Table of Contents

2.0. Transit Systems..............................................................................................................................6

2.1. Regional fare card..........................................................................................................................6

2.1.1. Public Transportation Passes)..................................................................................................6

2.2.1. Metro rail.........................................................................................................................................7

2.2.2. Metro and LADOT..................................................................................................................7

1.0. Introduction

1.1. History of LA Metro

Different modes of transportation have served the Los Angeles area since 1873. Various private

and public entities have operated these systems, from steam trains to commuter trains, electric

vehicles to interurban trolleybuses, bus rapid transit to mass rail, and commuter rail. In addition

to public transit, Los Angeles and the surrounding metropolitan area have heavily relied on the

vehicle and its extensive motorway network.

1.1.1. Ancient rails and roads

1876 saw the completion of the Southern Pacific’s route between San Francisco and Los

Angeles. The railroads built by the two companies created many new towns and communities.

Most of these Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroad boomtowns failed. Over 30 remained and

shaped today’s Los Angeles, including Whittier, Burbank Claremont Fullerton Gardena

Inglewood, Arcadia, and Watts Alhambra [1],[2].

Figure 1: Greater Los Angeles is served by a network of Pacific Electric Railway lines

SOURCE: Archives from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of Los Angeles County

1.1.2. Shuttle busses of Los Angeles - Yellow and Red Cars

The first electric trolley and streetcar lines were built in 1887 to market real estate. Los Angeles

was home to the world’s most extensive trolley system by 1925[1]. The San Fernando Valley

and Orange County suburbs of Los Angeles increased during the century-long era when electric

trolleys were the only mode of interstate transit [3].

1.1.3. Age of the Motor Vehicle

The growth of single-family tract homes coincided with the dawn of the automotive era, bringing

an end to the period of railroad construction. Existing interurban trolleys and railway connections

laid the foundation for suburban development and made the transition to the automobile much

more manageable. After World War II, Los Angeles became increasingly reliant on private
automobile transportation due to the widespread development of single-family homes. Cars made

it possible to settle in previously unreachable areas on the outskirts of Los Angeles that weren’t

previously served by trolley lines with greater freedom [3]. Since the 1920s, the number of

automobiles registered in the United States has grown at an average annual pace of 45,000. In

Los Angeles, the car had finally supplanted other modes of transportation as the primary means

of getting around. Residential dispersal eventually triggered a fall in downtown Manhattan’s

business area and a shift away from the city’s industrial core. Like Pacific Electric, despite the

completion of rail construction, private rail companies began to use buses for public transit to

serve new routes and compensate for the less profitable trolley lines. Mass transit was able to

keep up with the growth of automobiles and roadways due to the continuous conversion of rail

lines to bus routes.

1.1.4. Freeway Construction in the 1950s

Following a 1947 master plan, freeway construction began in Los Angeles in the 1950s. Native

American and Mexican colonial paths, steam locomotives, electric streetcars, automotive

freeways, and electric streetcars. The expansive nature of Los Angeles’ metropolitan layout has

led to the city’s dependence on cars and roadways. The highway system and the surrounding

natural landscape of mountains and rivers have possibly the most significant impact on the

human landscape [1]. A low-density growth pattern meant that the motorway system in Los

Angeles was designed to accommodate it. In the 1960s and 1970s, the freeways were built. On

the other hand, Motorways immediately became the primary means of urban transit and have

remained so ever since construction. Los Angeles is dominated by freeways, which connect the

city’s numerous municipalities, suburbs, and neighborhoods [5].

Figure 2: The first highway map of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. SOURCE: www.kcet.org

1.1.5. Rebirth of Public Transportation

It was established in 1951 as a public transportation planning agency for the Los Angeles

metropolitan area (LAMTA). Later, it assumed the management of the private bus lines and the

former railway lines and streetcar. It was a successful venture. For decades, streetcars were a

standard mode of transportation, but they were phased out in favor of automobiles, with just

buses remaining for public mass transit in the late 1950s and the initial months of the 1960s. It

resulted from an act passed by the State of California legislature that the SCRTD (‘Southern
California Rapid Transit District’) was established in 1964. It quickly surpassed the LAMTA

(Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority) as the primary public transportation

provider in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties

are among those served [2].

Figure 3:Map shows the Metro and Commuter trains lines. SOURCE: www.metro.net

1.1.6. Metro from 1993 to today

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) was founded in

1993 when the two organizations merged. Metro Transitway and Metro Rail, Los Angeles

County’s bus rapid transit systems, are both parts of Metro. Blue, Green, Gold, and Expo are the
four light rail lines of the Metro Train system, while Orange and Silver are the two heavy rail

lines (Red and Purple) [2].

Apart from LACMTA’s transportation services, the SCRRA built a commuter rail system in

1992. Five Southern California transportation organizations have teamed up with Commuter rail

to alleviate traffic jams and boost mobility. These include the LACMTA, OCTA, RCTC, San

Bernardino Associated Governments, and Ventura County Transportation. Seven lines serve San

Diego, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties connected to Metro Rail [4], while commuters in the

Los Angeles region’s suburbs and metropolises now have other transportation options.

2.0. Transit Systems

2.1. Regional fare card

2.1.1. Public Transportation Passes)

TAP (transit access pass) is a smart card-based fare payment system for Los Angeles County.

Depending on the transportation agency, TAP cards can store e-cash (kept transit value) and

passes. A TAP card is required to travel the Los Angeles Metro Rail system [6].

TAP can help you make better use of public transportation. You can pay for bus, rail, and other

transportation services in Los Angeles County. Create a personal account suited to your payment

and mobility needs to gain access to LA with the tap of a finger [7]. TAP cards can also be used

on 26 various transit networks to store stored value or agency passes. By tapping on the bus or

railway, the correct fare is deducted [6].

For in-person cash payments, TAP accounts accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, and PayNearMe.

If a passenger’s TAP account’s balance is lost or stolen, the balance can be transferred to another
card. This comprises Metro Bike Share, Microtransit, Scooter Rentals, and Ride-Hailing

services, parking, and electric vehicle charging. For in-person cash payments, TAP accounts

accept credit/debit coupons, PayPal, and PayNearMe [7].

2.2. Local Destinations

2.2.1. Metro rail

Los Angeles County’s Metro Rail is an urban rail system. In addition to four light rail lines, the

system includes two underground lines. Train fares and payment methods are consistent across

all modes of transportation. All around Los Angeles County, Metro Rail has connections to other

local and regional transportation systems [8], and Metro Rail was developed to link the B D

Metro Red/Purple and the A E Metro A/Expo lines. Underground, this station has two levels.

The concourse of the subway station houses ticket machines. Before getting on the train, first-

time passengers must buy a reusable TAP card from the vending machine. To get through the

turnstile and stay on the train, you’ll need a working TAP card or a ticket/transfer that can be

used with a TAP reader [9].

A and Expo trains use platforms on the upper levels of these stations (Platform 1 for Expo Line

and Platform 2 for A-Line). The lower level central platform is used by the Red and Purple

trains. Before boarding the next train, travelers making a transfer must verify the validity of their

TAP cards or tickets at a reader located near the steps [9].

2.2.2. Metro and LADOT

LA Local and regional bus services are provided by the Metro and LADOT. LADOT Transit

provides world-class transportation options to keep Los Angeles moving. As a way to better
serve you, LADOT is extending service hours, making public transportation accessible for all

students, and transitioning to an all-electric fleet by 2030 [10].

Bus service in downtown Los Angeles and 27 other Los Angeles areas are also provided by

DASH Buses. Metro Rapid and local routes, Metrolink and Metro rail lines, and other regional

transit networks are all connected to each route. Cash fares are 50 cents for seniors and disabled

people; TAP cards are 35 cents. Passes for reduced fares on Access, CityRide, and Metro TAP

cardholders get free transportation [11].

The Metro offers safe, comfortable, and on-time service. This service has fewer stops, which

reduces travel time. Commuter Express is ready to serve you whether you travel to downtown

Los Angeles or another major city. Micro Transit services are, however, ‘on-demand’ modes of

transportation that can be accessed at any time. Transportation alternatives that are tailored to

your lifestyle and schedule are what LADOT is all about. New on-demand shared ride service

‘LAnow has been created by you, for you.’ Only a few blocks (1/4 mile) away are the pick-up

and drop-off points. LAnow Rideshare Hub is located at the Palms Expo Station [11].

3.0. Funding

3.1. Measure M

Los Angeles County has a long history of levying a transportation sales tax to fund the expansion

of public transit and maintain county roadways in good condition (SOGR). When Proposition A

was elected in 1980, it received the necessary support to become law [12].

In 2016, 71.15 percent of Los Angeles County residents voted in favor of Measure M. There is

no expiration date on a half-cent sales tax proposal that funds programs to alleviate traffic
congestion, restore local streets, boost public transportation, and adapt bridges to withstand

earthquakes [12].

Metro projects are primarily funded by the Metro Subregional Program (MSP), the Metro Active

Transportation, Transit, and First/Last Mile (MAT) Program, as well as Local Return, which

provides financing to local governments [12].

3.2. Measure R

The two-thirds majority of LA County voters voted in 2008 to pass Measure R, a half-cent sales

tax, to fund new transportation projects and services while also speeding up already underway

ones.

Rapid transit projects (35 percent), Metrolink and Metro Rail system expansions (20 percent),

carpool lanes (20 percent), rail operations (5 percent), and bus operations (15 percent) are all

included in Measuring R’s seven transportation categories (15 percent). Projects and financial

sources are listed in the Measure’s Expenditure Plan [12].

3.3. Prop A and C

Proposition A: Los Angeles County voters adopted the first half-cent sales tax for transportation

in November 1980. Proposition A’s transportation money has improved bus service and is still

building a rail system. Proposition A allocates 25% to Local Return Programs, 35% to rail

expansion, and 40% to discretionary spending [1],[12].

Proposition B: Los Angeles County voters approved Proposition C, a half-cent sales tax, in

November 1990. Prop. Initiatives like the rail system were to be backed by Prop. C funds

intended for Prop. C projects. The Proposition C budget is as follows: 20% Local Return
programs, 5% rail and bus security, 10% commuter rail, transit centers and parking, and 25%

transit-related highway improvements [12].

3.4. Budget and Financial Reports

This year’s outbreak has posed substantial financial obstacles to Metro’s long-term planning.

The CARES Act provided crucial funds for Metro and other regional transit agencies. To sustain

service levels, it is vital. The CARES Act did not fund a new initiative. Metro, thereby, suggests

a $1.2 billion cost-cutting strategy until the economy improves [13].

On forecasts a modest economic rebound until the end of the year, which explains the $1.2

billion decline. All programs will be affected by these cuts in a different way to ensure their

availability. On the other hand, the budget is geared at achieving Metro’s Vision 2028 objectives

[13].

Project schedules and resources are carefully balanced in the budget to ensure on-time delivery

of the project. It has also been guaranteed that all of the scheduled tasks are shovel-ready.

Eighty-one percent of pre-COVID service levels and a 55 percent increase in ridership are

expected from Metro. Budget cuts haven’t deterred the early installation of NextGen and

MicroTransit. The NextGen Bus Plan will be implemented by Metro after a decade. Commuting

and transit alternatives for all Los Angeles County residents will be improved due to the

NextGen Study [13].

In FY21, MeasurMeasureR programs will be restarted. New roads and infrastructure, as well as

subsidies for regional transportation, are part of this effort. Employees are being retained, and the

agency is reducing overtime. We need to be flexible enough to deal with unforeseen short-term
changes. Los Angeles County people deserve a better quality of life and ensuring financial

viability will allow us to do so [13].

Figure 4: FY21 Budget. SOURCE: metro.net

3.5. Funding Programs: CARES ACT

Victims of the COVID-19 outbreak received financial help through the CARES Act. Concerning

CARES Act funding allocations, the Metro Board served as Los Angeles County’s Regional

Transportation Planning Entity (RTPE). To sustain and support pre-COVID funding levels, the

priority was to address and balance decreases in sales tax revenue for FY20 and FY21. FY20

financial allotments were granted following the forecasted FY21 funding levels before COVID-

19’s outbreak. Because of this, each operator was “protected” from any decrease in sales tax

collections in FY20 and FY21. Additional monies were provided to each operator to compensate

for missed fares and COVID-related expenses. The CARES allocation tables are shown below

[13].
 Figure 5: CARES Act Funding. SOURCE: metro.net

3.6. Funding Sources

Countywide transportation funds are funded mainly by motor fuel taxes, local sales taxes, and a

small portion of the state’s 18 cents per gallon gasoline tax. Proposition A and C, both passed by

the public, are legal for Metro to enact. Local sales taxes may be paid directly to Metro or

transferred to other agencies depending on municipal legislation. Funds for local transportation

that are not allocated to a specific region go to other organizations. Directly to recipients or to

other cities and agencies, Metro distributes these taxes [14].

There are two primary sources of funding: Props A and C, 14 percent of the 7.25 cent statewide

retail sales tax collected in LA County, and fare revenue. Local sources increase as the level of

bonding rises [14].

4.0. Population/Ridership

4.1. LA Population
The Los Angeles-Long Oceanfront metropolitan area in the United States had a population of

about 13.1 million in 2020. This represents a modest reduction from the previous year’s total of

13.18 million residents [15].

4.2. Ridership Statistics and Trends

Since its start in 1980, Metro and its predecessors have seen significant changes in annual

ridership. Figure 6 indicates a recent downward trend. In 2018, ridership was down 21% from its

peak in FY85 and 21% from its most recent peak in FY07. Between FY85 and FY18, when

SCRTD was an all-bus system, Rail UPT rose from 0 to 110.2 million. Bus ridership fell from

497.2 million to 280.8 million during the same period, whereas rail ridership rose. Forty-four

percent decline, or 216.4 million people, wiped out over 96 percent rise in train ridership [16].

Figure 6:Passenger Trips by Mode at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation

Authority, 1980–2018, are not linked. SOURCE: [16]

5.0. Fares

October 2012 saw the introduction of the Silver 2 Silver fare structure. For the Metro Silver

Line, the base cost was $1.50, which is also offered on the Metro Orange Line and Metro Blue

Line. An express charge of $3.95 will be required if a passenger wants to travel on the El Monte

Busway and the Harbor Transitway (included a local portion of the route plus freeway portion).

Foothill Transit argued that the cheap fare would damage their Silver Streak service, which runs

on the El Montebusway, and was successful in their argument [2].

6.0. Projects

A nationwide labor shortage may cause bus service delays. It was derived from the Antelope

Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements Program. It is intended for the B Line (Red)

and D Line (Purple) near 6th Street. The Cesar Chavez Bus Stop Improvements project will

improve amenities at four locations near Union Station. In this case, it’s an 8.5-mile light rail line

[2].

This project will increase safety and mobility. The Metro Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit

Improvements Project intends to increase operating speeds, capacity, and security. South of the

San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, the North Hollywood to Pasadena Transit Corridor links

the Metro B (Red), G (Orange), and L (Gold). Study on relocating Northridge Station. Metro is

conducting a feasibility study to connect better and utilize the Northridge Metrolink station [2].

The Rosecrans/Marquardt Grade Separation Project will improve traffic flow and safety.

