crenshaw and Inglewood. I can’t wait to welcome the first passengers aboard!”

For additional information about the project, please visit https://kline.metro.net

For more information about Metro Art, please visit at metro.net/art. 

The post U.S. Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg Joins Congressmembers Bass and Waters, L.A. Mayor Garcetti and LA Metro Board and CEO to Dedicate Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project’s (K Line) Expo/Crenshaw Station appeared first on LA Metro.

In advance of the opening of the K Line later this year, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today held a station dedication celebration for the community at the future Leimert Park Station.

The station dedication brought together residents, students, businesses, community leaders and advocates to recognize their efforts to reach this point in the project and to showcase the line’s amenities prior to its official opening. 

The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, now the K Line, represents a $2 billion public transportation investment for the communities in the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood and El Segundo. The last time rail transit served the Crenshaw Corridor was approximately 70 years ago. Yellow Cars stopped serving local streets in 1955.  

“The residents of Leimert Park and the Crenshaw Corridor have waited years to see a return on their investment of time, money, and patience since this rail line was first proposed over 30 years ago,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This investment in South Los Angeles has been a long time coming and I am happy to see that residents in the Crenshaw Corridor will be able to have easy access to Metro’s fast and efficient transit system within their community.”

The project will extend light rail from the existing Metro E Line (Expo) at Crenshaw and Exposition Boulevards to the C Line (Green).  The eight-station K Line will travel 8.5 miles and serve communities in Los Angeles, Inglewood and El Segundo, along with portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. 

The station dedication ceremony also included a train ride and windshield tour from the Leimert Park Station to the Martin L. King, Jr. Station. The ceremony highlighted the cultural uniqueness of Leimert Park, which includes the Leimert Park Village and several historic artistic and musical venues and its proximity to several legacy businesses and restaurants in the Crenshaw Corridor.

“The Leimert Park Station represents the vision and hard work of Metro staff, residents, and community leaders who were intentional about ensuring the art, culture and history that is unique to Leimert Park is felt and honored,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “It has been a long road to get to this point. As a third generation Angeleno who grew up in this neighborhood, I look forward to this station and the K Line being part of the fabric of our community.”

Public officials also recognized early project champions, small businesses, local performing artists and Leimert Park station commemorative pin contest winner, high school student Jewel Cox.

“The K Line is integral to L.A.’s transportation future — and this first station dedication shows how close we are bringing world-class public transportation to South Los Angeles,” said Metro Board Member and Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Once complete this fall, this new line will open doors of opportunity for riders across Los Angeles — and is a clear indication of our commitment to make Los Angeles a more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive city.”

“About 70 years ago, Angelenos were able to ride the Yellow Car which traveled in the center island on Crenshaw Boulevard carrying passengers from North Los Angeles to South Los Angeles,” said Metro Second Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. “Now we are able to restore that memory and Angelenos will once again have a safe, fast efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective rail line along the Crenshaw Corridor.”

“With the K Line, we are delivering on a promise made long ago to South Los Angeles communities,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins.  “The newest addition to Metro’s rail network will reshape and transform this city, helping residents and visitors get around one of the most dynamic and exciting parts of our community. We could not have constructed this project without the help of the K Line’s many champions, who have worked tirelessly with us over the years to ensure we deliver a project that meets the community’s need for better mobility. I can’t wait to welcome our first customers aboard!”

All K Line stations include artwork commissioned through the agency’s Metro Art program.  Artists were selected through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of community-based arts professionals.  Artworks commissioned for the Leimert Park Station include Talking Drums by Ingrid Calame, a mosaic mural by Mickalene Thomas and porcelain enamel art panels on the platform level by Dean Erdmann. 

“The K Line stations are like open air art galleries, with spectacular examples of collaboration with Metro to help residents express how they feel about their communities through art,” said Inglewood Mayor and Metro Board Member James T. Butts.  “With the K Line there are key connections to spectacular venues, job centers and beaches throughout the region – the K Line is game changer.  The completion of the K Line is a demonstration of our commitment to rebuilding a transit network to bring equitable transportation to every resident.”

Metro will hold additional station dedication ceremonies for other communities along the line in anticipation of the line’s official opening.

For additional information about the project, please visit https://www.metro.net/projects/crenshaw_corridor.  For more information about Metro Art, please visit at metro.net/art.

The post L.A. Metro Hosts Dedication Celebration to Showcase Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project’s Leimert Park Station Amenities, Art and Neighborhood Impact appeared first on LA Metro.

The pilot program will employ up to 300 transit ambassadors from diverse L.A. County communities who will be specially trained in customer service and rail and bus safety. Ambassadors will have a strong visible presence on the Metro system and help customers find their bus or rail line, purchase their fare, and more.  The program is an added layer to Metro’s overall public safety ecosystem that includes security, law enforcement, crisis response teams, and homeless outreach that advance the goal of a safer public transit system.

“This pilot program will be a win-win for our riders and employees when it launches later this year,” said Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Transit ambassadors on our trains, buses, and at key transit hubs will help riders navigate our system, assist them with fare payments, and quickly address their issues. They will play a critical role in making our system feel welcoming for all and in bringing back ridership.”

The Metro Transit Ambassador Program is modeled after others in San Francisco on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and in Philadelphia on Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) transit system, and is a critical initiative of the Customer Experience Plan and received input from the Public Safety Advisory Committee.

The program aims to have ambassadors on the Metro system from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, and during hours to support special events. The ambassadors will be welcoming faces on the system and will wear special uniforms, so riders easily identify them.  They will be equipped with cell phones and radios to contact appropriate Metro staff for assistance easily.

Prior to being deployed, all transit ambassadors must complete training by Metro that will include cultural and situational awareness, unconscious bias training, disability awareness, customer service, trauma-informed response, and other personal and public safety courses.

Ambassadors will be supplied under contract for up to five years to Metro by Strive Well-Being Inc., a Small Business Enterprise firm for $27.76 million, and RMI International Inc. (RMI), a Minority Business Enterprise firm for $95.09 million. The total contract value is estimated at $122.8 million.

Using already established organizations and personnel to develop ambassadors for the program, Strive Well-Being proposes recruiting ambassadors from three community-based organizations: Union Station Homeless Services, Communities Actively Living Independently & Free, and Homeboy Industries. RMI proposes to supplement its recruitment of ambassadors by working with WorkSource Regional Business Services and the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board. Both companies proposed offering starting pay above LA’s living wage.

Metro riders in recent surveys showed overwhelming support for a Transit Ambassador Program. Riders noted they wanted to see more Metro staff riding the system and assisting patrons. The pilot program will be housed with Metro’s Customer Experience Department.  As the program evolves, Metro will use customer feedback and other data to refine the program.

“It is our top priority to improve the customer experience – including making sure our riders feel safe,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “In the coming months, we expect customers will see a noticeable difference with our transit ambassadors in place. Once they deploy, transit ambassadors will greet riders and help our customers have positive interactions with our system. Ambassadors will also work closely with community-based crisis intervention teams and be able to call dedicated safety personnel when needed quickly. Thank you to the Metro Board of Directors for approving this new program; I look forward to its full deployment.”

For more information, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com.

Additional Quotes:

Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member

“To every Metro rider, bus driver, maintenance worker, friend, family member and every day Angeleno who has called me office with concerns about safety on Metro, we hear you. The LA Metro Board has been focused on proven investments to make Metro safer. Transit Ambassadors will serve as an unarmed, trained, friendly presence to welcome people to Metro every day, to help people navigate Metro, and to help riders respond to situations so they don’t feel deserted on our system. We look forward to new contractors who will help ensure Transit Ambassadors become a part of the fabric of our communities and our transit system.”

Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member

“Our priority as Metro Board members is to ensure that our riders are safe while using our system. I am grateful to the Public Safety Advisory Committee, which has helped shape this transformative initiative to make Metro safer and more enjoyable for all of our riders.”

Mike Bonin, Los Angeles City Council Member and Metro Board Member

“This is another huge step by Metro to create a transit system that is safe and welcoming for all        passengers. With this significant investment in transit ambassadors, along with crisis response          teams and enhanced homelessness outreach, Metro is at the forefront of reimagining public                  safety. I applaud the work of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, which elevated the voices          of passengers and pushed for this transformative change.”

