Transit Needs Improvements Sooner Rather Than Later

The Los Angeles transit system is losing riders, but L.A. Metro has been slow to implement changes that could keep people using it.

1 minute read

May 24, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Los Angeles Metro Bus

The Port of Authority / Wikimedia Commons

Mehmet Berker writes about problems with transit in Los Angeles and ways it can be improved. Waits are too long, travel speeds are too slow, and important infrastructure, such as bus shelters, is lacking throughout the network. "Worst of all are the safety concerns. A 2018 Metro survey revealed that 15% of bus riders and 21% of rail riders have experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment while using the system."

Berker points out that ridership has been waning on L.A. Metro buses and rail, with a 22 percent drop in the last five years. Specific changes would significantly improve the travel experience for riders, including all-door boarding to decrease the time buses spend at stops along routes and vinyl seats that are easier to keep clean and maintain.

But, Metro spends more time studying ideas rather than implementing them and looks to capturing choice riders rather than keeping existing ones, says Berker. For example, all-door boarding finally started on two lines, but installation of the necessary equipment has been haphazard across the rest of the system. "What if — radical concept here — instead of focusing on luring new riders, Metro improves the system for those who use it now."

Friday, May 17, 2019 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Large building under construnction in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia at sunset.

Charlottesville Temporarily Has No Zoning Code

A judge ordered the Virginia city to throw out its newly revised zoning code, leaving permitting for new development in legal limbo.

15 minutes ago - Charlottesville Tomorrow

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab