Metro Rail has been extended significantly since it started service in 1990, and several further extensions are either in the works or being considered. In 2024, the system had a ridership of 68,649,500 or about 205,200 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2025. Metro Rail operates the busiest light rail system in the United States.[5]
Los Angeles had two previous rail transit systems, the Pacific Electric Red Car and Los Angeles Railway Yellow Car lines, which operated between the late 19th century and the 1960s. The Metro Rail system uses many of their former rights of way, and thus can be considered their indirect successor.
Current system
Lines
In Los Angeles Metro terminology, common with most other metro systems, a line is a named service, defined by a route and set of stations served by trains on that route. (The word does not refer to a physical rail corridor, as it does in New York City Subway nomenclature.)
Metro also uses the same line letter naming system for its Metro Busway services (which are bus rapid transit routes operating in transitways).
Six Metro Rail lines operate in Los Angeles County:[3]
The B and D lines follow a fully underground route, and the C Line follows a fully grade-separated route. The A, E, and K lines run in a mix of environments, including at-grade in an exclusive corridor, street running, elevated, and underground.[3]
The Metro Rail system consists of 107 stations. Metro Rail light rail stations are at ground level, elevated, trenched, or fully underground. All rapid transit stations are fully underground.[3]
Stations include at least two ticket vending machines, wayfinding maps, electronic message displays, and bench seating. Call boxes are available at stations to allow employees at the Metro Rail Operations Control Center to assist passengers with concerns. Unique artwork is integrated into every station, showcasing local culture and improving the aesthetic of the system.[6]
Street-level stations are typically simpler with platforms designed with shade canopies, separated from nearby roads and sidewalks, where passengers can purchase fares and board a train. Free or paid park and ride lots are available at 44 stations and most have bike storage available.[7]
Underground stations are typically larger with a mezzanine level for fare sales and collection above a platform level where passengers board trains. Underground stations and tunnels are designed to resist ground shaking that could occur at a specific location. There is no general magnitude of an earthquake that the entire system is expected to withstand. However, the Metro Rail system has not suffered any damage from earthquakes since its opening in 1990.[8]
Metro Rail uses a proof-of-payment fare system, with Metro's fare inspectors randomly inspecting trains and stations to ensure passengers have a valid fare product on their electronic fare TAP card. When passengers enter a station, they encounter TAP card validators which collect fares when a customer places their card on top. Additionally, fare gates (turnstiles) connected to TAP card validators are at all underground stations, all elevated stations, and some surface stations. Once passengers pass these validators or board a train, they have entered the "fare paid zone", where fare inspectors may check their TAP card to ensure they have a valid fare. Passengers who fail to comply may be penalized and removed from the system.[9][10]
Metro Rail maintains two distinct systems of rail: a light rail system and a rapid transit (subway) system, which use incompatible technologies, even though they both use 4ft8+1⁄2in (1,435mm) standard gauge and use 750 V power. Metro's rapid transit lines are powered by third rail, whereas its light rail lines are powered by overhead catenary. Also, the two separate systems have different loading gauge, and platforms are designed to match the separate car widths.
Hours of operation
The Los Angeles Metro Rail system runs for about 19 hours each day between 5:00 am and 11:45 pm. Limited service on particular segments is provided after midnight and before 5:00 am.[11] There is no rail service between 2:00 am and 3:30 am, except on special occasions such as New Year's Eve.[12] Before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, service operated until approximately 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The Saturday service after midnight was ended during the pandemic to accommodate train cleaning during those hours.[13]
Service frequency was increased in December 2023 when pandemic conditions were ending. Trains operate more frequently during weekday peak hours and less at other times. During peak hours, the light rail A and E lines run every 8 minutes and the light rail C and K lines run every 10 minutes. The light rail lines operate on 10-minute headways during off-peak periods and weekends. The B and D rapid transit lines operate every 12 minutes throughout the day. During early morning and late night hours, train frequency on all Metro Rail lines is reduced to every 20 minutes.[11][14]
Metro plans to increase train frequencies, proposing to further reduce headways on the B, C, D, and K lines in 2025.[15]
Fares and fare collection
The standard Metro base fare applies for all trips. Fare collection is based on a partial proof-of-payment system. At least two fare machines are at each station. Fare inspectors, local police, and deputy sheriffs police the system and cite individuals without proof of payment. Passengers are required to purchase a TAP card to ride Metro Rail. Passengers using a TAP card can transfer between Metro routes for free within 2 hours from the first tap.[16]
Metro introduced daily and weekly fare caps in July 2023, replacing daily, weekly, and monthly passes.[17] With fare capping, the cost of each trip is credited towards the cost of a daily or weekly unlimited pass, automatically ensuring that all passengers pay the lowest fare possible. Due to this, passengers will never pay more than $5 (3 rides) in a day or $18 (11 rides) within seven days; rides are free once the cap is reached. Discounted or free fares are available for seniors, disabled individuals, Medicare recipients, low-income individuals, and students.[18]
The following table shows Metro fares, effective July 1, 2023 (in US dollars):[16]
Fare type
Regular
Senior (62+) Disabled Medicare
Student K-12/
College Vocational
Low Income (LIFE)
Base fare
$1.75
$0.35 (off-peak) $0.75 (peak)
$0.75
20 Free Rides then Regular fare
1-Day Cap
$5
$2.50
$2.50
7-Day Cap
$18
$5
$6
Metro-to-Muni Transfer
$0.50
$0.25
—
—
TAP card and fare gates
Metro has implemented a system of electronic fare collection using a stored-valuesmartcard called the TAP card. This card was intended to simplify fare collection and reduce costs.[16] In 2012, paper monthly passes were phased out and replaced with the TAP Card. As of September 2013, first-time Metro riders must deposit an additional $2 (or $1 at TAP vending machines) on top of their first fare payment to obtain a reloadable TAP Card. In addition, in 2008 Metro began installing fare gates at all underground stations, all elevated stations, and some surface stations. Implementation of both programs (the TAP Card and the fare gate program) has turned out to be expensive ($154million in total, so far) and its initial rollout was problematic.[19]
Ridership
In 2024, the Metro Rail system had a ridership of 68,649,500.[2]
As of the second quarter of 2025, the combined Metro B and D lines averaged a weekday ridership of 62,000, making it the ninth busiestrapid transit system in the United States.[1] Taking overall track length into consideration, Metro Rail's rapid transit lines transport 7,960 passengers per route mile, making this the fifth busiest U.S. rapid transit system on a per mile basis, yet at just 70% of pre-pandemic ridership levels. Metro's light rail system is the second-busiest in the United States with 143,200 average weekday boardings as of the second quarter of 2025.[1] In terms of route length, Metro's light rail system is the largest in the United States.
In June 2024, the Metro Executive Board voted 10-0 to create their own transit police force. A cited reason included frustration with a lack of control over the existing contracts. This force is planned to consist of officers, crisis workers, and homelessness outreach teams.[24]
The first operating segment of Los Angeles Metro Rail opened on July 14, 1990, then known as the Blue Line.
In the early 20th century, Southern California had an extensive privately owned rail transit network with over 1,000 miles (1,600km) of track, operated by Pacific Electric (Red Cars) and Los Angeles Railway (Yellow Cars).[25] However, from 1927 revenue shortfall caused Pacific Electric to begin replacing lightly used rail lines with buses. In 1958, the remnants of the privately owned rail and bus systems were consolidated into a government agency known as the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority or MTA. By 1963, the remaining rail lines were completely removed and replaced with bus service.[26]
In the following decades, growing traffic congestion led to increased public support for rail transit's return. Beginning in the 1970s, a variety of factors, including environmental concerns, an increasing population, and the price of gasoline led to calls for mass transit other than buses.[citation needed]Los Angeles Metro began construction of the initial lines throughout the 1980s using revenues from a voter-approved increase in sales tax.[citation needed] The Blue (A) Line opened on July 14, 1990, 27 years after the final streetcar line closed. The system has been progressively expanded since. The following table shows this expansion's timeline:
Just before the opening of the Metro Rail, Proposition U passed, which halved the allowable residential density throughout much of Los Angeles. This reduced the viability of the Metro Rail by limiting dense residential housing near transit stations. Before 2000, none of the land near the stations was converted to residential use.[27]
1 2 3 4 Segment also included significant expansion of an existing station(s): this was not counted as a new station.
