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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions