L.A.'s transit agency was awarded over a billion dollars in American Rescue Plan funding for maintenance and operations.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) was awarded $1.24 billion in American Rescue Plan funds, which the agency's Board Chair, Hilda Solis, says will be used to "rebuild and grow our ridership, maintain the highest standards of service and safety, ensure no employee is laid off, and provide equitable access to transit for all Los Angeles County residents who rely on Metro buses and trains."
According to a blog post from the agency, "Metro will use the America Rescue Plan Act funds to benefit riders, including seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income and transit-dependent individuals by supporting bus and rail operations and maintenance – critical activities that will ensure our transit system operates safely, efficiently, reliably, and sustainably."
The agency is also receiving over $275 million for four Metro transit capital projects through the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program, which will help fund construction of the Regional Connector in downtown Los Angeles and the Purple Line Westside Extension.
Metro's decision last week to reinstate fares despite the continuing pandemic has prompted backlash from critics who say the decision will negatively impact low-income transit-dependent riders as new COVID variants surge. Meanwhile, some parents complain that they still haven't received the passes needed for the fareless student pilot that Metro officially launched in October.
L.A. Metro's Proposed Budget Cuts Capital Spending on Transit, Speeds Freeway Expansions
After repeatedly cutting transit service due to the pandemic and a labor shortage, L.A.'s transit agency plans to double down on freeway expansion projects.
LA Metro Celebrates Bike Month With Free Rides, Discounted Bike Share
Skeptical about riding a bike in Los Angeles? Its transit agency wants to change your mind this May.
Los Angeles Transit Ridership Grew in 2023
Metro attributes the growth to new destinations, added security, and a streamlined train system.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure
After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.
The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?
In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.
Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions