Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), branded as Metro, is the county agency that plans, operates, and coordinates funding for most of the public transportation system in Los Angeles County, California, the most populated county in the United States, and the largest public transit agency in the county as well.
This article is about the present transit agency. For the transit agency from 1951 to 1964, see Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority.Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Bus: 117
- Bus rapid transit: 2
- Light rail: 4
- Subway: 2
Rail: 101
Bus: 11,980[1]
907,500 (weekdays, Q4 2023)[2]
284,901,000 (2023)[3]
Stephanie Wiggins
Metro Headquarters Building
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, California
February 1, 1993
Rail: 109 miles (175 km)
Bus: 1,447 miles (2,329 km)[1]
The agency directly operates a large transit system that includes bus, light rail, heavy rail (subway), and bus rapid transit services. Metro also provides funding for transit it does not operate, including Metrolink commuter rail, municipal bus operators and paratransit services. The agency also provides funding and directs planning for railroad and highway projects within Los Angeles County.
In 2023, the system had a total ridership of 284,901,000 and had a ridership of 907,500 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023. It is the single largest transit agency within the county as well.
Jurisdiction[edit]
The agency is a public transportation and planning agency that lies under the jurisdiction of the State of California. Although it falls under State regulations, it can also partake in regional and municipal levels of rule during a transportation development project.[25] For example, it can play a role in policies regarding a state's housing policies, since the living situation of one affects the methods of transportation its residents will take.[26]
This transit agency can measure successful projects through key pointers such as low income ridership increase and an increase of favorable environmental and health factors for its public community.[27] Increased low income ridership is a significant factor because that focus group tends to makes up the majority of public transit ridership.[27] Favorable environmental and health factors are also relevant factors because they indicate a positive relationship within the space developed and its residents.[25]
Future[edit]
NextGen Bus Plan[edit]
Metro is currently implementing its "NextGen Bus Plan," a major restructuring of the agency's routes. The plan eliminates most of the Metro Rapid routes and low-performing Metro Local lines to invest in the remaining routes. Metro says the plan will double the number of frequent bus lines (defined as a bus every 10 minutes or better) and expand midday, evening, and weekend service while ensuring that 99% of current riders continue to have a less than 1⁄4-mile walk to their bus stop.