Primarily serving commuters in the Greater Los Angeles metro area, Metrolink just attained the highest annual ridership in its 27-year existence. Officials chalk up the increase to a significant investment in marketing.
"One Southern California transit agency seems to be bucking the trend of nationwide ridership declines," writes Steven Sharp. That agency is Metrolink, which recently announced that its ridership stands at a historic high: nearly 12 million boardings in the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
"Metrolink officials attributed the [...] increase from 2017-2018 - the fifth straight year of ridership increases - to increased marketing, an improved economy, and discounted fares on some lines, and free trials for Earth Day and Bike Month," Sharp writes.
To further the upward trend, Metrolink has proposed major improvements to its system, including "partial electrification and the addition of new stations, grade separations, and segments of double- and triple-track." The system's goal is to double its current ridership of 40,000 weekday boardings by 2023.
FULL STORY: Metrolink Logs Record Ridership in 2018-2019
Southern California's Declining Transit Ridership, Explained
More Southern Californians are purchasing motor vehicles, particularly those who were previously transit-dependent, which largely explains the region's declining transit ridership, according to a newly released study.
Storms Sever California Rail Line—Again
The coast-hugging rail corridor linking Los Angeles and San Diego faces an uncertain future as mudslides once again force part of the line to close.
L.A. County City Calls for New BRT Line
Pico Rivera has released an ambitious plan that would create more transit connections in eastern Los Angeles County.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)