WSABTC will connect southeast LA County to downtown. The LA River Trail Project is an

eight-mile-long bike and pedestrian path along the Los Angeles River (River), and the Rail to
River project connects Slauson Station to the LA River. The Universal City/Studio City Station

area plans to improve living, working, and transportation [2].

The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension opened in November 2009, bringing new light rail

transit to the Eastside. The High Desert Corridor project envisions a new multi-modal link

between SR-14 in Los Angeles and SR-18 in San Bernardino. The I-405 Freeway through

Sepulveda Pass is particularly difficult. Metro’s congestion plan includes improving the I-605

and SR-91. New lanes for trucks and carpools are being investigated [2].

Metro’s congestion plan includes Alhambra-Pasadena mobility improvements. A new westbound

lane between Shoemaker Avenue and the I-605/SR-91 interchange. SR-91 between Central

Avenue and Acacia Court may also be improved [2].

7.0. Plans

7.1. Moving Beyond Sustainability

This coordinated approach for the next decade, called Moving Beyond Sustainability (MBS),

will help make Metro facilities more environmentally friendly, reduce air pollution from

construction, reduce smog and greenhouse gases across Los Angeles County, and improve the

quality of life for residents. As a result of a decade of forward-thinking Metro initiatives dating

back to 2008, MBS was created [2].

“Moving Beyond Sustainability” (MBS) is an expression of Metro’s long-term commitment to

environmental sustainability and builds on a decade of efforts by the organization’s leadership

and staff (MSIP). Outgrowing Sustainability as a Goal [2].

7.2. NextGen Bus Plan

By working with service councils, stakeholders, and Metro employees. NextGen aims to provide

high-quality transit options to all Los Angeles County residents, reducing travel time and

increasing commuter and quality of life. The goal is to improve economic and social equity for

all county citizens. Routing and schedule modifications are based on stakeholder input, as are

bus stop spacing and system speed. Beyond NextGen principles, new mobility choices like

MicroTransit will be implemented to meet the demand for short-trip services. All of this is part

of the FY21 service plan [13].

7.3. Recovery Task Force

This task force is formulating a recovery strategy for LA and Metro to recover from the COVID-

19 epidemic and enhance mobility avoiding congestion becoming a ‘new normal.’ At a virtual

conference, the Task Force will present its first 18 emergency preparedness suggestions and

solicit feedback from the public [2].

Reference list

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[Accessed: 05- Nov- 2021].

[3] E. Stewart, “Victorian Sprawl,” California History, vol. 93, no. 2, pp. 17-30, 2016.

Available: 10.1525/ch.2016.93.2.17 [Accessed 5 November 2021].

[4] H. Higgins, “A Review of “Planning Los Angeles,” Journal of the American Planning

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[10] LADOT, "Buses | LADOT", LADOT. [Online]. Available:

https://ladot.lacity.org/projects/transportation-services/transit. [Accessed: 06- Nov-

2021].
[11] H. Yu Hong, “One Light, Two Light, Red Light, Green Light: An Analysis of Metro G Line

Signal Priority,” Escholarship.org, 2021. [Online]. Available:

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2021].

[12] M. Del Toro, "Measure M - LA Metro", LA Metro, 2021. [Online]. Available:

https://www.metro.net/about/measure-m/. [Accessed: 06- Nov- 2021].

[13] Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Office of Management and

Budget, FY21 Proposed Budget: For Board Consideration & Public Comment 1 July

2020 – 30 June 2021. 2021.

[14] Metro, Metro Funding Sources Guide. 2006.

[15] Statista, "Los Angeles metro area population 2020 | Statista", Statista, 2021. [Online].

Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/815161/los-angeles-metro-area-

population/. [Accessed: 06- Nov- 2021].

[16] T. Rubin and J. Moore, III. METRO’S 28 BY 2028 PLAN: A CRITICAL REVIEW

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