L.A. Metro Jumps Into the Ridesharing Business

The Los Angeles County metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the launch of a one-year pilot program for on demand ridesharing, otherwise known as microtransit.

1 minute read

January 29, 2019, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Steve Scauzillo reports on the launch of Via, a "private ride-hailing service" touted by regional transit planners as a first-last mile solution that provides a cheaper alternative to Uber and Lyft.

"Riders with a LA Metro TAP card would pay $1.75, the same as the base fare for riding a bus or train," reports Scauzillo. "The driver would pick up other passengers, making it a shared ride that Metro officials said would cut down on additional congestion and air pollution caused by traditional single-passenger ride-hailing services that add cars to the roads."

The program is the result of a $2.5 million contract, funded in part by a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

The pilot program will operate around select stations in the Metro system.

Despite the struggles of privately operated microtransit experiments, several cities have launched similar public microtransit programs over the past year. A report published a year ago provided guidance for successful microtransit programs.

Monday, January 28, 2019 in San Gabriel Valley Tribune

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

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.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM