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.
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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.
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Los Angeles Transit Ridership Grew in 2023
Metro attributes the growth to new destinations, added security, and a streamlined train system.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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