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Metro Board Second Vice Chair

“Metro’s new pilot Transit Ambassador Program will make our system a more welcoming experience for all and will help in our efforts to both retain and attract new riders to the system. I’m glad to see that our contractors have been assigned a small business utilization goal to ensure that their staffing will reflect the communities they serve.” 

Note to Editor: : Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Board Approves Bold New Transit Ambassador Program to Help Improve the Customer Experience appeared first on LA Metro.

Changes to the bus system will include more frequent service restored to our busiest bus lines as Metro begins the process of returning to pre-pandemic levels of bus service with the hiring of additional bus operators.  Metro will continue to restore service over the coming months as more operators are hired.

Riders can check any changes to their bus line or lines at metro.net/mybus – all the new timetables effective June 26 are located at this link. We will also be printing new timetables that will be available later this month on board buses and at Metro Customer Centers.

The upcoming changes include a limited number of route modifications related to construction impacts. Metro Line (130) will become Long Beach Transit Route 141 as was detailed in Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan. The following bus lines will see minor route modifications: the 4, 30, 33, 70, 106, 154, 164, 165, 605, 690 and the L Line (Gold) Shuttle.

Metro revised weekday and weekend service schedules and adjusted them to reflect today’s traffic levels. For riders, that means more buses will more often arrive on schedule. 

The following lines will have revised schedules weekdays, Saturday and Sunday to improve service reliability: the 4, 16, 20, 30, 33, 81, 92, 94, 117, 150, 152, 154, 182, 204, 206, 222, 232, 236, 267, 603, 605, 690 and 720.

The following lines will have revised schedules weekdays only to improve service reliability:

2, 10, 14, 20, 35/38, 37, 45, 48, 51, 53, 55, 60, 66, 70, 78, 81, 92, 102, 105, 108, 115, 117, 120, 125, 128, 152, 155, 161, 164, 165, 166, 167, 169, 205, 207, 210, 212, 217, 230, 240, 251, 260, 265, 487/489, 501, 577, 602, 754 and 761.

The following lines will have revised schedules Saturday only to improve service reliability:

The 40, 51, 60, 70, 102, 105, 108, 111, 115, 162, 164, 205, 207, 258, 344, 460 and 754.

The following line will have revised schedules Sunday only to improve service reliability: the 258.

Below are changes line-by-line along with links to the new schedules that begin June 26. One note: peak period hours on weekdays are generally from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the mornings and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the afternoon and evenings. 

2 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 7.5 minutes during weekday peak periods instead of every 10 minutes. New timetable here

4 – The new western terminus for the 4 Line will be on 6th Street just north of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. The 4 Line’s schedule will also be revised on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays to improve service reliability. New timetable here

16 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 5 to 6 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 7 to 7.5 minutes. New timetable here

28 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 6 to 8 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 10 minutes. During weekday midday hours, buses will run every 10 minutes instead of every 12 minutes. New timetable here

30 – The 30 bus will return to using 1st Street in both directions in downtown Los Angeles. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

33 – Buses will run every 7.5 minutes instead of every 10 minutes on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, buses will run every 10 minutes instead of every 12 minutes. Revised schedules will improve reliability. This line will have a new western terminus in Santa Monica on 5th Street, just north of Santa Monica Boulevard. That replaces the current terminus at 2nd and Santa Monica Blvd. New timetable here

51 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 5 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 6 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays and Saturday will improve service reliability. 

66 – A few more trips are being added on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays to ease crowding and add capacity. Revised schedules on weekdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

70 – The 70’s route in downtown Los Angeles is being changed. Westbound buses will use Grand Avenue and 18th Street and eastbound buses will use 17th and Olive Street. These are the same streets used by Metro Lines 76 and 78. New timetable

81 – (Adding Back Frequency) The bus will run every 15 minutes on weekdays instead of every 15 to 20 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

92 – (Adding Back Frequency) The bus will run every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays instead of every 40 to 45 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

106 – The bus will now use 1st Street in northeast downtown instead of Vines Street and Temple Street. New timetable here

111 – (Adding Back Frequency) The bus will run every 10 minutes on weekdays instead of every 12 minutes. A revised schedule on Saturdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

115 – Revised schedules on weekdays and Saturdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

125 – (Adding Back Frequency) The bus will run every 20 minutes at midday on weekdays instead of every 30 minutes. New timetable here

130 – Long Beach Transit is taking over this bus route from Metro— it will now be called Long Beach Transit Route 141. The route will remain the same and the schedule will be very similar to help make transfers convenient to Torrance Transit at the A Line (Blue) Artesia Station. New timetable here for Long Beach Transit Route 141.

150 – (Adding Back Frequency) The bus will run every 20 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 24 minutes. On weekends, the bus will run every 30 minutes instead of every 45 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

154 – This line will return to its previous route via the reopened Burbank Boulevard bridge over the 5 freeway in Burbank. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

164 – The 164 will no longer travel west of Platt Avenue in the western San Fernando Valley due to ridership. At Platt, the 164 will turn north on Platt, east on Vanowen Street, south on Fallbrook Avenue and then west on Victory Boulevard back toward downtown Burbank. Revised schedules on weekdays and Saturdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

165 – The 165 will no longer travel west of Platt Avenue due to ridership (this area will be served by Line 169). Westbound Line 165 will turn left from Vanowen onto Fallbrook Avenue, then right on Victory, right on Platt and then right back onto Vanowen for the eastbound trip to downtown Burbank. The 165 will also run every 15 minutes on weekdays instead of every 15 to 20 minutes. The westbound 165 will run every 8 minutes during the morning peak hours to help students get to their schools. New timetable here

177 – The 177 will run every 60 minutes on weekdays instead of every 30 minutes due to match current ridership. New timetable here

182 – Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturday and Sunday to improve service reliability. New bus stops are being added at the intersection of Fletcher Drive and Avenue 32 in both directions. New timetable here

204 – (Adding Back Frequency) The bus will run every 10 minutes on weekdays instead of every 12 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

212 – We’re adding a few more trips on weekdays to ease crowding and improve service reliability. New timetable here

230 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 35 minutes on Saturdays instead of every 45 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

232 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 15 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 20 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

233 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 10 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 12 minutes. New timetable here

251 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 7.5 minutes during weekday peak hours instead of every 9 to 10 minutes. Revised schedules on weekdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

501 – Buses will run every 30 minutes during peak hours on weekdays instead of every 20 minutes due to match ridership and to improve service reliability. New timetable here

577 – Buses will run every 45 minutes instead of every 30 minutes to match ridership and to improve service reliability. New timetable here

603 – Buses will run every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays instead of every 12 minutes to match ridership and to improve reliability. New timetable here

605 – Buses will run every 20 minutes on weekdays instead of every 15 minutes and buses will run every 40 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays to match ridership and improve service reliability. Route information will be updated to show the 605 uses Mission Road instead of State Street to serve County/USC Medical Center. New timetable here

690 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 25 minutes during weekday peak hours between Sylmar Station and Olive View Medical Center instead of every 50 minutes. At Olive View Medical Center, all eastbound 690 buses to Sunland will be rerouted using Reagan Road, Mesa Avenue and Kennedy Road — with two new bus stops. Westbound 690 buses will follow their current route. New timetable here

720 – (Adding Back Frequency) Eastbound 720 buses will run every 4 to 5 minutes and westbound buses will run every 3 to 5 minutes during weekday morning peak hours instead of every 5 to 6 minutes in both directions. Buses will run every 5 minutes instead of every 6 minutes during afternoon peak hours. Revised schedules on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

761 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 15 minutes instead of every 20 minutes on weekdays. Revised schedules on weekdays will improve service reliability. New timetable here

901 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 6 minutes instead of every 7.5 minutes during weekday peak hours. New timetable here

910/950 – (Adding Back Frequency) Buses will run every 5 minutes between El Monte Station and Harbor Gateway Transit Center during weekday peak hours instead of every 7.5 minutes. New timetable here

L Line Shuttle – With Regional Connector construction advancing, the shuttle will now use 1st Street in both directions instead of Vignes Street, Temple Street and Judge John Aiso Street.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.12 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 to Implement Bus Service Changes to Restore Service and Improve Reliability Effective Sunday, June 26 appeared first on LA Metro.

Friday, June 17, is the Annual National Dump the Pump Day which is celebrated across the nation as a way to reduce driving by hopping on board public transit.

With over 105 miles of Metro Rail lines in operation and over 2,000 Metro buses rolling throughout the region, not to mention Metrolink, vanpools, Metro Bike Share, Metro Mirco Transit and other ride share options available, it’s a perfect opportunity for the public to dump the pump and ride public transit and other travel alternatives.

Metro Micro is an on-demand shared ride service using vans for short trips within designated service zones in Los Angeles County. The technology behind this service allows riders to plan entire trips – both Metro Micro and their bus or train ride – in real-time using a single mobile app, internet browser or Metro’s call center. Riders are able to pay for the service by using their TAP card and TAP account or with a debit, credit or prepaid credit card. For more information, visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/microtransit.

Metro Bike Share offers a two-wheeled solution to high gas prices every day.  With just $1.75, users can check-out a bike for 30 minutes to make short trips and get to where they need to go within the Metro Bike share service areas.  Monthly passes are $17 and annual passes are $150.  With current gas prices where they are, an annual Bike Share pass is the equivalent of filling up your tank just twice a year. Users also have the opportunity to receive further savings if they qualify for LIFE and reduced fares. Go to metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/bikeshare for more details.

Metro also reminds the public to take advantage of the agency’s half-price transit passes. Metro’s deeply discounted promotional pass fares are still in force.

Metro’s regular 1-Day, 7-Day and 30-Day passes have been discounted a whopping 50 percent. Pass fares are now: $3.50 for a Day Pass; $12.50 for a Weekly Pass; $50 for a 30-Day Pass.

Discounted pass fares are available for purchase at all Metro TAP vending machines, Metro Customer Centers, TAP retail vendors throughout L.A. County and on taptogo.net.

What’s more, Metro continues to offer even steeper discounts for eligible low-income riders who enroll in the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) regional transportation assistance program. The  discount on a pass for LIFE participants is currently:

• $24 off a 30-day pass, additionally reducing the promotional fare to $26, less than $1 per day for unlimited rides on Metro.
• $6 off the current weekly pass for a total promotional cost of $6.50.

Metro encourages all riders who are qualified but not yet signed up to act now and take full advantage of this low-income fare assistance program. Discounts translate to less than a dollar a day for unlimited rides on the Metro Bus and Rail System. Low-income riders interested in participating in the program should visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/life for information on eligibility.

Enrolling in the LIFE Program is simple and it now only take a few minutes to complete. The application can be filled out online at https://www.metro.net/life or http://www.taptogo.net/life. Applications are available in both English and Spanish. Applications can also be emailed to Metro or delivered to a Metro Customer Center.  For more information on how to apply, visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/fares.

To obtain more information about all of Metro’s available discounted fare programs, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/fares.

Riding public transit is an extremely economical way to save money, particularly when gas prices are at record highs. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) if your household owns more than one car, you can choose to ride together or use public transit and save up to $10,000 in gas money every year.

In addition, public transportation helps communities grow and prosper. For example, every $1 invested in public transportation, results in $4 gained in economic returns, according to studies.

APTA first launched the National Dump the Pump Day in 2006 to encourage the use of public transit over solo driving to save time and money.

Metro reminds all riders that face masks are still required on public transit as per federal law.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Encourages Commuters to Take Advantage of Reduced Fares and Use Public Transit on Dump the Pump Day, Friday June 17 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Crenshaw Northern Extension will extend the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line north to the D Line (Purple) subway on Wilshire Boulevard and then continue to the B Line (Red) subway in Hollywood. Metro is currently drafting the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) based on the feedback received during the scoping period in spring 2021.    

The meetings will use the same Zoom link and will be held on the following dates and times:

• Thursday, June 16

Noon to 2 p.m.

Zoom meeting link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83798019843 

• Tuesday, June 21

6 to 8 p.m.  

Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83798019843 

Each meeting will use the same presentation. Simultaneous Spanish translation and interpretation services are available. 

The three routes under study follow busy travel corridors, serve major destinations and employment centers, and intersect with five of the busiest bus routes in the region. The routes will follow parts of San Vicente Boulevard, Fairfax Avenue or La Brea Avenue. 

Under the Measure M schedule, the project is slated to begin construction in 2041 and begin service in 2047. Metro, in partnership with the cities of West Hollywood and Los Angeles, are advancing the planning work to potentially accelerate the project. 

For more Information about the Crenshaw North Extension Project, please visit  metro.net/crenshawnorth. The project team can be reached at crenshawnorth@metro.net or 213.418.3093. 

The post L.A. Metro to Host Community Meetings for Crenshaw/LAX Northern Extension June 16 and 21 appeared first on LA Metro.

In preparation for the Biden Administration’s upcoming “Summit of the Americas” meeting scheduled in Los Angeles June 6 through 10, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has produced commemorative and collectible TAP cards that will be available to both conference attendees and L.A. County transit riders. 

The summit brings together leaders from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean to address challenges and opportunities in the Western hemisphere.  High-ranking government, business and civil society leaders will gather in Los Angeles to discuss cooperation on a wide range of key issues, including social inclusion, economic recovery, climate change, digital transformation and democracy.  The tri-annual meeting will mark the first time the United States has hosted the summit since its inaugural meeting in Florida in 1994.

“We couldn’t be prouder to host President Biden’s Summit of the Americas meeting here in the City of Angels,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Hilda L. Solis. “We want to show a North American audience that Los Angeles has a robust, expansive public transit system that stands head-to-head with other major North American transit systems. Our commemorative TAP cards will help meeting attendees traverse the region and see for themselves that Angelenos are making a substantial investment to turn the so-called Car Capital of the World into a Transit Capital.”

“President Biden is thrilled to host leaders from government, civil society, the private sector, and youth from across the hemisphere in Los Angeles for the Ninth Summit of the Americas,” said Official U.S. National Summit Coordinator Kevin O’Reilly. “LA’s diverse and innovative community is the perfect backdrop for our important work to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.”

Metro has produced 2,000 special Summit of the Americas TAP cards for the meeting.  Approximately 500 commemorative TAP cards loaded with a 7-Day Pass will be provided to conference attendees to use during their weeklong stay.  These 500 TAP cards will be offered to attendees of the Civil Society Forum, an official stakeholder event designed for direct engagement between leaders and independent civil society representatives from all the countries of the Americas. The Civil Society Forum will elevate voices from across the hemispheres focused on a wide range of issues to ensure democracy delivers for the people of the hemispheres. The remaining 1,500 TAP cards will be distributed to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis at Metro Customer Centers in Los Angeles County. For a list of Metro Customer Centers, click here.  

 “The arrival of the Summit of the Americas here in Los Angeles is yet another opportunity to demonstrate what a great option Metro is as an amazing, convenient mode of transportation around Los Angeles. We look forward to hosting these international visitors on our system who we hope will return home with a positive customer experience and a TAP card memento to prove it,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins.

Los Angeles County’s public transit system is the nation’s third largest transit system behind New York and Chicago.  It has an extensive range of transit services, including with four light rail lines, two subway lines, and more than 150 bus lines.  Thanks to earlier voter-approved transportation sales tax measures, Metro now boasts the nation’s largest, most ambitious transportation infrastructure building program that will add numerous new bus and rail lines to the L.A. region in the coming decades. 

For additional information, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com. 

The post L.A. Metro Supports Summit of Americas in Los Angeles June 6-10 with Commemorative, Collectible TAP Cards appeared first on LA Metro.

The project seeks to make it easier to take transit across the North Valley.  Members of the public interested in learning more about the project can now visit the project’s “StoryMap” online.

Metro will also be holding three upcoming community meetings. The first meeting will be virtual, with the other two held in Panorama City and Northridge respectively. Meeting dates are as follows:

• Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Link to virtual meeting is: bit.ly/nsfvmtg2.  Phone: 833.548.0276 (Toll Free).  Webinar ID: 820 6326 5414. 

• Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Panorama High School Auditorium, 8015 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402.  The meeting location can be accessed by Metro Lines 169, 233 & 761, LADOT DASH – Panorama City/Van Nuys and Metrolink – Ventura County Line.

• Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., The Orchard Conference Center, off Lindley Avenue north of The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330.  The meeting can be accessed by Metro Lines 158, 166, 167, 237 & 240, AV Line 787 (Monday-Friday during peak hours only), LADOT DASH – Northridge/Reseda and Metro Micro – Northwest San Fernando Valley. 

