New Station Sets Stage for Metro, Los Angeles to Welcome World to FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, 2028 Olympic, Paralympic Games

B-Roll and Photos

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrated the official opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center station with a ribbon cutting today. Metro is now ready to welcome global fans headed to Los Angeles for major events, such as FIFA World Cup 26, Super Bowl LXI and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games forever changing how car-centric Angelenos travel to and from LAX.

“The wait is over, Los Angeles,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor, Janice Hahn. “At long last, we are getting a train to LAX. And when the Automated People Mover finally opens, we will truly have an international airport that connects people from inside the terminals to the world beyond through Metro.”

The grand opening of this station marks the eighth project completed in Metro’s ambitious Twenty-Eight by ’28 initiative, a comprehensive plan to enhance the region’s transit infrastructure in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of athletes, officials and spectators during these global events.

The state-of-the-art transit center embodies a large-scale open station concept, with continuous swooping canopies guiding users’ views through large open spaces. The station reinforces intuitive wayfinding and walking access to buses and light rail trains, and the soon-to-be-opened Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Automated People Mover (APM).

“The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a major step forward in how we prepare Los Angeles to welcome the world. This is about more than bringing people to and from the airport — it’s about building a more connected, reliable and climate-conscious city for Angelenos and for the millions who will visit in the years ahead,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass and Metro Board Member. “I want to congratulate LA Metro for this accomplishment and look forward to their continued partnership.”

Located at Aviation Blvd./96th St., the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station signifies the K line is a fully functional connection in Metro’s network. Connecting Metro’s C and K rail lines, six Metro bus lines and eight municipal bus lines, including Beach Cities, Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus, GTrans, Torrance Transit and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) shuttles to and from the terminals. Metro Micro will also service this station. By providing a direct connection to regional transit, the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station expands options for airport-area employees and travelers and decreases reliance on more costly options, such as taxis, rideshares or private vehicles.

“Not only is LAX one of the busiest airports in the world, it’s also an important job center for Angelenos, particularly for residents of South Los Angeles,” said Holly Mitchell, LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member. “The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will serve an important role for visitors, residents, and our vital airport-area employees.”

The new station illustrates for Angelenos and the world that public transportation is the secret to bypassing traffic on their way to and from LAX, and that Metro, with one of the most ambitious capital project programs in the United States, is a reliable and comfortable way to travel across the county.

Featuring a bus plaza, bike hub and a customer service center, the station spans more than 1,100 feet from north to south. With the widest light rail platform in the Metro system, its two main levels provide a welcoming, convenient and secure connection point offering riders access to a wide array of destinations throughout LA County. In addition, this station features security coverage monitored 24/7 by security operations staff.

As part of Metro’s commitment to sustainable urban planning, the station also includes numerous environmentally friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting, landscaping with native plants, and plans for further expansion to accommodate future growth. This project represents Metro’s on-going efforts to enhance regional mobility, support green infrastructure and prepare Los Angeles for the future.

When the APM opens and connects to Metro in 2026, Angelenos and visitors alike will have a more direct, easier connection to Metro’s public transportation system, with a total of six stops – three in the terminal, one at the Metro/LAX Transit Center Station, one at economy parking and one at the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (ConRAC), which is directly across the street from the transit center. As riders await access to the APM, LAWA will provide shuttles every 10 minutes. The shuttle’s schedule will be based on the operating schedules for the C and K light rail lines and municipal bus routes serving the new station ensuring seamless travel to and from the airport helping to alleviate traffic congestion around LAX.

“For more than half a century, Angelenos have been dreaming about a rail connection to LAX airport – and that day has finally come. Our LAX/Metro Transit Center Station not only enhances the travel experience for millions of visitors to Los Angeles but also serves as a key piece of our ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable and efficient transportation network for our city,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “We look forward to welcoming millions of Angelenos and visitors to the LAX/Metro Transit Center in the coming months and years, and we can’t wait for the final link in the chain – LAX’s People Mover.”

This station features towering artwork at the center of the station by Los Angeles native and internationally renowned artist Glenn Kaino, The Distance of the Sun, whichwelcomes visitors to the arts and cultural capital of the nation.Commissioned by Metro Art, the suspended sculpture consists of a series of vessels for travel, both real and imagined, rafted together in increasing size to create a spiral pathway towards the sky above. The work is a meditation on collective ambitions and shared hope, acting as a bridge to the future created from the designs of the past.

For additional information about the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station please visit metro.net/projects/airport-metro-connector/. For more information about Metro Art, visit metro.net/art.

Additional Quotes
“The long-awaited LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will provide a crucial transportation hub that connects Metro’s rail system to LAX, the world’s seventh busiest airport,” said Fernando Dutra, Whittier Council Member and Metro Board First Vice Chair. “We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to upcoming major events and providing them with convenient, affordable and sustainable transit to and from LAX.”

“The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station marks a transformative moment for Inglewood and the greater Los Angeles area. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances connectivity to the airport but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and urban revitalization,” said James T. Butts, Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member. “Many in our community and surrounding region work every day at LAX and can now commute today through quality transit. Making this critical connection to LAX means reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and greater access to opportunities. It’s a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all residents.”

“Today’s LAX/Metro Transit Center Station opening is a testimony of promises made that are being kept — to Los Angeles and the surrounding neighborhoods. The value added is the connection of residents to economic opportunities, educational institutions and essential services that will help to redefine “transit dependency” to include those who “choose” to “Go Metro”, said Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Metro Board Second Vice Chair. “Thank you to all who can and will partner with LA Metro in reducing congestion and enhancing mobility. This project is evidence of seamless envisioning by servant leaders on the LA Metro board, in partnership with the community who entrust us to uplift all Angelenos.”

“The opening of the LAX Metro Transit Center Station marks a monumental step in connecting LAX and the world to the greater Los Angeles region,” said John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. “After four years of dedicated effort by Metro under the leadership of CEO Stephanie Wiggins, this project is finally complete — delivering a crucial transportation hub that will transform how Angelenos and travelers navigate to and from the airport via the future LAX Automated People Mover. LAWA is grateful for Metro’s partnership in advancing our shared vision of a more connected Los Angeles.”

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

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

The post Now Boarding: Metro’s LAX/Metro Transit Center Station Officially Opens, Connecting Communities; Bringing Faster, Easier Travel for Angelenos, Visitors appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) this week released new details about its Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, including the benefits, anticipated costs and construction schedule. Shared during the first of five community meetings, these details provide important context that will be considered as the project advances and decisions regarding alternatives are made.

If the project is built, travel times between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station to the Metro Expo Line would be between 18 to 33 minutes, depending on alternative selected, while travel times between Van Nuys Metrolink Station to Century City and Santa Monica would range from 25 to 36 minutes and 32 to 50 minutes, respectively.

These commute projections represent significant time savings over the same trips via personal vehicle and could cut travel times by more than half during rush hour. Ridership projections for the alternatives under consideration range from 63,000 to 124,000 daily boardings.

All five alternatives offer a fast, reliable rail transit option for those traveling through the Sepulveda Pass, a valuable benefit over unreliable traffic conditions that make travel planning exceedingly difficult.

Each weekday, more than 400,000 people cross the Sepulveda Pass, and a typical San Fernando Valley commuter loses 59 hours per year to traffic delays just from the evening drive home on I-405 between Wilshire Boulevard and Ventura Boulevard. Currently, only 2% of people who travel through the Sepulveda Corridor do so on public transit via bus.

In addition to providing residents and visitors with an alternative to sitting in traffic on the I-405, the project stands to improve air quality, public health, traffic safety and the region’s economic productivity.

The cost to build the project is estimated to be between $15.4 billion and $24.4 billion, while yearly operations and maintenance of the system would cost between $130 million and $157 million. Cost projections are preliminary, as the project is only at 15% of design and will continue to be refined as it advances through the development process.

This week’s virtual meeting was the first of five meetings Metro will host in May as it prepares for the upcoming release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). A recording of the virtual meeting is available on Metro’s website. Upcoming in-person meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

• Tuesday, May 27: 5:30–7:30 p.m.,Presentation will begin at 6 p.m.,Westfield Topanga Community Center, 21710 Vanowen Street, Canoga Park, CA 91303.

• Wednesday, May 28: 5:30–7:30 p.m.,Presentation will begin at 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Building Rotunda Room, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230.
  
  
• Thursday, May 29: 5:30–7:30 p.m., Presentation will begin at 6 p.m., Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

• Saturday, May 31: 3-5 p.m.,Presentation will begin at 3:30 p.m., Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Boulevard, Building B, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

Live Spanish interpretation will be available at all community meetings. All Metro meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Other ADA accommodations and interpretation are available by calling 213.922.4710 at least 72 hours in advance. 

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), which will be released soon, will contain detailed analysis of the environmental impacts of the five alternatives. The official public comment period will begin with the release of the DEIR. The alternatives vary by technology, alignments, termini, stations and connection to UCLA. A future decision on which alternative to advance will take into account findings from the DEIR, public comments received during the comment period, technical analyses, stakeholder input, and other factors such as project objectives, cost and expected ridership.

Additional information about the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project can be found at metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor/.

About Metro

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

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

The post New Metro Project through Sepulveda Corridor Could Reduce Rush Hour Commute Times by More Than 50 Percent appeared first on LA Metro.

More than 500,000 students are traveling for free to school, work and leisure activities on L.A. Metro and 18 other transit systems as part of L.A. Metro’s GoPass program, which is celebrating nearly 60 million student boardings since its inception in October 2021.

“This is a big milestone for the GoPass program and shows just how important it has become for families across LA County,” said Los Angeles Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn. “Transportation needs shouldn’t get in the way of any student’s education. For many students across LA County, the free Metro rides through our GoPass program have made all the difference.”

Metro’s GoPass program, which first launched as a pilot program and was made permanent by Metro’s board in April 2024, is available to all students whose school district has registered with the program. Participating schools distribute TAP cards and activation codes so students can ride transit to school, extracurricular activities or work. Students can activate their cards on the online GoPass portal or by calling 866.TAPTOGO. They also have the option of using a virtual TAP card on the TAP LA App.

“GoPass has introduced half a million students to transit, so they feel confident riding it to school, or wherever they need or want to go,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “These young people and their families are realizing all the benefits that a safe, clean and efficient transit system can deliver for them and their communities. We hope they will choose to become lifelong transit riders.” 

All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) offer GoPass to their students, as do schools in more than 130 additional participating school districts including public districts, charter networks, private schools and community colleges. Metro encourages students, families and school districts to participate in the GoPass program, which provides free transit on Metro buses and trains, as well as 18 additional transit agencies, to students in K-12 and community colleges.

“We at Santa Monica College (SMC) are so pleased to know so many of our students are getting their basic needs met affordably and reliably by having easy access to public transit,” said Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President of SMC. “Metro’s GoPass program is making it even easier for many more community college and secondary students to access an affordable quality education, internships, jobs, and everything else students want and need to do every day.”

GoPass participants can take unlimited free rides, for any travel purpose, on Metro bus and rail, AVTA, Burbank Bus, City of Commerce Transit, Culver CityBus, Foothill Transit, Glendale Beeline, Glendora Transit, GTrans, LADOT DASH, LA County Shuttles, Long Beach Transit, Lynwood Trolley, Montebello Bus, Norwalk Transit, Pasadena Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Torrance Transit.

“We’re grateful to Metro for making transportation free and accessible for our Long Beach Unified students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker, Superintendent of Long Beach Unified. “The GoPass program helps remove everyday barriers by offering safe, reliable transit that connects students to school, enrichment, and opportunity. We look forward to continuing this partnership that expands access and supports student success.”

The GoPass program has significantly improved both student outcomes and school performance across Los Angeles County. Schools report that students rely on GoPass to get to class each day, with many districts citing improved attendance since the program’s launch, which can also lead to increases in district revenue. In a recent survey, 78% of GoPass students reported better school attendance and 94% said they felt better overall, highlighting the program’s impact on both access to education and student well-being.

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

About Metro

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

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

The post Empowering Education, Work, Leisure: LA Metro’s GoPass Program Enrollment Exceeds 500,0000 Students, Reaches Nearly 60 Million Boardings appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) hosted a “rolling dedication” and community fair this morning to celebrate the grand opening of the Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor, a 5.5-mile multi-modal path and public green space in Inglewood and South L.A. The path, a first-of-its-kind project for Metro, removed unused and blighted railroad tracks to connect the communities serviced by the Metro K Line Fairview Heights Station, the Metro J Line Slauson Station and the Metro A Line Slauson Station via biking and walking paths.

Approved by voters with the passage of Measure M and Measure R, this $166-million investment represents a significant improvement to the communities in and around South L.A. while positively impacting quality of life and public health. It is the seventh of twenty-eight projects Metro will complete by the ‘28 Olympic and Paralympic Games (28 X ‘28), the Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor will serve the communities near the Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium, two key venues for the Games.

“This project has been in the works for decades, and it’s all about making it safer for people who bike, walk, or roll,” said Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair. “It’s a big step forward in connecting communities—especially with its link to the Rail to River Segment B— which will eventually create a path to the LA River.”

The Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor improves community connectivity and encourages active transportation, which can help reduce transportation costs, support the local economy, enhance quality of life, promote public health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Beginning at the intersection of 67^th Street and 11^th Avenue near the Fairview Heights Metro K Line Station, the path moves east to its current terminus at Slauson Station on the Metro A Line. A total of 17 Metro bus lines, three DASH bus lines and five Metro Bike Share stations provide service along the alignment. It offers rest areas with benches and new shade trees and is located within walking distance of several neighborhood schools, parks and other community amenities.

The project includes improvements that help protect the safety of cyclists and pedestrians moving along and across the Slauson corridor.

“It is encouraging to witness the transformation of a historically underinvested corridor into a beautiful community asset,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “We will continue to work to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents, and projects like this that improve mobility, foster connection, encourage more active lifestyle. Improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists are exceptional opportunities to invest in our communities.”

Construction of the project included planting 472 new trees, all indigenous species, which will improve air quality, increase the tree canopy and reduce heat absorption. New sustainable landscaping features, such as a new bio-swale, bioretention planters and bio-infiltration planters, manage stormwater and filter pollutants.

Metro is piloting the deployment of community interventional specialists (CIS) along the alignment between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CIS provide a friendly and familiar presence on the path and are specifically trained to diffuse and de-escalate issues. Core to the CIS program concept is a local hire initiative, resulting in the positions being filled by members of the community personally invested in its success.

A total of 52 security cameras are strategically placed along the alignment and continuously monitored at the Metro Security Operation Center. Additionally, there are nine emergency telephones installed along the alignment. 

“The first and last mile of people’s journeys can make or break their transit experience,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro. “I’m so excited to open this project, which connects to two rail lines and 17 local and municipal bus lines, and it’s an important part of our transportation network for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I hope Rail to Rail will be well used and well loved by the community and all the people we serve.”

Phase two of the project, currently referred to as Rail to River Active Transportation Corridor, will extend the path from the A Line Slauson Station approximately four miles east along Randolph Street through the cities of Bell, Maywood, Huntington Park and the unincorporated Florence Firestone community, terminating at the Los Angeles River. It is expected to open in 2027.

To learn more about Rail to River Active Transportation Corridor, please visit www.metro.net/projects/r2rb/.

About Metro

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

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

The post LA Metro Opens Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor, Connects Communities in Inglewood, South Los Angeles appeared first on LA Metro.

Keeping bus lanes clear is crucial to ensuring faster, more reliable service for transit riders and promoting transportation equity in Los Angeles. To support this goal, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), is expanding the bus lane enforcement pilot program and will begin ticketing along additional high-traffic routes starting Monday, May 12.

During phase two’s initial 60-day warning period (March – May 2025), motorists illegally parked along bus lines 910 and 950 that serve the J line and line 70 servicing Olive St./Grand Ave., received notices by mail warning that future violations would result in fines. Motorists who illegally park in those bus lanes will now face a penalty starting at $293, with fines increasing for repeat offenders. This part of phase two marks a major milestone in Metro’s efforts to reduce congestion and ensure smooth and timely bus operations.

“We’re excited to take this important step forward in ensuring that our bus services remain reliable for commuters,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “By addressing the issue of unauthorized vehicles in bus lanes, we can keep buses moving smoothly, reduce delays, and provide a better transit experience for all riders. Phase two builds on the success of the first phase, continuing our commitment to make public transportation faster, safer, and more efficient for the people of Los Angeles.”

As part of this automated enforcement system, a total of 100 cameras have been installed on select Metro buses operating along these key routes. The dual-camera systems can detect vehicles illegally occupying bus-only lanes. The first camera captures the presence of a vehicle in the bus lane, while the second records the vehicle’s license plate number. Then, a traffic officer with LADOT will review the evidence and verify the accuracy of the image before issuing a ticket. Tickets will include details of the violation, including time, location, and images or video evidence.

The program aims to curb the problem of parked vehicles obstructing bus lanes, which can delay bus services and affect the overall reliability of Metro’s extensive bus network.  In addition, for those passengers with disabilities and other access needs, vehicles blocking bus lanes impact their ability to easily enter or exit the bus. With the expansion of automated enforcement, Metro expects significant improvements in on-time performance for buses, contributing to better public transit service citywide.

Since phase one ticketing began this past February, LADOT has issued citations to more than 10,000 illegally parked vehicles disrupting service along bus lines 720 servicing Wilshire Blvd. and 212 servicing LA Brea Ave.

“Each day thousands of Angelenos depend on public transit to get to their jobs, schools, healthcare, and other critical destinations” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “This new program is already bringing results with a more reliable and efficient bus service. I look forward to expanding our partnership with Metro to ensure the benefits of dedicated bus lanes are felt across our transportation system.”

This automated bus lane enforcement technology advances LA Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan and reflects Metro’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and provide an equitable, high-quality public transportation system for the diverse communities of Los Angeles.

About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.

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

The post Metro and LADOT Begin Phase Two of Bus Lane Enforcement Ticketing Along Lines 910, 950, 70 on May 12 appeared first on LA Metro.

La Autoridad del Transporte Metropolitano del Condado de Los Ángeles (Metro) anunció hoy que William “Bill” Scott ha sido seleccionado para servir como el primer jefe de Policía y Gestión de Emergencias de la agencia. Con más de 35 años de experiencia en agencias del orden, incluyendo ocho años como jefe de la Policía de San Francisco (SFPD) y 27 años en el Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles (LAPD), Scott regresa a la ciudad donde construyó su carrera para dirigir una de las transiciones de seguridad pública más significativas en la historia de LA Metro. Esta decisión es el resultado de un extenso proceso de participación con la Junta Directiva de Metro, los empleados y la comunidad para identificar las cualidades esenciales del próximo líder del departamento.

Scott se une a Metro para dirigir su nuevo departamento de seguridad pública, que fue aprobado por la Junta Directiva de Metro en junio pasado, como el Departamento de Seguridad Publica de la Comunidad de Transporte (TCPSD), que unificará y supervisará todas las operaciones de seguridad bajo una sola estructura de mando.  Como jefe, Scott será responsable por construir el departamento desde cero, supervisando todos los aspectos desde la selección del personal de comando y entrenamientos básicos hasta uniformes, sistemas de tecnología a utilizar y la implementación de estrategias.

El jefe Scott también se encargará de coordinar la seguridad de Metro para los próximos eventos de relevancia mundial incluyendo la Copa Mundial de Fútbol de la FIFA en 2026, el Super Bowl en 2027 y los Juegos Olímpicos y Para Olímpicos de 2028.

“Este momento requiere a un líder como Scott, quien trae visión e integridad a este importante papel”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta Directiva de Metro y Supervisora del Condado de Los Ángeles Janice Hahn. “Él entiende que la seguridad pública es acerca de algo más que la aplicación de la ley es acerca de crear confianza, tener transparencia y trabajar con la comunidad para hacer que cada usuario se sienta seguro”.

El nombramiento de Scott se logró después de una intensa búsqueda nacional y un proceso de comunicación con las partes interesadas y retroalimentación por parte de empleados, miembros de la comunidad y expertos en seguridad pública. Metro condujo una serie de sesiones para escuchar a los participantes que enfatizaron las características que querían en un nuevo jefe.

“Escuchamos el llamado de la comunidad por un líder que actúe con calma bajo presión, emocionalmente inteligente y políticamente astuto”, dijo Stephanie Wiggins, directora ejecutiva de Metro. “Alguien que pueda balancear la aplicación de la ley con empatía y colaboración. El jefe Scott trae todo esto y más. Su experiencia encabezando reformas en San Francisco, aunado a un par de décadas de servicio en nuestros propios vecindarios con el LAPD, lo hace una persona únicamente calificada para entregar un sistema de seguridad equitativo, seguro y responsable que nuestros usuarios se merecen. Este es un momento decisivo para la estrategia de seguridad pública de Metro”.

Durante su mandato en San Francisco, Scott fue reconocido a nivel nacional por su implementación de reforma policial del Siglo 21, completando todas las 272 recomendaciones emitidas por el Departamento de Justicia. Bajo su liderazgo, en el Departamento de Policía de San Francisco (SFPD) redujo de manera significativa el número de incidentes de uso excesivo de la fuerza, dio prioridad a la capacitación para disminuir conflictos y mejoró la tasa de solución de crímenes violentos más que a nivel nacional. También introdujo herramientas innovadoras como las cámaras Automática de Reconocimiento de Placas de Autos (ALPR) y drones para enfrentar al crimen organizado de robos residenciales y de negocios pequeños. Como jefe del SFPD, supervisó la seguridad del sistema de transporte Muni de San Francisco y en su tiempo, el crimen en el sistema de transporte descendió a gran escala –solo 2.3 crímenes por cada 100,000 millas de viaje en marzo de 2025. La filosofía de Scott al aplicar la ley está enraizada en resultados de su actividad policiaca con la comunidad, justa y con resultados.   

“Esta es una increíble oportunidad en este momento de mi carrera”, dijo el jefe Scott. “¿Cuánta gente puede decir que han construido una operación de seguridad desde el principio?  Estoy honrado de estar de regreso en Los Ángeles, pero aún más de tener esta oportunidad para dirigir este nuevo capitulo de Metro. Juntos tenemos una oportunidad de crear algo que refleja los valores de la región, apoyar a nuestros equipos de primera línea y ganar la confianza del público que servimos”.

El nombramiento refleja el compromiso de Metro por elevar la seguridad y responsabilidad mientras creamos una sociedad comunitaria con prácticas de cumplimiento equitativo. El nuevo jefe trae una nueva mentalidad de soluciones estratégicas y ha demostrado tener un historial comprobado en la construcción de confianza con comunidades diversas.

Scott también se enfocará en construir un fuerte equipo de liderazgo interno, reforzando las relaciones con las agencias del orden local y reforzando la cultura de seguridad de Metro a través de una comunicación clara y consistente. Las prioridades principales incluyen el compromiso con organizaciones comunitarias, reforzando la comunicación con la oficina del Procurador del Condado de Los Ángeles y asegurar ser justos y transparentes.

Scott toma posesión de su cargo el 23 de junio de 2025.

Acerca del Jefe

Jefe William “Bill” Scott

William “Bill” Scott fue nombrado el 7 de mayo de 2025 como el primer jefe de Policía y Gestión de Emergencias de Metro, convirtiéndose en el principal ejecutivo de seguridad pública de la agencia. Con más de tres décadas de experiencia en la aplicación de la ley y una reputación nacional de liderazgo con reformas, el jefe Scott asume este cargo a medida que Metro amplía su enfoque multidimensional para la seguridad del transporte público en todo el condado de Los Ángeles, incluyendo una nueva agencia policial interna.

Antes de unirse a Metro, el jefe Scott se desempeñó como jefe de Policía de la Ciudad de San Francisco desde 2017, tras una carrera de 27 años en el Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles, donde ascendió al rango de subjefe. Su liderazgo en San Francisco ha sido ampliamente reconocido por impulsar mejoras en la seguridad pública, a la vez que impulsó una iniciativa de reforma policial con seguimiento nacional.

El jefe Scott dirigió el Departamento de Policía de San Francisco a través de un esfuerzo de reforma voluntaria basado en 272 recomendaciones del Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU., inicialmente lanzado durante la administración Obama. Tras el abandono del esfuerzo nacional de reforma en 2017, colaboró ​​proactivamente con el Departamento de Justicia de California para garantizar la continuidad de las reformas de la ciudad. El departamento presentó sus respuestas finales a dichas recomendaciones el 1 de abril de 2024, con un marco establecido para garantizar la rendición de cuentas y el progreso continuos.

Durante su mandato, el jefe Scott lideró al departamento a través de desafíos complejos, como la pandemia de COVID-19, el mayor escrutinio nacional sobre la actuación policial tras el asesinato de George Floyd y los continuos esfuerzos para reducir la delincuencia y, al mismo tiempo, generar confianza. Bajo su liderazgo, la delincuencia violenta en San Francisco se mantuvo muy por debajo de los niveles observados en otras grandes ciudades de Estados Unidos y las tasas de resolución de homicidios superaron sistemáticamente los promedios nacionales.

También promovió la innovación para abordar las persistentes preocupaciones de seguridad pública, implementando nuevas estrategias para combatir los robos de vehículos, el robo organizado en comercios y otros delitos contra la propiedad. Esto incluyó el uso de tecnologías modernas como lectores automáticos de matrículas (ALPR) y drones para mejorar las investigaciones y aumentar la rendición de cuentas.

Como jefe del SFPD, supervisó la seguridad del sistema Muni de San Francisco, y durante su mandato, la delincuencia en su sistema de transporte disminuyo drásticamente: tan solo 2.3 delitos por cada 100,000 millas recorridos en marzo de 2025. La evasión de tarifas se redujo en un 30% y el 72% de los usuarios califica su sistema como bueno o excelente.

También ha liderado a su equipo en importantes eventos globales, como las reuniones del Foro de Cooperación Económica Asia-Pacífico de 2023, que reunieron a 21 jefes de estado para conversaciones cruciales sobre la economía mundial.

El jefe Scott se crio en Birmingham, Alabama y ​​es licenciado en contabilidad por la Universidad de Alabama. También se graduó del Instituto de Alta Dirección de la Policía. Él y su esposa tienen tres hijos.

Sobre Metro 

La Autoridad de Transporte Metropolitano del Condado de Los Ángeles (Metro) desarrolla el programa de infraestructura de transporte más ambicioso de Estados Unidos y trabaja para mejorar de manera significativa la movilidad a través de su Plan Visión 2028. Metro es la agencia principal de planificación y financiación de transporte del Condado de Los Ángeles y gestiona un millón de abordajes diarios en una flota de 2,200 autobuses de bajas emisiones y seis líneas de tren.

Para estar informado, sigue a Metro en The Source o El Pasajero en metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles y x.com/metroLAalerts e instagram.com/metrolosangeles.   

The post LA Metro Nombra a William “Bill” Scott Como Primer Jefe del Nuevo Departamento de Seguridad Pública appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced that William “Bill” Scott has been selected to serve as the agency’s first Chief of Police and Emergency Management. With more than 35 years of law enforcement experience, including eight years as Chief of Police in San Francisco and 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Scott returns to the city where he built his career to lead one of the most significant public safety transitions in LA Metro’s history. The decision follows an extensive engagement process with the LA Metro Board, employees and community stakeholders to identify the qualities essential for the department’s next leader. 

Scott joins Metro to lead its new public safety department, which was approved by the LA Metro Board last June as the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD), will unify and oversee all LA Metro’s safety operations under one command structure. As Chief, Scott will be responsible for building the department from the ground up, overseeing everything from command staff selection, training standards, to uniforms, technology systems, and deployment strategies. 

Chief Scott will also lead LA Metro’s security coordination for many upcoming high-profile global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This moment demands a leader like Chief Scott, who brings vision and integrity to this important role,” said Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “He understands that real public safety is about more than enforcement, it’s about trust, transparency and working with the community to make every rider feel safe.”

Scott’s appointment comes after an extensive national search and stakeholder engagement process informed by feedback from employees, community members and public safety experts. LA Metro conducted a series of listening sessions where participants emphasized characteristics they wanted in a new chief.

“We heard the community’s call for a leader who is calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent and politically astute,” said LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Someone who can balance enforcement with empathy and collaboration. Chief Scott brings all of that and more. His experience leading reform in San Francisco, coupled with his decades of service in our own neighborhoods with LAPD, make him uniquely qualified to deliver the safe, responsive and equitable security system our riders deserve. This is a defining moment for Metro’s public safety strategy.”

During his tenure in San Francisco, Scott was nationally recognized for his implementation of 21st Century policing reforms, completing all 272 recommendations issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. Under his leadership, San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) significantly reduced use-of-force incidents, prioritized de-escalation training and improved violent crime clearance rates well above national averages. He also introduced innovative tools like Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras and drones to address organized retail theft and property crime. As chief of SFPD, he oversees safety and security on San Francisco’s Muni system, and over his tenure, crime on their transit system has decreased precipitously – just 2.3 crimes per 100,000 miles of travel in March 2025. Scott’s law enforcement philosophy is rooted in community policing, fairness and results.

“This is an incredible opportunity at this point in my career,” said Chief Scott. “How many people can say they have built a public safety operation from the very beginning? I’m honored to be back in L.A., but even more honored to have this chance to lead this next chapter for LA Metro. Together, we have an opportunity to create something that reflects the values of this region, supports our frontline teams and earns the trust of the public we serve.”

The appointment reflects LA Metro’s commitment to elevating safety and accountability while fostering community partnerships and equitable enforcement practices. The new Chief brings a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset and has a proven track record in building trust with diverse communities.

Scott will also focus on building a strong internal leadership team, strengthening relationships with local law enforcement agencies and reinforcing LA Metro’s safety culture through clear, consistent communication. Key priorities will include engagement with community-based organizations, strengthening ties with the District Attorney’s Office and ensuring fairness and transparency in enforcement policies.

Chief Scott will officially assume his role June 23, 2025.

About The Chief

Chief William “Bill” Scott

William “Bill” Scott was appointed to serve as LA Metro’s first-ever Chief of Police and Emergency Management on May 07, 2025, becoming the agency’s top public safety executive. With more than three decades of experience in law enforcement and a national reputation for reform-minded leadership, Chief Scott steps into this role as Metro expands its multilayered approach to transit safety across Los Angeles County, including a new, in-house law enforcement agency.

Prior to joining Metro, Chief Scott served as Chief of Police for the City of San Francisco beginning in 2017, following a 27-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief. His leadership in San Francisco has been widely recognized for driving public safety improvements, while also advancing a nationally watched police reform initiative.

Chief Scott led the San Francisco Police Department through a voluntary reform effort shaped by 272 recommendations from the U.S. Department of Justice, initially launched under the Obama administration. After the national reform effort was abandoned in 2017, he proactively partnered with the California Department of Justice to ensure the city’s reform work continued. The department submitted its final responses to those recommendations on April 1, 2024, with a framework in place to ensure ongoing accountability and progress.

During his tenure, Chief Scott guided the department through complex challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened national scrutiny of policing following the murder of George Floyd and ongoing efforts to reduce crime while building trust. Under his leadership, violent crime in San Francisco remained well below levels seen in other major U.S. cities and clearance rates for homicides consistently exceeded national averages.

He also embraced innovation in addressing persistent public safety concerns, launching new strategies to combat car burglaries, organized retail theft and other property crimes. This included the use of modern technologies like automated license plate readers (ALPR) and drones to improve investigations and increase accountability.

As chief of SFPD, he oversees safety and security on San Francisco’s Muni system, and over his tenure, crime on their transit system has decreased precipitously – just 2.3 crimes per 100,000 miles of travel in March 2025.  Fare evasion is down 30%, and 72% of customers rate their system good or excellent.

He has also led his team through major global events – like the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, which brought 21 heads of state together for critical talks about the world economy.

Chief Scott was raised in Birmingham, Ala. and holds a degree in accounting from the University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. He and his wife have three children.

About Metro

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

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

The post LA Metro Names William “Bill” Scott as Inaugural Chief to Lead New Public Safety Department appeared first on LA Metro.

GoPass Research and Reports

Welcome to the GoPass Research & Reports hub — your source for data, insights, and outcomes from LA Metro’s GoPass program.

Here, you’ll find research studies, program statistics, and annual reports that showcase the impact of the GoPass program on student mobility throughout LA county, school attendance, fare equity, and regional transportation goals. 

Learn more about GoPass

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If you’re a researcher, district leader, or policymaker interested in working with GoPass data, please contact us.

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GoPass Administrator Portal

Welcome to the GoPass Administrator Portal! Here, you’ll find tools, resources, and guidance to help you provide free transit access to your students with GoPass.

This page is your one-stop resource hub to support a smooth and successful rollout of the GoPass program across your schools or district. Here you’ll find everything you need to communicate with students, engage parents, and coordinate with school teams.

 

Toolkit and Assets

Download customizable flyers, logos, timelines, parent letters, and more to help spread the word and support a successful rollout at your school or organization.

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Bike Racks​

We provide secure and convenient bike racks at every Metro station.

Bike Locks

Rest easy while exploring the city; our Metro stations offer complimentary bike locks.

Parking

Enjoy a stress-free commute with ample parking facilities at our Metro stations.

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We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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The post GoPass Toolkit appeared first on LA Metro.

 “Millions of older adults in LA County rely on Metro to connect them to family, social activities, and doctors’ appointments,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “Through our annual Older Adult Transportation Expo, we’re giving our senior riders tools, tips, and strategies to become power users of our system and to benefit from all the investments we’ve made in public transportation.”

This year’s expo will include a panel discussion with transit leaders from Foothill Transit, Big Blue Bus and Pasadena Transit as well as two breakout sessions for more targeted instruction. The breakout sessions will help all levels of riders; from those who have never taken public transportation to seasoned riders who want to learn more about Metro, other county providers and the destinations available via transit.

Pasadena Transit will provide a free shuttle to the expo from the Metro’s A Line Memorial Park Station to the Pasadena Convention Center for attendees. The morning route will run from 8 – 9:30 a.m. from Raymond/Holly and stop in front of the Convention Center. The afternoon route will run from 2 – 3 p.m. from the Convention Center to Raymond/Holly and Green/Marengo.

Since the inception of the program in 2013, Metro’s “On the Move Riders Program” has empowered older adults with the information and confidence to travel on fixed-route transportation in and around Los Angeles. The program has been recognized for its work to improve mobility for seniors and hosts workshops, events and tours to educate older adults on Metro’s transportation system throughout the year. In 2023, the program received Access Services’ Spirit of Accessibility Award, which honors persons and organizations that have made significant contributions toward making transit more accessible. This annual flagship event prepares more than 500 attendees to use the Metro system.

The program currently includes 58 dedicated volunteer Travel Buddies who lead 30 peer-to-peer travel training clubs. Each month, these Travel Buddies help older adults in their communities practice using public transportation, guiding them on trips to exciting, transit-accessible destinations. Along the way, participants gain confidence navigating the transit system, discovering new places, and forming meaningful friendships.

Estaire Press became a Travel Buddy because she lives in a senior building where a lot of people are from out of town. “They might have moved here to be closer to family,” she said, “but they don’t know LA very well.” It’s both fun and rewarding for the Pasadena native to introduce people to some of her favorite local haunts, thereby helping them feel more at home.

Metro is looking to expand its clubs and continue empowering older adults across Los Angeles. If anyone is interested in joining or getting involved, Metro invites them to register, visit or call!  OTMRPExpo2025.eventbrite.com or 213.922.2002.

More information about Metro’s “On the Move Riders Program” is available at https://www.metro.net/riding/move-riders-club/.

About Metro

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

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

The post LA Metro’s ‘On the Move Riders Program’ to Host 9th Annual Older Adult Transportation Expo appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is celebrating National Bike Month in May with free rides for everyone on Thursday, May 15, as well as a number of bike-related promotions to encourage everyone to get outside, ride a bike and use Metro as a part of their journey.

To help riders ride more, drive less and feel good, Metro is offering the following deals and promotions during May:

Metro Bike Share

• Metro’s shareable bikes are located at kiosks throughout LA County and will be discounted during the month. 30-Day Bike Share passes and Reduced Fare 30-Day passes will be available for just $1.00 during May with promo code BIKEMONTH25.
• Beginning on May 12 and running through May 16, Bike Share will host a flash sale offering 50% off the full fare 365-Day Pass at $75 and $25 for Reduced Fare 365-Day passes with promocode BIKEANYWHERE25. Valid for new users and users who do not already have an active 365-Day Pass.
• Metro Bike Share will offer free 30-minute rides on Bike Day, Thursday, May 15. All riders can redeem free 30-minute bike share rides by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app and entering the promo code 051525. Rides longer than 30 minutes are just $1.75 for each additional half-hour.

Customers should always properly return a Metro Bike to a Metro Bike Share station to end your trip. Never leave a Metro Bike unattended during a trip. Riders will be charged penalty fees up to $2,500 for missing or improperly docked bikes.

Bike Hubs

• Beginning this month, Metro Bike Hubs will permanently transition to a free-access model, allowing registered patrons to securely park their bicycles at no cost.
• Metro Bike Hubs previously operated on a subscription model where patrons had to purchase a monthly subscription in order to access the hubs. We are changing this by making access to the hubs free, so that anyone can access the hubs at no cost if they register into the new program, which will require ID verification.
• These actively monitored facilities include amenities designed to support cyclists on their commutes and will now be a part of the BikeLink program. Users will be required to use their own lock to secure their bike to a rack inside the hub.
• To enhance security, Metro is also installing new bike lockers within the hubs. Learn more at metro.net/riding/bikes-on-metro.

Bike Lockers

• Metro has added electronic bike lockers at 18 additional stations, including four locations that previously lacked secure bike parking.
• New locations include Union Station, Atlantic, Soto, Mariachi Plaza, Arcadia, APU/Citrus, Harbor Gateway Transit Center, Reseda, Expo/Bundy, 17th St/SMC, El Segundo, Crenshaw, Norwalk, Wilshire/Vermont, Vermont/Santa Monica, Lakewood, La Cienega/Jefferson, and Florence.
• These electronic lockers are available on demand and can be accessed via the BikeLink app or directly at the locker using a payment card.
• In celebration of Bike Month, Metro and partner eLock Technologies are offering $5 in parking credits—load $5 onto your BikeLink account and use one of the new lockers to receive an automatic $5 credit. Learn more at bikelink.org.

Adopt a Bike

Each year hundreds of bikes are left behind on Metro property, including the bus and rail systems. These bikes are held at Metro’s lost and found for 90 days, after which, if they are not picked up, they are added to Metro’s Adopt a Bike program. Through the program, Metro works with Community-Based Organizations to distribute these bikes back into the community to people who cannot afford a personal bicycle, including resource-challenged communities and people experiencing homelessness. To date, more than 1,587 bikes have been distributed among several cities and communities in Los Angeles County including East Los Angeles, Long Beach, South Central Los Angeles, Culver City, Willowbrook and San Gabriel Valley. More information on Metro’s Adopt a Bike Program is available here.

For more information on all of Metro’s Bike Month activities and community events visit metro.net/bikemonth.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 119 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.

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

The post LA Metro Celebrates Bike Month with Free Rides, Bike Share Discounts and More Bike Lockers appeared first on LA Metro.

Amplifying Voices

“This platform will amplify our youth’s voice to engage directly with experts and thought leaders in sustainability. We are committed to fostering informed and empowered youth who will be prepared to lead us in a more sustainable and equitable world.”

— Cris Liban

METRO SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

Metro is at the Forefront of Sustainability Efforts

Get involved today.

Sustainability Youth Program Initiatives

 

Join us as we engage youth in Metro’s sustainability efforts. Click on the links here to find out how.

Speaker Series

Be a sustainability speaker or request someone to speak on sustainability at your school or organization.

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Metro Youth Council

Learn about Metro’s Youth Council and find out how you can participate.

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SEED School of LA

Apply to enroll!

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Strategic Partners

Women & Girls Governing Council

Learn about our Women and Girls Council and find out how you can participate.

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Growing a Greener
Workforce

Attend a sustainability class or workshop.

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The post Sustainable Youth appeared first on LA Metro.

Speaker Series: Educating Youth on Sustainability with Interactive Events

We are thrilled to announce that Metro’s Sustainability Youth Program has launched a Speaker Series aimed to educate LA’s youth on vital topics. Our mission is to foster an early passion for sustainability and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

Did You Know?
LA Metro’s Eco-Friendly Innovation in Public Transit Is Leading the Way

Los Angeles has an excellent example of green innovation in public transit. The Metro B (Red) Line’s Vermont/Santa Monica Station is the first subway station in the country to receive a Platinum LEED certification. From its energy-saving lights to water-efficient fixtures to the use of materials that are kinder to our planet – every detail at the station is designed with the environment in mind. It’s proof of Metro’s commitment to a sustainable future.

This initiative by Metro transforms how we view public transportation and sets best practices for transit authorities nationwide. It’s inspiring a movement focused on eco-friendly infrastructure.

The post Speaker Series appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), today celebrated the groundbreaking of the I-105 ExpressLanes, a voter-approved Measure M and Twenty-Eight by ’28 project.  It will convert existing High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes into two dynamic ExpressLanes in each direction, aiming to reduce travel times by up to 50 percent. It will also improve reliability for trips to key destinations like Los Angeles International Airport, enhance safety and direct net toll revenues to transit projects in communities along the corridor.

A Vision for 2028 and Beyond

Part of Metro’s Twenty-Eight by ‘28 Initiative, which seeks to complete 28 transportation projects in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the first segment of the I-105 ExpressLanes project is expected to help improve freeway mobility during the Games as well as provide lasting benefits for Angelenos.

The ExpressLanes Solution

ExpressLanes enhance freeway operations and safety by improving traffic flow and reducing stop-and-go conditions. They also help reduce freeway overflow traffic onto nearby city streets, contributing to a smoother and more efficient transportation experience for both local communities and regional travelers.

ExpressLanes rates adjust based on real-time traffic conditions and are designed to achieve average speeds of 45 mph or more. Eligible carpools will continue to ride free, while other motorists will be able to pay a variable toll for faster and more reliable travel. Net toll revenues from ExpressLanes are reinvested into local transportation improvements that support transit, active transportation and infrastructure upgrades.

Since Metro brought ExpressLanes to the I-10 and I-110 freeways, 342 million trips have been recorded and more than 1.6 million FasTrak transponders have been issued. To date, over $186 million in toll revenues have been invested into improved transit service and mobility improvement projects along the I-10 and I-110 corridors.

“The I-105 ExpressLanes represent a major investment in the future of Southeast L.A. County,” said Whittier City Council Member and Metro Board First Vice Chair Fernando Dutra. “ExpressLanes tolls will be reinvested in the communities along the corridor to improve transit options, buses, bike lanes, safety and much more. I’m looking forward to working with cities to make these improvements.”

Connecting the Region

The project spans 16 miles through El Segundo, Hawthorne, Los Angeles, Inglewood, West Athens, Lynwood, Lennox, South Gate, Paramount, Willowbrook, Downey and Norwalk. It will add two ExpressLanes to the I-105 between the I-405 and I-605 freeways in three phases and marks a significant step forward in reimagining how Angelenos travel across some of the county’s most congested corridors.

“Collaboration with our LA Metro partners remains a top priority for Caltrans as we improve lives and communities through transportation. The 105 Express Lanes will provide safer and less congested connections between the Los Angeles International Airport and Norwalk,” said Gloria Roberts, Caltrans District 7 Director. “Also, this project will be an important part of a transit-first 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.”  

The first segment between Sepulveda Boulevard to Central Avenue is expected to open in 2028.  Construction for the second and third segments from Central Avenue to I-710 and from I-710 to Studebaker Road will begin in Summer 2026 and are anticipated to be completed by 2029.

“ExpressLanes ease traffic, promote carpooling and help Metro and municipal buses go faster,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “They also support dozens of transit and active transportation projects through the proceeds from their tolls – so they’re a great way not only to get where you’re going, but also to support our community and build the transit infrastructure necessary to protect our environment and ease traffic congestion. We can’t wait to deliver the I-105 ExpressLanes to LA County!”
 
For additional information about the I-105 ExpressLanes Project, please visit metro.net/105expresslanes.  


About Metro

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

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

The post LA Metro Breaks Ground on New I-105 ExpressLanes Projectto Improve Freeway Travel Speeds, Reliability, Safety in South Los Angeles appeared first on LA Metro.

The post Eventbrite – Test appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) continues to build on its commitment to grow its transit-oriented housing portfolio to 10,000 homes by 2031. Today, Metro joined A Community of Friends (ACOF) to mark the completion of construction of Lorena Plaza, a mixed-use housing development for low-income households, with half the apartments prioritized for veterans who are low income or experiencing homelessness.

“Projects like Metro’s Lorena Plaza exemplify a viable path to providing Angelenos with stable housing and opportunities through the Metro Joint Development Program—a program I had the honor of directing as Chair of Metro two years ago. Our goal was to create 10,000 housing units on Metro-owned properties by 2031, with at least half designated as affordable,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member. “Today, we celebrate not only one of many new affordable housing projects in the First District but also the collaboration of partners like A Community of Friends, who are crucial in working together to create meaningful solutions to housing challenges in Boyle Heights and throughout Los Angeles County.”

Lorena Plaza, located just north of the Metro E Line Indiana Station in Boyle Heights, is also served by Metro bus line 106 servicing Montebello to Monterey Park. The new four-story apartment building features 48 income-restricted homes above 7,500 square feet of community serving retail space. Lorena Plaza offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to families earning 30% – 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). Thirty-two of the apartments will be set aside as supportive housing for households earning up to 30% of AMI, while the remaining 16 apartments will be set aside for households earning up to 50% of AMI. In addition to housing, Lorena Plaza will also provide supportive services including case management, life skills classes, family and children’s services, and substance use recovery assistance to its tenants. Residential amenities include on-site offices for management and service providers, on-site laundry, a community room, a children’s play area and an outdoor courtyard.

“I remember being here when this was a construction site and had been unable to break ground for more than 15 years because of red tape,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Member Karen Bass. “By taking bold action, we broke away from the old ways of doing things and replaced it with a new approach focused on solutions, results, and speed. I am glad to be here today to celebrate the opening of Lorena Plaza, which will serve Veterans and families.”

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

“We’re excited to welcome 48 families to new transit-connected homes at Lorena Plaza,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “Housing and transportation are the two biggest household expenses for families, so by building affordable housing near transit through our Joint Development Program, we are giving a big hand to families who need it most. Metro is proud to do all we can to ease the housing shortage in LA County and make this region a more affordable, vibrant, and sustainable place to live.”

Lorena Plaza is Metro’s first Joint Development housing project to open in 2025 as part of its ambitious effort to bring more affordable, transit-oriented housing to Los Angeles County.

“A Community of Friends is thrilled to see the completion of Lorena Plaza, a permanent supportive housing community that we have worked so long to bring to fruition,” said Dora Leong Gallo, president and CEO of the organization. “We thank our many partners – from the community, our lenders, contractors, city and county partners, and Metro – for helping us reach this milestone.”

This summer, another Joint Development project, Santa Monica Vermont Apartments, will open and provide 187 apartments and retail spaces, including a health center and food court, focused on local businesses at the Vermont/Santa Monica Metro station. In 2024, dedication ceremonies were held for La Veranda and Los Lirios, both mixed-use housing developments for low- and moderate-income households in Boyle Heights.

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

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

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 49 buildings in its portfolio in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties, which provide homes for nearly 3,000 people, including more than 650 children. 

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

The post LA Metro, A Community of Friends Welcome Families to New Affordable Homes in Boyle Heights appeared first on LA Metro.

B-roll and Photos

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today celebrated the groundbreaking of major construction for the Metro G (Orange) Line Improvements Project, a series of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) enhancements projected to reduce average end-to-end bus travel times by 12 minutes or nearly 22%, allowing for five-minute bus headways and eliminating the potential for motorist intrusions onto the busway. Project improvements will enhance safety for buses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists alike on the dedicated BRT Line that travels between North Hollywood and Chatsworth.

Scheduled to be completed in 2027 in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, the project will advance Metro’s commitment to improve mobility and foster economic vitality in the San Fernando Valley. In the coming years, Metro expects to build several Valley transit projects, including the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, the North San Fernando Transit Corridor Project, the North Hollywood to Pasadena Transit Corridor Project, and the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.

“These are the most significant improvements Metro has made to this line in its nearly 20-year history,” said Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair. “This work will make the G Line faster and safer in the short-term and brings us a step closer to our ultimate goal of converting the line to light rail.” 

Over the course of the next two years, the project will result in the following improvements to the G Line:

• Installation of four-quadrant gates at 13 busy Metro G Line intersections between North Hollywood and Van Nuys — the G Line’s busiest section. Enhanced safety features will include flashing lights and bells, raised medians and pedestrian/bicyclist crosswalk gates.
• Implementation of more sophisticated transit signal priority and preemption in conjunction with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). This implementation will extend the signal phase to favor Metro’s electric buses and give them the next green light in an intersection’s phasing cycle for faster service.
• Construction of three bridges at Van Nuys Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard and Vesper Avenue to physically separate buses from cars, thus improving bus travel times and eliminating intersection bottlenecks on local streets.
• Building a new aerial station on the Van Nuys Boulevard bridge, making room for a new street-level station for Metro’s new East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, which will travel along Van Nuys Boulevard to connect the cities of Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima for greater regional mobility.
• Resurfacing the adjacent bike path, painting new striping and installing new lighting, signage and fencing to improve safety and the user experience.
• Adding bike lockers and bike parking at selected Metro G Line Stations to further encourage multimodal trips.

In late February, Metro began detouring buses and cyclists off the bus right-of-way and adjacent bike path between Woodman and Sepulveda G Line Stations to facilitate construction work at Van Nuys Station. Demolition activities of the existing Van Nuys Station are expected to begin and will require that the station remain closed throughout the construction period.

“The San Fernando Valley is experiencing one of the fastest-growing demands for public transit anywhere in Los Angeles County — and we are meeting the moment,” said Lindsey P. Horvath, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member. “These transformative G Line improvements will make East-West Valley travel faster and safer and will also create a vital new transit hub that makes it easier for people to connect to the opportunities and services they rely on every day.” 

“As the newest member of the Metro Board, I am proud that the G Line improvements will bring much-needed safety and reliability enhancements to my constituents in the East San Fernando Valley,” said Imelda Padilla, L.A. City Council Member and Metro Board Member. “From faster commutes to safer crossings and better bike paths, this project is a crucial step toward creating a future where our neighborhoods are more connected and accessible for everyone. I look forward to ensuring that this and other planned Metro transit projects continue to improve the daily lives of everyone who depends on Metro in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.”

The $668 million transit project is funded by Metro’s 2016 Measure M and Prop C voter-approved sales taxes, among others. Approximately $64 million of the project cost has been made available by SB-1, the state’s gas tax and vehicle fee transportation funding program. It will be built by Valley Transit Partners – a Joint Venture of Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., Flatiron West, and Modern Railway Systems.   

“These improvements to the G Line will save people time and facilitate better connections to our growing transit network in the San Fernando Valley,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The G Line will also be an important part of our transit network for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we look forward to delivering this project in 2027, well before the Games begin.”

For additional information about the G (Orange) Line Improvements Project, please visit metro.net/projects/orangeline.

About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses.
 
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles, x.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

The post LA Metro Breaks Ground on Improvements to Bus Safety, Speed Reliability for G Line in San Fernando Valley appeared first on LA Metro.

The post Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Surface Transportation Block Grant & Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Federal Fiscal Years 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 Call for Project Nominations appeared first on LA Metro.

How to report a lost item in person

Visit the Lost & Found office to complete a lost item report, and attach a photo (optional). The Lost & Found office is located at 3571 Pasadena Av (near A Line Heritage Station). Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm (closed major holidays)

What to expect after you submit a report

After you submit a report online or in-person, we’ll send you an email confirmation with a reference number. Save this email because you’ll need to provide the reference number and a valid ID to recover your items if they are found.

We’ll notify you at the contact information you provided if the item is found.

How to turn in an item

Please turn in found items at the Metro Headquarters building, located at 1 Gateway Plaza (downtown LA), or the Lost & Found office at 3571 Pasadena Av (near A Line Heritage Station).

Your item was found! How to get it back

Please come to the Lost & Found office. You’ll be required to show a valid ID and a reference number. 

Pick up for bicycles only is at Metro Headquarters building, located at 1 Gateway Plaza (downtown LA), Monday-Friday, from 8am-12pm and 1-3:30pm (except major holidays). 

Are you sending someone to pick up your found property? Please fill out the Property Release Form, including the Designee section, to authorize release of your property to someone you designate. For your protection, you must include a copy of a government issued photo ID, such as a driver license or passport. Return the completed form with a copy of your ID by mail or email at MetroLostAndFound@metro.net. 

Your designated person must provide a valid government issued photo ID that matches the name on the form when they pick-up.

How long does Metro hold found items

Found items are held for 90 days. After 90 days, unclaimed items are auctioned at Ken Porter Auctions (tel 310.353.7140).

Lost & Found Location and Hours

3571 Pasadena Av. (near A Line Heritage Station)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm (closed major holidays)
Information only: 323.937.8920

Forms

• Property Release Form

Scroll Spy here

The post Lost & Found (test) appeared first on LA Metro.

L.A. Metro celebrated its 26^th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth in January with 25,358,363 boardings. The combined bus and rail ridership reached 82.9% of its 2019 pre-pandemic ridership level. Metro’s average weekday boardings reached 80.7% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels and on the weekends, ridership attained 93.1% of its pre-pandemic level. 

Bus Ridership 

The Metro bus system saw 20,041,153 trips taken in January, marking a 5.6% ridership increase compared to January 2024. Weekday bus ridership saw an average of 729,709 daily boardings, marking a 5.6% year-over-year increase. Weekends saw an average of 502,735 trips on Saturdays, and an average of 395,323 trips on Sundays. Saturday bus ridership in January marked an 8.0% increase and Sunday bus ridership increased 3.3% year-over-year. Both average Saturday and Sunday ridership exceeded pre-pandemic ridership for January 2019, up 2.2% and 1.5% respectively. 

Ridership on the Bus Rapid Transit J Line, which runs on dedicated bus lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways from El Monte to San Pedro, rose 6.2% compared to January 2024.   

Rail Ridership 

In January, Metro rail boardings grew 2.9% over January 2024 to 5,317,210. Weekday rail boardings grew by 2.7% year-over-year. Saturday and Sunday rail ridership in January 2025 grew 6.2% and 1.4% respectively year-over-year.   

The E Line ridership grew 16.8 percent, led by Saturday and Sunday boardings, which were up 25.8 and 16.4 percent higher respectively in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Weekdays in January were up 15.7% year over year.   

Effects of Wildfires 

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County in January caused several Metro bus lines to be cancelled or rerouted. Metro Bus Line 134 was cancelled for more than a month and has been partially restored following the Palisades Fire and subsequent mudslides. Line 602 is now running a modified route after having been cancelled for a number of weeks. In Altadena, Lines 660 and 662 are running modified routes due to the Eaton Fire. This month, in response to the LA Wildfires, the Metro board approved extending Metro’s LIFE program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, to those affected by the wildfires. The LIFE team was present at numerous Wildfire Relief events where they were able to assist 2,089 new riders with transit relief. 

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

Public Safety on Metro 

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

• Keep our employees and customers safe and ensure they feel safe through an increased visible presence of uniformed personnel, station improvements and improved bus safety measures; 

• Ensure the system is being used only for its intended purpose of transit through fare gate improvements and removal of trespassers; and  

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

About Metro 

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

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

The post LA Metro Kicks Off 2025 with Continued Ridership Growth  appeared first on LA Metro.

L.A. Metro will operate closed-door service on Line 134, which travels through Malibu to Santa Monica, starting Friday, Feb. 28. Service has been suspended since Jan. 7, 2025, when the Palisades Fire ignited and caused major damage in the area followed by mudslides and debris flow in the area following the recent rain.
  
“Resuming service on Line 134 is a crucial step toward supporting the residents and commuters who depend on this route from Malibu to Santa Monica,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “While there are still challenges ahead, we know how critical reliable transit service is to our communities. We are doing everything we can to safely serve this critical need; however, this is not yet operations as usual. We are committed to restoring essential connectivity and getting back to normal service as quickly as recovery conditions allow.”

Line 134 will serve stops on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at the Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Rd, Civic Center Way and Malibu Canyon Rd between Malibu and Trancas Canyon Road. The route will also serve stops in Santa Monica between Downtown Santa Monica E Line Station and Ocean Av / Colorado Av in Santa Monica. 

“Across the county, hundreds of thousands of people count on Metro to get to work, to school, to family, and everything in between,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn.  “It is important that as we recover from these fires that we get this service back up and running as soon as possible for our riders that need it.”

Metro Line 134 buses will not open the bus doors for bus stops on PCH through the approximate 10-mile work zone between PCH/Temescal Canyon Rd and PCH/Rambla Vista near the Carbon Beach Terrace checkpoint. There will be no service to bus stops located within the work zone, nor will courtesy stops be available.
 
“Restoring public transportation access to Malibu is a critical step in our community’s recovery,” said Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. “This modified service strikes a careful balance of safety and ensuring residents, workers, and business patrons have a safe and reliable way to travel through the area. We are grateful for LA Metro’s partnership. While the impact of the Palisades Fire remains, this marks an important milestone in reconnecting our city and supporting those who depend on public transit. For those who haven’t considered public transportation before, this is a great opportunity to utilize LA Metro as a way to pass through the checkpoints and reduce congestion on our roads.”

Delays are expected due to one lane each direction traffic flows and a 25-mph speed limit in the work zone. Schedules will be reviewed and may be adjusted at a future date based on experience. “January’s wildfires devasted the L.A. area and disrupted the connectivity of communities in and around the fire zones, which makes this partial restoration of service an important part of the recovery,” said L.A. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.

About Metro

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

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

The post LA Metro Partially Restores Bus Service, Reconnecting Malibu, Santa Monica appeared first on LA Metro.

L.A. County residents are increasingly choosing to Go Metro as they travel to work, school, services and weekend activities. The Los Angeles County Transportation Authority (Metro) announced today that it saw more than 311 million boardings (311,261,332) in 2024, an 8% increase over 2023 annual ridership numbers and the first time the agency has reached this level of ridership since before Covid-19 pandemic.  

In 2024, Metro surpassed one million average weekday boardings in September and October. Weekend ridership has surpassed pre-pandemic ridership levels for the past 25 months. Overall weekday ridership on Metro grew 8.7% year over year, while weekend ridership grew 5.8%.  

“As more and more people put their trust in Metro to get where they’re going, making our system safe, clean, and reliable has to remain our absolute priority,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn. “Our buses, trains, and stations have to serve hundreds of thousands of people every day all year round, and those numbers are increasing.” 

“I’m proud of the Metro team for putting people first and for prioritizing what matters most to our riders: safety, cleanliness, reliability, comfort, and ease, and insisting on quality from the beginning of the customer journey to the end,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “For more than two years, transit ridership has been growing in L.A. County. To me, that speaks to the fact that our efforts are making positive differences. We’re excited to welcome more riders in 2025, as we expand our system to LAX Airport, the San Gabriel Foothills and the Wilshire Boulevard Corridor.”  

Factors Influencing Ridership 

Improved Service 

Throughout the year, Metro improved reliability and frequency of bus service to improve customers’ travel experience on multiple routes and to better meet the needs of today’s riders. Bus service changes included more trips on some lines to provide added capacity, the transfer of two lines to Pasadena Transit as the new service provider, and the reconfiguring of some of the bus lines to improve regional connectivity to Metro rail. Bus ridership in 2024 increased 8.8% over 2023. 

Improvements were also seen on Metro Rail. The reconfigured A and E Lines marked their first full year of operation in June and combined saw a 33.4% ridership increase in December 2024 over December 2023.  

Metro’s Aviation/Century Station that opened last year is now the transfer point for those on the C Line to transfer to the K Line providing service to the west side line stations including Mariposa, El Segundo and Douglas, and Redondo Beach Station. These stations are now serviced exclusively by the K Line. Overall rail ridership grew 5.4% in 2024 over 2023. 

Increased Leisure Ridership 

Reflecting the evolution of ridership patterns, Metro’s weekend ridership continues to lead overall ridership growth. Leisure riders are using the service for weekend events and throughout the year activities such as the Hard Summer Music Festival, college football and Rams and Chargers games, Dodgers games and the celebratory championship parade plus holiday celebrations like Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2025, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. 

For many of these special events the agency provided additional late-night service and shuttle buses. This year Metro provided extended free service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.  

Increased Safety 

In 2024, Metro made significant progress in its efforts to provide a safer, cleaner and more comfortable rider experience by focusing on its three-pronged public safety strategy:  

• Working to ensure an engaged and visible presence of uniformed personnel on Metro buses and trains, including law enforcement, Metro Transit Security, and Metro Ambassadors.   

• Enhancing access control by stepping up TAP inspections and trespasser checks and ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, that our system is only used for its intended purpose: transportation.  

• Strengthening our partnerships to address societal issues that affect Metro, like homelessness, untreated mental illness and addiction.   

Metro’s law enforcement partners, Metro Transit Security Officers, private security, Metro Ambassadors and care teams collaborate closely to provide a more visible presence on the system, address and prevent crime, provide enhanced customer experience and connect people to the appropriate services.  

The Metro Ambassador program has been so successful and popular with Metro riders that Metro is bringing the currently contracted program in-house as full-time Metro employees.  

In June 2024, the Metro Board authorized the agency to launch a new in-house law enforcement agency, the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD). The TCPSD will be staffed by more than 600 sworn police officers, homeless and crisis intervention specialists, and others to deliver a safe transit system for our customers and employees. The TCPSD will feature transit-specific training, allowing Metro to enforce consistent policy and rule implementation across the system. 

Ensuring the Metro system is being used for the purpose of transit contributes to a safer transit system, and one new enforcement strategy deployed in 2024 was the TAP-to-Exit program that confirmed everyone paid their fare. Fare gates were locked at both ends of the journey so if passengers did not pay when they entered the system, fare was deducted from their TAP card when they exited.  

The program is currently implemented at the North Hollywood Station on the B Line, the Downtown Santa Monica Station on the E Line and the A Line end-of-line rail stations, Azusa Pacific University (APU)/Citrus College and Downtown Long Beach. Since TAP-to-Exit was implemented less than one year ago at North Hollywood, the program has captured nearly 120,000 unpaid passenger exits, translating to over $130,000 in fares recuperated. More stations are expected to be added to this successful program in 2025, beginning with Union Station this month. 

A few of the other safety improvements and initiatives that began last year include: 

• The testing of various weapons detection systems to prevent riders from carrying weapons on Metro.  

• Keeping the train doors at end-of-line stations closed until one minute before the train is set to depart to ensure the trains are properly offloaded and cleared. It ensures people are leaving the station/platform at the end of the line, helping to ensure only people on the system are those using it for the purposes of transit.  

• The roll-out of an enhanced Transit Watch App that supports communication in 14 languages, in-app messaging and video and location sharing so riders can share what they observe with Metro security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

• Improved lighting on buses, trains and at stations, and the installation of upgraded CCTV cameras to make our system safer.  

• The retrofitting of 100% of Metro’s active bus fleet with new, expanded barriers made of shatterproof, tempered glass that fully enclose drivers – the first and only transit system in the country to have done so with its active fleet. This important improvement has led to an 18.5% decrease in assaults on Metro’s bus operators per one million boardings. 

As a result of these efforts, Metro has made great strides in improving safety and cleanliness on the system with violent crime decreasing 15.5% per 1 million boardings in 2024 compared to the previous year.  

A More Affordable Metro 

Metro has several programs that support making it more affordable for all riders. Reduced-price transit passes, such as the student GoPass, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and the LIFE program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are increasingly helping these qualified riders. 

In 2024, the GoPass Program saw 19,665,051 total boardings versus 17,720,181 in 2023, an 11% increase. The LIFE Program observed a 27% increase in ridership in 2024 with 20,873,250 boardings over 16,411,583 boardings in 2023.  

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

The post LA Metro’s 2024 Ridership Soars to More Than 311 Million Marking Significant Growth appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is expanding the Board-approved TAP-to-Exit program to Union Station (B/D Lines) beginning Feb. 18. Turnstiles at the historic transportation station will be latched at both the entrances and exits to the rail lines, so riders will need to tap their TAP card or scan their valid Metrolink fare to enter and exit the station.

Metro began informing riders about the expanded program on Feb.11 via signage at Union Station and the distribution of brochures, both available in English and Spanish. On Feb. 18, Metro Ambassadors and TAP Blue Shirts will be on-site to assist passengers with loading their fares, while representatives from Metro’s LIFE program will help enroll income-qualified riders. The education period will last through Tuesday, Feb. 25, after which security and law enforcement officers will begin issuing citations for those who do not have valid fares.

Metro is expanding the TAP-to-Exit program as part of the agency’s ongoing public safety effort. Controlling access to the system helps to ensure that people are using the system for their transportation needs and is just one of the ways that Metro is working to improve safety. Since 2024, Metro has been deploying more security officers and contracted law enforcement partners to increase the visibility of uniformed law enforcement officers on the system, as well as upgrading camera technology and lighting at the stations.

The TAP-to-Exit program was first launched at the North Hollywood B Line Station in May 2024, followed by the Downtown Santa Monica E Line Station in September 2024. The program has received positive feedback from Metro riders. The North Hollywood station pilot transformed behavior along the 14 B-Line stations with reported crime and other issues (fights, drug use and graffiti) having dropped by more than 40 percent on the Transit Watch app. In a survey of North Hollywood riders, 90 percent stated that this pilot made the station feel cleaner and 86 percent stated that this pilot made them feel safer. Following the expansion to Downtown Santa Monica, Transit Watch incidents dropped 55 percent on the E Line when TAP-to Exit was paired with fare enforcement.

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

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

Since TAP-to-Exit was implemented, the program has automatically corrected nearly 120,000 unpaid passenger exits, translating to over $130,000 in fares recuperated alone.

Metro has several programs that support making it more affordable for all riders. Reduced-price transit passes, such as the student GoPass, which offers free transit passes to K-12 and community college students, and the LIFE program, which provides free rides and reduced fares to low-income customers, are increasingly helping these qualified riders. 
 
Metro continues to offer a fare capping program under which riders who pay with a TAP card pay no more $5 a day or $18 over seven days. Once they’ve reached those limits, they ride free for the remainder of the day or seven-day period. 
 
And Metro’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Program provides in-need Angelenos the freedom to choose the mode that best suits their needs by providing a debit card with $150 per month to spend on transportation. The card can be used to take the bus, ride the train, use bike share, take Metro-Micro and more. 

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

About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries one million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.

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

The post Metro’s Successful TAP-to-Exit Program Expands to Union Station beginning Feb. 18 appeared first on LA Metro.

B-roll and Photos Here

Keeping bus lanes clear for the benefit of transit riders is essential to making transportation more equitable in Los Angeles, so the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), today announced its bus lane enforcement program will begin ticketing violators on Monday, Feb. 17.

Originally announced Nov. 1, 2024, this bus lane enforcement pilot program is rolling out on major corridors where bus lanes have been established to prioritize public transit in areas with high bus ridership and traffic congestion, including bus lines 720 servicing Wilshire Blvd. and 212 servicing LA Brea Ave.

During the initial 60-day period (December – January), motorists illegally parked in bus lanes on those lines received notices by mail warning that future violations would be subject to fines. Effective Feb. 17, violators will face a penalty starting at $293 for illegally parking in designated bus lanes, helping to ensure buses can travel without obstruction and reduce delays for passengers.

“Without enforcement, a single parked car in a bus lane can delay dozens or even hundreds of riders. So, this is not just about issuing tickets, it’s about making sure our Metro buses run on schedule and get our riders to their destinations on time,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. This initiative is part of LA Metro’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and ensure equitable access as well as enhancing the reliability and speed of bus services, particularly along high-traffic corridors where bus lanes are critical to keeping buses on time. Blocking bus lanes has a disproportionate impact on bus riders, resulting in delays and disruptions. One vehicle can have an outsized burden on the dozens of riders on each bus, resulting in missed transfers and late arrivals. In addition, for those passengers with mobility challenges, it impacts their ability to easily enter or exit the bus.

“Every Metro bus carries someone’s mother, grandfather, or child, all of whom are trying to get to their destination, so they can spend time with those most important to them,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro. “Our bus riders deserve to have a reliable, safe, and on-time ride. That’s why we’ve partnered with LADOT to install bus lanes on Wilshire Blvd. and La Brea Blvd. – to give all our riders a better, faster, and more consistent ride – however, since they’ve been installed, service is delayed due to vehicles blocking the lanes and that’s why we’re pleased that enforcement is going to begin to prevent misuse of the bus lanes.”

The automated enforcement system captures violations through two cameras installed behind the windshields of select buses each serving a different function. One camera uses computer vision to detect vehicles on the roadway and traffic lane lines. When a bus lane violation is detected, the second camera records the license plate of the violating vehicle. Then, a traffic officer with LADOT will review the evidence and verify the accuracy of the image before issuing a ticket. Tickets will include details of the violation, including time, location, and images or video evidence.

“Every day thousands of Angelenos depend on public transit to get to their jobs, schools, healthcare, and other critical destinations” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “This new program will help the city realize the service reliability and efficiency benefits of its dedicated bus lanes as we continue to partner with Metro to improve bus service across our transportation system.”

As part of phase two of the program, 50 cameras are being installed on select buses on bus lines 910 and 950 that serve the J line and line 70 servicing Olive St./Grand Ave. for a total of 100 vehicles supporting the bus lane enforcement program. The 60-day warning period for those areas will begin on March 3.

This automated bus lane enforcement technology advances LA Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan by ensuring that the agency’s riders experience the benefits of new bus lanes and improve safety and transit reliability.

 About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.

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

The post Bus Lane Enforcement Ticketing Begins Feb. 17 Along Lines 720, 212 appeared first on LA Metro.

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Providing equitable access to high quality, reliable and affordable transit service for everyone is a civil right, so in honor of Transit Equity Day, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer free rides on all Metro buses, trains, Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro on Tuesday, Feb. 4.   

