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Introduction
Introduction
1.0. Introduction
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
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
SOURCE: Archives from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of Los Angeles County
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
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
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
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
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
provider in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties
Figure 3:Map shows the Metro and Commuter trains lines. SOURCE: www.metro.net
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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%
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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].
lane between Shoemaker Avenue and the I-605/SR-91 interchange. SR-91 between Central
7.0. Plans
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
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
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
Reference list
Available: http://www.metro.net/about/library/about/home/los-angeles-transit-history.
[3] E. Stewart, “Victorian Sprawl,” California History, vol. 93, no. 2, pp. 17-30, 2016.
10.1080/01944363.2012.747919.
[5] N. Masters, “The First Map of Los Angeles May Be Older Than You Think,” KCET, 2013.
Nov- 2021].
[8] E. Shin, “What Can We Learn from Online Reviews? Examining the Reviews of Los
Angeles Metro Rail Stations”, Journal of Planning Education and Research, pp.
[9] D. Peters, “Ethan N. Elkind 2014: Railtown--The Fight for the Los Angeles Metro Rail and
the Future of the City. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press”,
International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 428-430,
2021].
[11] H. Yu Hong, “One Light, Two Light, Red Light, Green Light: An Analysis of Metro G Line
2021].
[13] Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Office of Management and
Budget, FY21 Proposed Budget: For Board Consideration & Public Comment 1 July
[15] Statista, "Los Angeles metro area population 2020 | Statista", Statista, 2021. [Online].
Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/815161/los-angeles-metro-area-
[16] T. Rubin and J. Moore, III. METRO’S 28 BY 2028 PLAN: A CRITICAL REVIEW
[17] Silverline, "Silver Line (Los Angeles Metro) - History", Liquisearch.com, 2021. [Online].
Available: https://www.liquisearch.com/silver_line_los_angeles_metro/history.