All Metro meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Spanish and Armenian translation will be provided. Other ADA accommodations and translations are available by calling 213.418.3082 at least 72 hours in advance. Those interested in sharing their feedback can visit the project website at metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/nsfvbrt, call 213.418.3082 or email northsfvbrt@metro.net.

The project team is currently studying an option that seeks to increase connectivity and provide high-quality bus service and transit infrastructure across the northern part of the Valley. An earlier version of the project aimed to build most of the improvements on a single Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The new approach will benefit more bus lines and more riders and is the result of extensive outreach and direction from the Metro Board of Directors.

Metro’s new approach includes various BRT elements, including: increased service frequencies during daytime weekdays on Roscoe Boulevard (Line 152) and Nordhoff Street (Line 166); improved travel times on up to seven corridors through new transit signal priority and bus bulbs; peak-hour weekday bus lanes on Roscoe Boulevard between Lankershim and Topanga Canyon Boulevards; nearly 400 new bus shelters at the busiest stops along multiple Valley corridors; new amenities like larger shelters, more seating, real-time and wayfinding information, and lighting at five busy bus stops, including the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) bus station; all-door boarding on bus lines across the Valley, and; new zero-emission electric buses on up to four busy Valley corridors. All these project elements can be delivered 18-24 months sooner than a new single bus rapid transit line.

For additional project information, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/nsfvbrt. 

The post L.A. Metro to Hold Community Meetings for North San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project June 15 through 21 appeared first on LA Metro.

As part of this pilot, LACDMH will staff Metro-dedicated psychiatric mobile response teams (consisting of at least one licensed mental health clinician and one other mental health professional or paraprofessional), co-response teams (consisting of one clinician and one law enforcement officer trained in mental health crisis response) and community ambassador network teams (consisting of outreach and engagement staff). Once assigned, LACDMH and Metro will work together to deploy these teams where needed within distinct areas of the Metro system to de-escalate crises, provide linkage to appropriate mental health services and educate the community. LACDMH will provide mental health training to METRO staff enterprise-wide and has also commissioned a study to assess and help guide the program as it is implemented.

“Throughout our communities, we see the impacts of a growing mental health crisis, and our Metro buses and rail cars are no exception,” said Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who authored a motion in January of this year to implement critical mental health support and connections to resources including housing on Metro’s transit system. “Many of our residents, especially our essential workers, depend on Metro to get to and from work. We owe it to them to ensure their safety while also providing a compassionate approach to individuals in crisis. That is why I authored the motion to facilitate a partnership between our Department of Mental Health and Metro, and today we formalize that agreement. This will enable the County to deploy mobile crisis response teams to provide services and resources to those in crisis on our Metro lines and put forward a model of how we can utilize a care first approach for residents in need.”

Psychiatric mobile response, co-response and community ambassador network teams are all existing LACDMH services that have proven to be effective for crisis intervention, service linkage and community outreach in other field-based settings throughout L.A. County.

“Anyone who has taken Metro knows there is a mental health crisis on our transit system,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored the October 2021 motion to initiate talks between the Department of Mental Health and Metro. “With this new agreement, our Department of Mental Health will place teams of trained mental health professionals on our buses and trains so that they can respond to people in crisis, de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, and connect people with the long-term treatment and support they need.”

“This novel agreement heralds the creation of a powerful, collaborative partnership between LACDMH and Metro that will allow us to apply multiple approaches to improve community safety and increase access to services,” said Jonathan Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., Director of LACDMH. “At the end of the day, this mutual commitment will help us realize a better transportation system and at the same time triage those in need to relevant resources including behavior health treatment and housing.”

LACDMH will work with Metro Transit Security to identify “hotspots” with high need for crisis response and to provide crisis intervention and de-escalation skills training to Metro’s security staff. LACDMH and Metro will also continually assess and refine the program – utilizing its own research, national industry best practices from other transportation and crisis response agencies, and stakeholder feedback – to optimize the program’s effectiveness in maintaining public safety while diverting individuals in crisis to appropriate treatment instead of a law enforcement response.

“This partnership allows us to take a critical step toward assisting those facing mental health crises on our system, which is part of a larger focus on public safety across Metro,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “The agreement enables us to tap additional resources to respond quickly to those in crisis with field-based mental health services, which means law enforcement is not the first responder. We believe this is an important tactic in our strategy to create a more comprehensive community-oriented model for ensuring the safety and security of our transit riders.”

This innovative partnership is part of L.A. County’s broader “Alternative Crisis Response” strategy that focuses on responding to behavioral health crises – including those related to mental health, substance use and suicide – with emergency health and human service responses so individuals do not end up in jails, on the streets, or repeatedly hospitalized. Utilizing alternative crisis responses will also minimize uses of force, incarceration and justice system involvement, all of which are counterproductive to both the individual’s wellbeing and to L.A. County’s “Care First, Jails Last” vision.

Under the signed agreement, this partnership between LACDMH and Metro will be ongoing for three years with the option to renew on an annual basis. LACDMH and Metro will conduct an initial needs assessment study to determine service, coverage, and capacity needs prior to assigning response and outreach teams for this pilot.

For more information about L.A. County’s Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative, which includes Alternative Crisis Response, visit https://ceo.lacounty.gov/ati/.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $20.49 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA

About The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH)

As the nation’s largest public mental health department, we ensure access to care and treatment for our most vulnerable residents in a region with more than 10 million people. With an annual budget approaching $3B and a committed staff of 6,000, LACDMH embodies a “heart-forward” approach to supporting hope, recovery and wellbeing across the County. For more information, visit dmh.lacounty.gov or follow @LACDMH on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and L.A. Metro Establish Unprecedented Partnership to Provide Multidisciplinary Crisis Response Services Within the Metro Transit System appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has released its draft Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP) for the busy I-405 Corridor and now seeks public review and comment. The agency has also scheduled two virtual community meetings on May 25 and June 1 to enable interested L.A. County residents to learn more about the plan and provide their input. 

Metro’s draft plan will serve as a guiding vision for a range of possible transportation-related projects and travel modes that will help Angelenos better traverse one of the most congested corridors in L.A. County and the nation. The plan covers the entire length of the I-405 in L.A. County and three miles on either side, stretching ​from the San Fernando Valley to the Orange County Line to include 20 individual cities and 40 City of Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Metro’s goal for the plan is to better understand the diverse users and communities relying on and impacted by the congested I-405 Corridor, solicit their feedback, and identify projects that can reduce congestion, move more people, increase accessibility for all users and advance equitable outcomes for historically disadvantaged communities.

Members of the public interested in providing their input on this plan can now visit the project’s “StoryMap,” which contains the draft plan and project list. The StoryMap is available online at https://bit.ly/405cmcpstorymap.

Public comments can be submitted online, through US mail, or phone. The deadline for submission of all public comments is Friday, June 10, 2022.

Comments can be submitted in the following ways:  

• Online — visit https://bit.ly/405cmcpcommentform
• Mail — Send comment letter to: Zoe Unruh, CMCP Project Manager, Metro, One Gateway Plaza, MS 99-13-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Phone —Call 213.418.3422

Metro will also be holding two upcoming virtual public meetings. Meeting dates are as follows:

• Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.  Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/3y7B8Ov.
• Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 12 p.m. Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/3vsc2bw.     

Both meetings will feature the same information and a recording will be made available for viewing at a later time for those who cannot participate.

Metro’s preparation of a comprehensive multimodal corridor plan allows it to compete for a portion of $250 million in State grant funding through the Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP). This program could support the delivery of local sales tax-funded projects via the Measures R and M measures previously approved by L.A. County voters. In previous years, this SB1 program has provided $300 million in funding for other important projects such as the Airport Metro Connector/96th Street Station and the I-105 ExpressLanes. If Metro’s I-405 Corridor plan is adopted, the agency will become eligible to receive potential grant funding from SCCP as early as this year.

For additional plan information, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/405cmcp. 

The post L.A. Metro Releases Draft I-405 Corridor Plan for Public Review and Comment appeared first on LA Metro.

In commemoration of Bike Month, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer free rides to bicyclists on Bike to Work Day Thursday, May 19. 

Riders who board Metro trains with their bikes or bring their helmets on Metro Buses will be able to ride free all day. 

At non-gated Metro Rail stations, there is no need for bicyclists to tap their fare cards. They just need to show the Metro fare officer their bike or helmet for entry. At gated rail stations, bicyclists should use the intercom located near the fare gates to notify an attendant, who will then open the ADA gates for them. Riders bringing their helmets on board Metro buses also will not have to pay at the farebox. 

Metro Bike Share is also offering free 30-minute rides all day long on Bike to Work Day. To redeem your free ride on May 19, select 1-Ride at any kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app and enter code 051922 to redeem. This code is valid on May 19 only and can be used multiple times throughout the day. A credit or debit card is required. Electric Metro Bike fees are also waived. A temporary authorization hold may apply for kiosk purchases.

Additionally, on Bike to Work Day, riders can get one of the best deals of the year and sign up for a 365-Day Metro Bike Share pass for just $75 with promo code BIKETOWORK22 (a 50% savings). Claim this promotion online, in the Metro Bike Share app or on taptogo.net/metrobikeshare.

Metro Bike Share will celebrate Bike to Work Day at its Union Station West Portal location at 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles. Located at the southwest corner of Union Station West parking lot B, the celebration event welcomes Downtown L.A. area commuters with free coffee, pastries and goodies from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, May 19. The Metro Bike Share program offers 24/7 service and currently has over 200 stations throughout L.A. County including Downtown L.A., Central L.A., Hollywood, North Hollywood, and the Westside.   

Metro is also supporting various events sponsored by local organizations on Bike to Work Day across Los Angeles County. Bicyclists are invited to stop by for refreshments and free giveaways. For locations and times, visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/bikemonth and click on “Maps.”

Combining your bicycle trip with Metro Bus and Rail is easy. All Metro buses are equipped with front bike racks. Bikes may also be taken on Metro trains during all system hours. Follow the signs to the designated area of the train and stand with your bike.

For additional information on Metro Bike Month activities, visit https://www.metro.net/bike-month/

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.12 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 to Provide Free Rides for Bicyclists on Bike to Work Day Thursday, May 19 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and its partner, Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) today celebrated the groundbreaking for the Santa Monica Vermont Apartments in East Hollywood. The project’s 187-units will be affordable for low income households, with half of the units reserved as permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals. The project will also include on-site supportive services for residents, provided by Housing Works, a non-profit organization providing permanent supportive services to the most vulnerable and needy members of the Los Angeles community.

Development on Metro-owned land near transit stations helps families reduce their two largest household expenses – housing and transportation. This new development is expected to do just that by providing critically needed affordable housing for those who need it the most, including the unhoused. There is currently an extreme shortage of such housing within Los Angeles County. 

The six-story building will include community-serving retail space with plans for a health center and a food court, prioritizing local and legacy small businesses as tenants. The project will also improve the plaza and station area with new seating, lighting and landscaping as well as a bike/mobility hub and new transit shelters.

The apartments not only benefit lower income families and those experiencing homelessness but also help local communities thrive by addressing the needs of their most vulnerable populations. When it’s completed in two years, the project will help stabilize the East Hollywood community and avoid displacement, making the area and the Los Angeles County region more sustainable, affordable and livable.

“Today is an exciting day for Metro and East Hollywood,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District. “This new transit-oriented development will be an example of how innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can make sustainable, equitable development a reality. Developing housing on Metro-owned land is making a difference in the lives of Angelenos throughout the County and we will continue to work to deliver on our promise of developing 5,000 affordable housing units by 2031.”

In June 2021, the Metro Board of Directors adopted an updated Joint Development Policy with a mandate to build as much affordable housing near transit for those who need it most, as soon as possible. Through Metro’s Joint Development Program 300 affordable housing units have begun construction on Metro-owned land this year, adding to the 2,200 units in Metro’s portfolio.

“Every Angeleno deserves a safe, affordable and comfortable place to live,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who helped secure funding and entitlements for the project’s completion. “Projects like these will make a real difference for working families in East Hollywood, while also putting people experiencing homelessness on a pathway to wellness, stability and a purposeful life. I’m proud to have worked with LTSC and Metro to make this project a reality and look forward to welcoming its first residents as soon as it opens.”  

“We are proud to be collaborating with Metro on this development that will help address the acute affordability challenges families face throughout Los Angeles,” said LTSC Executive Director Erich Nakano. “This project is a prime example of how we can place Los Angeles on a path toward a more sustainable, affordable and livable future. We hope it will inspire future sustainable housing developments in cities and communities across the county.”

“Many transit riders in our county have an average annual income of just $19,325 a year,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “These are the residents that need affordable housing located near transit the most. How we use our land can help make the difference between a thriving community for all versus one that doesn’t work for low- and moderate-income families.”

Metro’s Joint Development sites are a gateway to the Metro transit system and hold unique potential to advance community development goals while attracting new riders to the Metro system. The agency’s joint development efforts help reduce auto use and increase transit ridership by directly linking Metro’s transportation network with retail, commercial, and housing opportunities. Projects also provide Metro with revenue based on the value of Metro’s property. These amounts, in turn, are reinvested in eligible transportation projects throughout Los Angeles County.

Little Tokyo Service Center is a social service and community development organization that has been creating positive change for the people and places in Southern California for over 40 years. Starting with its home in Little Tokyo, LTSC preserves and strengthens the unique ethnic communities of the region where people, culture and collective future matter.

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Editor’s Note:

Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.12 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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, Little Tokyo Service Center Celebrate Groundbreaking of Santa Monica Vermont Apartments appeared first on LA Metro.

The artists’ work is expected to enhance the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual art when the new subway extension opens in phases in the coming years. 

The diverse range of accomplished artists commissioned by Metro includes:

• Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio (Century City/Constellation Station)
• Moses X. Ball (Westwood/UCLA Station)
• Sandow Birk (Westwood/VA Hospital Station)
• Sarah Cain (Century City/Constellation Station)
• Victoria Fu + Matt Rich (Westwood/VA Hospital Station)
• Karen Hampton (Westwood/UCLA Station)
• Phung Huynh (Century City/Constellation Station)
• Oscar Magallanes (Century City/Constellation Station)
• Yunhee Min (Westwood/UCLA Station)
• Meleko Mokgosi (Wilshire/Rodeo Station)
• Rigo 23 (Wilshire/Rodeo Station)
• Gala Porras-Kim (Westwood/UCLA Station)
• Analia Saban (Century City/Constellation Station)
• Francesco Simeti (Westwood/VA Hospital Station)
• Eloy Torrez (Westwood/VA Hospital Station)
• Devon Tsuno (Wilshire/Rodeo Station)
• Iris Yirei Hu (Westwood/UCLA Station)

These artists were selected through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of nationally recognized curators, local arts professionals and community members from the Purple (D Line) Extension project area, all of whom have ties to the communities served by these future stations.

The professional qualifications of over 1,500 artists were considered during the selection process. Finalists were identified and created researched proposals that responded to the specific sites and communities along this alignment. The artists selected for the stations represent the thoughtful and collaborative curatorial approach taken by the artist review panel.

The artist review panel included: Arthur Lewis, Creative Director, United Talent Agency Artist Space; Anna Sew Hoy, Chair, UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, Department of Art; Cate Thurston, Associate Curator, The Skirball Cultural Center; Connie Butler, Chief Curator, The Hammer Museum at UCLA; Jean Tardy-Vallernaud, Founding Chair, Century City Arts Council; Ken Gonzales-Day, artist; LeRonn P. Brooks, Associate Curator, The Getty Research Institute; Michael Amescua, artist; Stephanie Vahn, Chair, Beverly Hills Arts and Culture Commission; and Thao Nguyen, Art and Design Agent, Creative Artists Agency.

Artists join the nine artists selected earlier for the future Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega stations: Eamon Ore-Giron, Fran Siegel, Mark Dean Veca, Karl Haendel, Ken Gonzalez-Day, Susan Silton, Todd Gray, Mariana Castillo Deball, and Soo Kim.

For more information about the Metro Art Program, please visit: https://art.metro.net/artworks/in-the-works/works-ple/

Metro Art Program

Metro Art enhances the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual and performing arts programming that encourages ridership and connects people, sites and neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County.  A diverse range of site-specific artworks are integrated into the growing Metro system, improving the quality of transit environments and creating a sense of place. From photography installations to onboard posters, art tours and live performances, our multi-faceted arts programs add vibrancy and engage communities throughout Los Angeles.  For more information and to learn about art opportunities, visit metro.net/art and follow us on Facebook  and Instagram.

About the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project is a critically important subway rail project that will provide a high-capacity, efficient and dependable alternative for commuters to travel between downtown Los Angeles, the Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills and Westwood. From the current terminus at the Wilshire/Western Station, the Purple Line Extension will extend westward for about nine miles and will include seven new stations. The line is expected to open in three separate consecutive segments in 2024, 2025 and 2027. 

For additional project information, please visit https://www.metro.net/projects/westside/.  

# # #

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.12 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving.  Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Announces Artists Commissioned to Create Site-Specific Artwork for the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project appeared first on LA Metro.

Metro has contracted with Regional Connector Constructors (RCC), a joint venture between Skanska USA Civil West California District, Inc., and Traylor Brothers, Inc., to design and build the $1.8 billion Regional Connector Transit Project that will connect all Metro light rail lines in downtown Los Angeles, saving Metro transit riders valuable time by eliminating transfers and giving them a one-seat ride through the downtown area. The entire transit project is now 90 percent complete.

Metro’s contractor has been able to achieve one of the best safety record of all of Metro construction projects, with more than six million hours worked without any lost time due to injury or incident. This is a testament to all the dedicated men and women working on this project representing one of the best safety records in the construction field.

The Regional Connector will also add equitable access to new destinations such as Broadway Historic Core and the performing and Visual Arts venues of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Colburn School, MOCA and the Broad Museum.

“This is our latest accomplishment as we continue to complete this vital transportation project that will better connect the entire L.A. County region to Metro’s rail system,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District. “We are making great progress in reaching substantial completion and look forward to the Regional Connector’s opening later this year.”

The Regional Connector Transit Project is a 1.9-mile underground light-rail extension that will connect the A Line (Blue), the E Line (Expo) and the L Line (Gold) in downtown Los Angeles and will include three new stations that include the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station at 1st Street/Central Avenue, the Historic Broadway Station at 2nd Street/Broadway and the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station at 2nd Place/Hope Street.

Once fully completed and operational, the project is expected to serve 88,000 riders daily – including 17,000 new riders – and save commuters up to 20 minutes by reducing the need to transfer for those riding to and through downtown L.A. The project will offer seamless North-South and East-West rail service connecting Long Beach to Azusa and Santa Monica to East Los Angeles.

“To get more Angelenos to ride our Metro Rail systems, we need a connected network that gets them where they want to go without unnecessary stops and delays,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board member Eric Garcetti. “The Regional Connector is the thread that will tie our network together, and today’s announcement brings us another step closer to this new segment that will save riders up to 20 minutes when taking our system through Downtown.” 

Construction of Metro’s Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hills Station has been a complex undertaking due to the depth of the station, which is approximately 100 feet below ground level — the deepest rail station in the agency’s entire rail system. More than 33,000 cubic yards of steel and concrete have been used to construct the station. More than 90,000 cubic yards of soil was excavated to build the station.

With track and guideway work now completed, Metro has begun train and systems testing in preparation for revenue operations, which is anticipated this Fall. Workers will now be concentrating on finishing the station’s plaza concourse and ancillary levels, testing remaining HVAC and fire/life safety systems, and completing station artwork, elevator and escalator installations.

“The Regional Connector is a game changer for the region and will offer an alternative transportation option to congested roadways, provide significant environmental benefits and spur economic development throughout L.A. County,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “Through improved connectivity, riders will be better able to use the entire Metro Rail system, municipal bus lines and other regional transportation services improving their experience.”

To mitigate noise and vibration impacts to the community’s preforming art institutions the Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station uses a special type of floating slab track system.

Station Art

Also featured at the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill station is new artwork at the concourse, designed by artist Pearl C. Hsiung, that towers over 60 feet— the tallest glass mosaic mural in the Metro system. Titled High Prismatic, the work recognizes the ever shifting and dynamic geological and cultural landscape of Bunker Hill. View the time lapse video of the mosaic dry-fit process completed by Metro Art prior to the mosaic installation. At the train platform, a new artwork on porcelain enamel steel designed by artist Mungo Thomson titled Negative Space, brings a stunning image of the cosmos, captured by the Hubble Telescope, underground. 

Site-specific artworks commissioned by Metro Art are featured at each of the three new stations along the Regional Connector Transit Project. Artists Andrea Bowers, Audrey Chan, Mark Steven Greenfield, Pearl C. Hsiung, Clare Rojas, Mungo Thomson and Clarence Williams were selected through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of community-based arts professionals.  Learn more about these artworks and Metro Art at metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/art.   

For more information on the Regional Connector Transit Project and construction updates, please visit to metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/regionalconnector.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.12 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Regional Connector Project Reaches Major Construction Milestone at the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station, Train Testing now Underway appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors approved Los Angeles Union Station as the northern terminus of the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor Project. The 14.8-mile Slauson/A Line to Pioneer route was also approved as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the project’s initial segment between Artesia and Downtown Los Angeles.

Spanning 19.3 miles, the new light rail project will include 12 stations connecting the Gateway Cities of Artesia, Cerritos, Bellflower, Paramount, Downey, South Gate, Cudahy, Bell, Huntington Park, Vernon, the unincorporated Florence-Graham community and Downtown Los Angeles, with 1.4 million residents living near the route. The project will provide relief to the limited mobility and transit options currently available to these communities. Together, the Gateway Cities have populations and employment densities that are five times higher than the L.A. County average.  In addition, the new light rail line will provide transfers to the Metro C Line (Green), Metro A Line (Blue) and the L.A. County regional transit network. 

Metro staff will proceed with completing a Final EIS/R by spring 2023 for the initial segment, allowing for a groundbreaking in 2023 and the delivery of this 14.8-mile segment between 2033-35. At the same time, Metro staff will identify a cost-effective route in lieu of the aerial and underground route previously evaluated for the 4.5-mile Slauson/A Line (Blue) to Union Station segment.

                “This new light rail line serving Southeast Los Angeles (SELA), a region I had the honor of representing for seven years, marks a milestone in our initiative to make Metro B.E.T.T.E.R. and Bring Equitable Transportation To Every Resident,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Hilda L. Solis. “A transit-dependent community, SELA overwhelmingly supported Measure M back in 2016. To that end, I’m thrilled that that the Locally Preferred Alternative moving forward is in-line with the needs of residents who frequent our public transit system every day.”

                “The West Santa Ana Branch is not just a crucial project to deliver light rail to historically underserved areas of L.A. County — it’s an opportunity to stitch our region together and connect people to opportunity,” said Metro Board Director and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Through Measure M and collaboration across the County, we are improving congestion and air quality, and bringing high-quality public transportation to every corner of our region.”

                The project is estimated to reduce end-to-end transit travel time to  40 minutes in the corridor. The project is funded by Measure R and M voter-approved transportation sales taxes as well $300 million in state funding. With today’s Board actions, Metro can also aggressively pursue more federal funding for the project.

“My constituents, from Southeast L.A. to the Gateway Cities, have been waiting for this project for a long time, and this week’s Board vote is a significant step to getting construction underway on the first segment,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Janice Hahn. “I also think it is important that we committed to building the entire project, from Artesia to Union Station, and a single-seat ride that will give residents of Southeast L.A. County access to tens of thousands of jobs.”

“Today’s decisive action to adopt a Locally Preferred Alternative for the West Santa Ana Branch Project represents a transformative investment for Southeast Los Angeles communities,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “Since joining the Board in 2020, I have fought to ensure equity is at the center of decision-making and this project represents a renewed commitment to inclusive, thoughtful mobility and economic benefits in Southeast Los Angeles. I am grateful to CEO Stephanie Wiggins for her leadership on this project and am encouraged to know that a completed project will connect all of Southeast L.A. to everything Los Angeles has to offer.”

“Today, we are bringing high-quality public transit to the communities of Southeast LA,” said Whittier Councilmember and Metro Board Member Fernando Dutra.  “The West Santa Ana Branch project can serve as a national infrastructure model for the entire United States – one that prioritizes funding in equity-focused communities.”  

 The Board also approved Metro’s recommendation to build a maintenance and storage facility for its light rail vehicles in Bellflower. The approved site has the fewest community and economic impacts of the options that Metro studied.

“The action taken by our Board really represents a renewed commitment on the importance this project brings to address equity, regional mobility, environmental and economic benefits for all the Gateway Cities,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “The project will greatly improve access to opportunities and improve transit service to low-income riders and communities of color who have suffered for too long with higher than average rates of morbidity and mortality due to their exposure to air pollution and a lack of transit alternatives.”