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

“Every single resident of LA County should know that they can step onto a Metro bus or train and expect to get where they’re going safely and reliably. Transit Equity Day is our opportunity to remind even those who are not regular riders that this system is here to serve them, and that we’re committed to providing a world-class service accessible to everyone,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. 

This year, Transit Equity Day highlights the importance of transportation in Los Angeles. In events like wildfires, Metro plays a key role in helping residents evacuate, access services, and stay connected, demonstrating how vital equitable transit is in supporting communities during emergencies. Throughout the year, Metro fosters a more connected, inclusive city through fare programs, equity-focused planning, accessible station design, and a commitment to environmental justice. 

“We are proud of our initiatives to ensure affordable and accessible public transit,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “From offering discounted and free fares for students, seniors, and people with lower incomes, to engaging the public in the design and implementation of our services, Metro strives to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live in LA County or how much money they make, have equitable access to high quality, reliable, and affordable transit services.” 

Transit Equity is Every Day 

Keeping Fares Affordable 

Metro has several free and reduced fare programs, including GoPass, LIFE, senior discounts, fare capping, and a mobility wallet program, to assist people who rely on public transportation to get them where they need to go. These programs are popular, with LIFE riders taking 20.5 million rides in 2024 and 19.6 million GoPass boardings. The programs provide a more affordable alternative to owning and maintaining a car, thereby reducing financial strain on low-income families in a region where approximately 12.5% of households have no vehicles and 55% have a household income of less than $60,000. 

Equity-Focused Planning 

Metro is committed to making transit accessible and affordable for everyone and has created an Equity Focus Communities (EFC) designation to help us identify where transportation needs are greatest. Since its creation in 2019, the EFC Map considers the concentration of three characteristics including low-income households; Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) residents; and households with no access to a car. 

Metro has also put a renewed focus on ensuring diverse voices are heard when we plan our service and projects. In Dec. 2024 alone, we hosted 479 public events with over 44,000 participants. This engagement ensures diverse voices are heard in service planning and development. 

Enhancing Mobility for Everyone 

Metro strives to ensure that its services (including over 200 bus and rail routes) are fully accessible to all our customers, ensuring that people with disabilities can travel with dignity and ease. Our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards often exceed state and federal requirements. All stations have at least one accessible entrance, and newer stations include ADA tactile directional guidance and hands-free access. Metro is also working to update our older stations. In addition, Metro provides multilingual resources to serve Los Angeles’ diverse population such as our Transit Watch app, which supports the 14 most commonly spoken languages in LA County.  

Commitment to Environmental Justice 

Metro strives to ensure clean air, a healthy environment, and protection from the elements for all LA County residents. Key initiatives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and facilities by 79% by 2030; transitioning our 2,000 plus bus fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2035 to help improve air quality in the neighborhoods we serve; and fighting climate change by preventing 496,491 metric tons of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) emissions in 2023 through transit use. Metro is also improving bus stops with more shade and tree canopies and upgrading equipment so that it will work during a variety of weather conditions. For more information on our sustainability work, please visit Sustainability – LA Metro. 

Free Rides on Transit Equity Day  

In honor of Transit Equity Day, Metro will provide free rides on its bus, rail, bike share and Metro Micro rideshare services on Tuesday, Feb. 4. All Metro rail station turnstiles will be unlocked, allowing unrestricted access to the rail system. On Metro buses, bus riders will not need to TAP their fare cards at fare validators or fare boxes. 
 
Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro will offer free rides that day as well. Users can redeem their Metro Bike Share 30-minute free ride by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app, and use code be 020425. The code may be used multiple times throughout the day. 
 
To redeem a free ride on Metro Micro, the agency’s on-demand rideshare service available in selected L.A. County neighborhoods, riders can book their ride and use code EQUITY25. 

Explore Our Efforts Further 

For more information on how Metro is identifying and implementing programs that reduce and eliminate disparities in access to opportunities, please visit How We’re Doing | Equity Information Hub. The Hub includes assessment tools, data, maps and engagement resources. 

About Metro 

Metro is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for Los Angeles County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines. 

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

The post LA Metro Celebrates Transit Equity Day appeared first on LA Metro.

L.A. Metro welcomes the 2025 Metro Youth Council to the agency. The council, comprised of young individuals aged 14 to 17, will share their ideas and perspectives on current Metro projects, offering insights on ways to enhance the transportation system for everyone. Representing communities across Los Angeles County, these youth will serve a one-year term. 

“These young people aren’t just our current riders, they are our future Metro riders and as we make decisions that will shape Metro for decades to come, young people need to be at the table,” said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “These commissioners have ideas, and I hope we can learn as much from them as they learn from us.” 

Since its inception, the Metro Youth Council has contributed valuable feedback that led to improvements in the Transit Watch 3.0 App, the Customer Experience Plan and the Customer Experience Survey. They also submitted letters of support to the Metro Board advocating for the continuation of GoPass, a program that provides free rides for students at participating schools on Metro and partner transit systems.  

“I’m very proud of the students who participate in the Metro Youth Council,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “They have played a key role in creating and launching the Youth Destination Digital Guide, a resource designed to help their peers navigate and discover youth-focused destinations across the county.” 

Members of the 2025 Metro Youth Council include:  

Natalie C. – Palmdale 

Alicia C.- Huntington Park 

Hana C. – Los Angeles 

Michelle E. – Pacoima 

Nancy H. – San Dimas 

Karyme P. – Los Angeles. 

Eric H. – Santa Clarita 

Elyan J. – Paramount 

Keanu L. – Calabasas 

Sean L. – Koreatown 

Mason L. – Montebello 

Grace M. – Panorama City 

Anya M. – Atwater Village 

Aaron M. – La Crescenta  

Cloud C. – Altadena 

Vivían N. – South Los Angeles 

Elara O. – South Bay  

Matthew O. – Los Angeles 

Clara R. – Culver City 

Jose R. – Montebello  

Ella F. – Long Beach  

Jonathan S. – Los Angeles  

Rowan S. – Claremont 

Sidy T. – Inglewood 

Happy W. – Rosemead 

Margaret Y. – Carson 

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

About Metro 

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

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

The post LA Metro Welcomes Fourth Youth Council Cohort   appeared first on LA Metro.

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

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

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

Paul Rajmaira has served on the Measure M Oversight Committee since Fall 2022. Paul has executed a variety of large-scale engineering and construction projects in the transit, water, and petrochemical industries and currently works as a strategy consultant helping clients implement large capital programs. “Serving on the Measure M committee is a great way to contribute to the public and the community,” said Paul. “Members contribute their professional expertise to help ensure that Measure M revenues are spent appropriately on critical transportation projects. I would encourage working and retired professionals to apply, as the time commitment is reasonable and giving back to LA County is rewarding.”

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

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

About Measure M

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

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

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

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

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

The post LA Metro’s Measure M Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee Seeks New Members appeared first on LA Metro.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) invites Los Angeles County residents to provide input on the agency’s annual budget and engage with agency leaders during a live, interactive Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 6-7 p.m. PT.

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 public safety, expanding and improving service, and elevating the transit experience. Public participation and feedback are important to ensure that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget reflects the needs and priorities of the public. Metro encourages all Angelenos to participate and offer their input on the work and projects that should be prioritized.

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

Angelenos can pre-register to be called on the day of the event, submit a written question or comment in advance using the link below.

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:

The English webcast audio link is: 

https://janus.teletownhall.us/?id=Metro&eid=111632

The Spanish webcast audio link is: 

https://janus.teletownhall.us/?id=Metro&eid=111633

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. The process begins with Metro’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) forecasting the resources available for the upcoming year. Following the budget forecast, an extensive public outreach and engagement initiative including public hearings, community meetings and listening sessions, as well as an interactive survey is conducted.

Metro’s FY25 Budget was adopted by the Metro Board of Directors at the May 23, 2024 meeting and can be found at https://budget.metro.net.

About Metro

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

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

The post METRO TO HOST TELEPHONE TOWN HALL ONFEBRUARY 4, 2025 TO GET PUBLIC’S FEEDBACK ON FY26 BUDGET appeared first on LA Metro.

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

Bus Ridership

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

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

Rail Ridership

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

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

Strong Leisure Ridership Continues

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

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

Discounted Fare Ridership

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

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

Public Safety on Metro

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

Route changes by region are as follows.

San Fernando Valley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gateway Cities

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

San Gabriel Valley

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

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

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

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

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

Westside/Central LA

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

Bus Ridership

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

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

Rail Ridership

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

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

Strong Weekend Ridership Continues

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

Discounted Fare Ridership

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

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

Public Safety on Metro

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transit Watch 3.0 introduces several innovative new features, including:  

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bus Ridership

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

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

Rail Ridership

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

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

Strong Weekend Ridership Continues

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

Student Ridership Growth

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

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

Public Safety on Metro

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

with 3,387 additional units in the pipeline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation System and Mobility Improvements

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

South Bay Highway Operational Improvements Program

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

Transportation System and Mobility Improvements Program

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

Measure R Transit Investments Program

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

Bus Ridership

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

Rail Ridership

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

Leisure Ridership

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

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

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

Fare Programs

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

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

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

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

Public Safety on Metro

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

About WSS

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

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

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

Bus Ridership

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

Rail Ridership

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

Leisure Ridership

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

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

Fare Programs

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

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

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

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

Public Safety on Metro

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

Weekend/Leisure Ridership

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

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

Bus Ridership

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

Rail Ridership

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

Fare Programs

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

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

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

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

Public Safety on Metro

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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

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

Transition to Occur in Three Phases over Five Years 

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

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

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

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

HOW THIS WILL WORK 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

Rail Ridership 

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

Bus Ridership 

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

Weekend/Leisure Ridership 

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

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

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

Fare Programs  

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

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

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

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

Public Safety on Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

Route changes by region are as follows.  

San Fernando Valley 

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

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

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

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

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

San Gabriel Valley 

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

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

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

Gateway Cities 

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

South Bay 

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

Westside/Central LA 

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

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rail Ridership 

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

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

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

Bus Ridership 

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

Weekend/Leisure Ridership 

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

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

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

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

Fare Programs  

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

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

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

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

Public Safety on Metro 

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

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

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

About Metro 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Metro

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

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