For more project information, please visit https://www.metro.net/projects/west-santa-ana/.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Board Approves Route for Initial Segment for West Santa Ana Branch Project and Union Station as Northern Terminus appeared first on LA Metro.

Metro will now make wearing face masks on public transit optional and will continue to recommend riders wear masks while onboard transit vehicles to help protect their health and those of fellow riders whenever possible.

“After a devastating winter surge that threatened the integrity of our healthcare system, the County is now enjoying low community levels of COVID-19. With more tools at our disposal to combat this virus, including wider availability of vaccines, tests, and therapeutics, the County can continue to progress towards its new normal,” said First District Supervisor and Chair of the  Metro Board Hilda L. Solis. “However, it is important to recognize that we still live in a pandemic, thus face masks will continue to be strongly recommended on public transit to keep ourselves and those around us safe. I urge our residents to continue to remain vigilant and look out for one another as we move forward.”  

Metro’s decision to make face masks optional while continuing to encourage their use is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which still recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

“As we continue to emerge from the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our No. 1 goal will always be to ensure the safety of our transit customers and employees,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “Masks are now strongly recommended, and we’d like everyone to continue to be mindful and vigilant in protecting themselves and others from the evolving threat of this virus.” 

Metro’s announcement today follows the Transportation Security Administration’s own cancellation of its security directives and emergency amendment requiring face mask use on public transportation and at transportation hubs.

During the federal face mask requirement period, Metro observed 95 percent voluntary compliance of the requirement. As part of its previous efforts to ensure safe travel on public transit during the pandemic, Metro installed face masks dispensers at major transit hubs and freely distributed masks to riders throughout the Los Angeles County region. 

For additional information, please visit https://www.metro.net/

The post L.A. Metro Removes Face Mask Requirement on Metro Bus and Rail System appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is set to provide Dodger Stadium Express bus service from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and the South Bay Harbor Gateway Transit Center starting at 7:10 p.m. Thursday, April 14 for the Dodgers vs. Reds home opener.

Express buses enable Dodgers fans to attend baseball home games more easily and without the hassles of driving and sitting in traffic congestion. It also saves them from paying stadium parking fees.

Fans can ride the Dodger Stadium Express to the game, free of charge; however, regular fares apply on all other connecting bus and rail services.

For the home opener only, express bus service from both Union Station and Harbor Gateway will:

“We hope fans enjoy an exciting season of Dodger baseball this year,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District. “Metro is ready to help Dodger fans avoid stadium traffic congestion and parking fees by providing them with a fun, stress-free way to get to and from the game. With its numerous transit connections in both downtown LA and the South Bay, our express service just can’t be beaten!”

The Dodger Stadium Express from Los Angeles Union Station will pick up fans every 10 minutes in front of Union Station near the Homebound Brew Haus. Service will continue to Dodger Stadium via Cesar Chavez and Sunset Boulevard. Passengers can use two stops at the ballpark – either behind center field or at the top deck.

From Harbor Gateway Transit Center, fans can board buses located at Bay 9, with buses running every 20 minutes. Fans will be dropped off behind right field at Dodger Stadium. Buses back to Harbor Gateway Transit Center will pick up patrons at the same location after the game.

“Metro’s Dodger Stadium Express is extremely convenient and a game changer for South Bay fans,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board member Janice Hahn. “Next time you’re heading to the big game, save money and time by taking advantage of this free and convenient shuttle.”

Since 2010, the Dodger Stadium Express bus service has transported more than 2.5 million fans to Dodger Stadium. During the 2020 Major League Baseball season, service was suspended due to COVID-19 and county mandates prohibiting attendance at sporting events. The Dodger Stadium Express stayed in the bus yards. In 2019 the Dodger Stadium Express transported 377,180 passengers, the largest number of passengers of any given year.

Dodgers Stadium Express service includes a dedicated bus lane on Sunset Boulevard, where game day traffic congestion is the heaviest. Metro has partnered with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) for traffic mitigation support that will help expedite trips to and from games. The Los Angeles Police Department ensures that the lanes remain dedicated for buses. 

The Harbor Gateway uses the ExpressLanes on the 110 freeway to speed up trips to the stadium.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are working closely with Metro to ensure a high level of awareness for the Dodger Stadium Express. The Dodger Stadium Express bus service will be provided by Transdev Services, Southland Transit and MV Transportation –the three firms that are under contract with Metro.

“The Dodger Stadium Express was one of the earliest examples of our agency’s efforts to provide a better customer experience for our L.A. area baseball fans,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “Now I am committed to going even further in the coming years to make public transit the first transportation choice among all sports fans, no matter what sports team they love to follow in L.A. County.”

Patrons are encouraged to use the many transportation alternatives that serve Union Station to connect them with the Dodger Stadium Express. Metro operates the Metro L Line (Gold) from East Los Angeles to Azusa and the Metro B Line (Red) and D Line (Purple) subway lines from Wilshire/Western and North Hollywood to downtown Los Angeles –the subway also connects to the rest of the Metro Rail system, including the A Line (Blue) to Long Beach and the C Line (Green) between Norwalk and Redondo Beach and the E Line (Expo) between downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

The Harbor Gateway Transit Center is served by several Metro bus lines, the Metro J Line (Silver) and Torrance Transit. Union Station is also the regional hub for Metrolink commuter rail and Amtrak.

Fifty-five percent of the cost of the Dodgers Stadium Express is being provided 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 specific route and schedule information visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com or call (323) GO-METRO (323) 466-3876.

Riders are reminded to wear a face mask while on board or while waiting to board buses. 

For more information, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/riding/dodger-stadium-express/.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.25 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Dodger Stadium Express to Provide Free Service from Union Station and Harbor Gateway Transit Center to Dodger Stadium for All 2022 Home Games appeared first on LA Metro.

Go Metro for the most seamless access to upcoming Super Bowl LVI activities in both downtown Los Angeles and Inglewood. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will play a key role in a comprehensive plan with the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee to get fans to the Super Bowl Experience and the big game this year.

Fans who take Metro to attend the Super Bowl Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center will  receive 50 percent off their general admission ticket when purchased at the box office (excluding the SBXtra fast pass). Fans must show their TAP card at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s box office to receive the “walk up only” discount at the time of purchase. Full details are available at www.superbowl.com, through the NFL OnePass app or on metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/gameday.

The LA Convention Center is accessible via Metro by taking the A Line (Blue) train, E Line (Expo) train or J Line (Silver) bus and exiting at Pico Station. The Convention Center is just one block away on Figueroa Street.

For gameday, parking onsite at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, February 13 will be extremely limited. Metro will be providing free bus shuttle service as part of a broader shuttle service plan. Additionally, there will be park and ride shuttle options, staffed taxi and rideshare lots available.

“Metro will be ready to welcome the throngs of Super Bowl spectators, many of whom will be riding Metro for the first time,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “We hope more people will continue to ride Metro to attend all of the major events Los Angeles County has to offer.”

As part of an extensive shuttle system for game day, Metro will be running free bus shuttle service between the C Line (Green) Hawthorne/Lennox Station and the stadium. Metro shuttle buses will run every five to eight minutes from Hawthorne/Lennox Station beginning at 10:45 a.m. to the Super Bowl, with player introductions and national anthem at 3 p.m. Buses will operate frequently for 90 minutes after the game ends. Shuttle buses are free. However, regular transit fares will apply on all other Metro buses and trains.

To reach the shuttle bus, riders should exit C Line trains at Hawthorne/Lennox Station and board the buses on northbound Hawthorne Boulevard. Shuttle buses will drop-off and pick up riders at the purple shuttle zone at SoFi Stadium — near the southeast corner of Prairie Avenue and Arbor Vitae Street.

To plan your trip to the game, Metro suggests that riders download Transit app, Metro’s official app.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be serving as a trusted public transportation partner for Super Bowl LVI and we are looking forward to providing an outstanding experience for the tens of thousands of sports fans joining us from all over the country,” said Stephanie N. Wiggins, CEO, Metro. “We invite attendees of the Super Bowl Experience event as well as the game to grab your TAP card and join us for a safe, enjoyable and car-free ride that will save you both time and money.”

There are also 5,365 parking spots available at C Line Stations — with paid parking at some stations and free parking at others. Parking rates for the Super Bowl are as follows:

• Hawthorne/Lennox – $40 with the sale of passes ending either when the lot is sold out or 12 hours prior to the game. To purchase parking passes, visit metro.net/gameday. Purchase Parking Pass
• Crenshaw – $5 payable on site.
• Aviation – $10 payable on site.
• Norwalk – free.
• Redondo Beach – free.

Metro’s regular fares are $1.75 for a one-way trip with free transfers for two hours and can be paid with TAP cards. TAP cards can be purchased from TAP vending machines at all Metro Rail stations or Metro Ambassadors that will be located at some stations. Riders can also use their smartphones as a TAP card by downloading the TAP app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Fans are reminded to load their TAP cards with round-trip fare in advance to save time and avoid long lines at TAP vending machines after the game. Riders can only use one TAP card per person.

The following Metro Bus lines also offer service to SoFi Stadium and operate every day:

• Metro Bus Line 115 runs along Manchester Boulevard. Use Manchester/Prairie stop for SoFi Stadium.
• Metro Bus Line 117 runs along Century Boulevard. Use Century/Prairie stop for SoFi Stadium.
• Metro Bus Line 212 runs along La Brea Avenue and Prairie Avenue. Use Prairie/Arbor Vitae stop for SoFi Stadium.

The city of Gardena’s GTrans bus also offers express bus service to SoFi Stadium from the Harbor Gateway Transit Center every Sunday. Harbor Gateway Transit Center has 980 parking spaces for $5 that is payable onsite.  For more information, visit ridegtrans.com/line/7x.

To view a Los Angeles Super Bowl Know Before You Go  video on Metro transit services, please click here: https://youtu.be/dWRkEzYlHNU

For additional information, including parking, visit www.parksuperbowl.com

For more information on Metro services to the Super Bowl game, please visit https://www.metro.net/riding/gameday/

Editor’s Note:

Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $17.75 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Go Metro to Super Bowl Experience and Super Bowl LVI appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will temporarily close its Metro Bike Share stations in the North Hollywood area beginning Monday, January 17 to replace the agency’s dockless Smart Bikes with Classic Bikes and stations. Metro Bike Share program members in the North Hollywood area that depend on these bike share services for transportation should make alternate arrangements until March, when Metro’s fleet replacement is expected to be complete.

During this six- to eight-week transition, Metro will convert the current 23 stations that compose the Smart Bike system to a 12-station Classic Bike system to better serve the highest utilized locations in the area. The Classic stations will be available for short local trips and will be compatible with Metro Bike Share stations in other parts of L.A. County, including the Westside, downtown L.A. and Central L.A. areas.

Metro will be removing “Smart Bikes” from its service offerings. The bikes, which are not required to be physically docked to a bike share station, have not proven popular with North Hollywood riders. Classic Bikes, which require a docked configuration, operate solely on foot pedaling and have higher ridership, are simpler to use.

Metro will continue to operate a limited quantity of electric bikes in its fleet, including in the North Hollywood area once the conversion is completed.  

Metro’s Bike Share Program offers an important transportation alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bike Share is an ideal socially distanced transportation choice. The agency is ensuring its cleaning protocols for bikes and stations are compliant with health agency recommendations.

Metro previously partnered with the City of Los Angeles to install the bike share stations in North Hollywood. Over 200 stations are available in Downtown and Central L.A., North Hollywood and the Westside.

For more information on Metro’s Bike Share Program, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/bikeshare.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 To Temporarily Suspend North Hollywood Bike Share System to Replace Bike Share Fleet Beginning January 17 appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that it had been awarded $1.24 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2) funds to help pay for expenses incurred by the agency during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“LA Metro is deeply appreciative to U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, our Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, working alongside President Biden and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, for clearing the way for our agency to be awarded $1.24 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds today,” said Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.

“As Los Angeles County experiences another surge of infections in our nearly two year battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, the resources provided to our agency through the American Rescue Plan Act will help us weather the storm, continue on our path to rebuild and grow our ridership, maintain the highest standards of service and safety, ensure no employee is laid off, and provide equitable access to transit for all Los Angeles County residents who rely on Metro buses and trains,” Solis added. “Metro will use the America Rescue Plan Act funds to benefit riders, including seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income and transit dependent individuals by supporting bus and rail operations and maintenance – critical activities that will ensure our transit system operates safely, efficiently, reliably, and sustainably.”

To keep transit capital projects on track across the nation, the American Rescue Plan Act also included $1.6 billion for the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program, the federal government’s primary program to fund the construction of new transit projects across the nation. The CIG Program in the American Rescue Plan Act included over $275 million for four Metro transit capital projects, including: $59 million for the Regional Connector Transit Project; $66.5 million for the Westside Purple Line Extension Section 1; $58.5 million for the Westside Purple Line Extension Section 2, and $93.5 million for the Westside Purple Line Extension Section 3. 

“This critical help from Congress is the reason we were able to keep most of our service running for essential trips during the pandemic and all of our workers employed,” said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. “Congress also had the foresight to provide funds so we could continue construction of capital projects that will serve our region for many decades to come. We truly appreciate this help from Congress and the White House that is making a difference for everyone in our region.”

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $17.75 for a 30-hour job as bus operators with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 $1.24 billion from Federal American Rescue Plan Act to Maintain Service and Project Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on LA Metro.

Riders can submit their LIFE discounted fare applications to Metro at any time in the following ways:

Submit online: Riders can apply online at metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/life or www.taptogo.net/life. Riders can click on the “Apply Now” button or link and complete a simple four-step process to complete their online applications. The application, available in English and Spanish, is optimized for mobile devices and will allow users to easily upload any needed identification documents.

Email: Riders who live in the Antelope Valley, Central Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, South Bay or Westside Cities can email their applications to lifeinfo@famecorporations.org. Riders who live in the Gateway Cities or San Gabriel Valley can email their applications to lifeinfo@iilosangeles.org.

Metro Customer Centers:  Riders can also get and fill out LIFE applications at any Metro Customer Care Center in Los Angeles County. Click here for a complete list of Customer Center locations. Applications can also be handed in at the Big Blue Bus’s “Blue: The Transit Store” in Santa Monica.

Metro has simplified the LIFE application for riders to make it much easier to complete. Riders just need to provide basic information about themselves and any household members applying for the discount. A photo of an ID may be uploaded using a smartphone as part of any application, and applicants without proof of income are now able to self-certify their income during the application process. 

Deeply Discounted Fares

To provide financial relief to as many of its transit customers as possible, half-price passes are on sale now to transit riders and will be available through July 2022 as a promotional fare.

With the discount, pass fares are:

• $3.50 for a Day Pass
• $12.50 for a Weekly Pass
• $50 for a 30-Day Pass

Low-Income Fare Is Easy (LIFE) Program

There will be even greater discounts for low-income riders who are eligible to enroll in the LIFE program. See metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/life for information on eligibility. Through July 2022, Metro will be offering steeply discounted passes as follows:

• $26 for a 30-day pass that normally costs $76 (a $50 savings).
• $6.50 for a 7-Day pass that normally costs $19.50 (a $13 savings).

   Additionally, newly enrolled LIFE participants will get 90 days of free rides starting January 10, 2022, when fare collection restarts. Metro encourages all riders who are qualified but not yet signed up to act now and take full advantage of this program. Discounts translate to less than a dollar a day for unlimited rides on the Metro Bus and Rail System. After the 90 days of free rides expire, customers can purchase discounted LIFE fares. Riders without a TAP card can now request one on the LIFE application for themselves and each member of their household.

In March 2020, Metro relaxed its rule requiring bus riders to use the farebox or TAP validator at the front of the bus as part of its switch to rear-door boardings to help ensure COVID-19-related social distancing between riders and operators. Selected Metro Rail lines such as the B (Red) and D (Purple) Lines, among others, have consistently required fare gate payments via TAP card throughout the pandemic.

Due to recent COVID-19 surge, all in-person LIFE program enrollment events in January have been cancelled.

Metro reminds all riders that face masks are required on public transit as per federal law. 

To obtain more information about all of Metro’s available discounted fare programs, please visit metroexemplifi.wpengine.com/fares.

Editor’s Note: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $17.75 for a 30-hour job as bus operators with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

About Metro The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.

Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the  COVID-19 pandemic.

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 to Resume Fare Collection on Metro Buses January 10, Encourages Low-Income Riders to Enroll in LIFE Discount Fare Programs Online appeared first on LA Metro.