↑ In terms of added trackage; Expo Line was through service to 7th Street/Metro Center.
↑ Infill station on the Expo Line between Expo/La Brea and Expo/Crenshaw; opened on the same day in conjunction with the Expo Line To Culver City.
↑ The at-grade Little Tokyo/Arts District station was demolished to make way for the Regional Connector; it was replaced by an underground station nearby.
↑ In terms of removed trackage; L Line service between Union Station and Pico/Aliso was discontinued.
↑ 0.1 removed from revenue service, 1.3 added to revenue service.
↑ Likely varies from the "official" Metro figure due to rounding differences.
Planned expansion
Metro has worked to plan and prioritize project funding and implementation. Metro's 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) was developed to provide a long-term vision of transportation system development for the next 30 years.[37] Metro worked to update the 2009 LRTP citing new housing trends and fiscal changes. Metro released the updated LRTP in 2020.[38]
Beginning in 2014, Metro saw its ridership numbers begin to decline. Many explanations exist for the decline, including safety concerns, an increase in ride-hailing service usage, low-income housing opportunities drying up in L.A. because of the increase in rents, and a shortage of housing.[39] Ridership declines also coincide with passage of AB 60, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2013, which provides for issuance of a driver's license regardless of immigration status.[40][41]
The fiscal changes are the passage of Measure R, a countywide incremental sales tax increase passed by voters in 2008, providing funding for many of the highest priority projects in the LRTP.[42][non-primary source needed] On November 6, 2012, Metro attempted to pass Measure J,[43] but failed as it did not reach the two-thirds majority needed to pass.[44][45] In the November 2016 election, Metro decided to place another sales tax on the ballot. The voters then approved Measure M, a half-cent permanent sales tax increase to fund many local projects, including Metro Rail expansion.[46]
In 2018, Metro approved renaming its rail lines using a letter-based scheme, similar to those in New York City.[47][48] Metro recommended the opening of the refurbished A Line in 2019 as a starting point to rename the lines,[49] and then continuing with the opening of the K line, finishing in time for the opening of the Regional Connector in 2023.[50][51]
LA Metro also plans to expand Union Station tracks and service. Metro has proposed "Link Union Station" to extend tracks 3-10 as run thru tracks. Phase one to be completed by 2028.[52][53] Other phases include adding a California High-Speed Rail platform area, a Southeast Gateway line termini station, and renovate the concourse areas.
Current and priority projects
The following rail projects have been given high priority by Metro. They all appear in the 2009 LRTP constrained plan,[37] and all have funding earmarked from Measure R.[42][54] With the passage of Measure M in 2016, Metro released an updated Long Range Transportation Plan in February 2017, and released a full report in 2020,[55] along with its Twenty-eight by '28 initiative.[56]
Planning is underway on a rail connection between the G Line and the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor (see above) in the Valley to the D and E lines on the Westside. Modes under consideration include a standalone rapid transit line; or a monorail, which unlike the other modes could traverse the Sepulveda Pass without tunneling. Existing local funding sources will provide approximately $5.7 billion for the project for a scheduled opening in the early 2030s; additional funds, including from public–private partnerships, are being sought to complete the line before the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Create a new underground light rail line connecting the B Line's Hollywood/Highland station south to the D Line, and the K Line's Expo/Crenshaw station via Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. Possible north–south routes include Fairfax, La Brea, and San Vicente Boulevard. An extension north of the K Line is included as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in the 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan.
2041
2047
Three LPA's analysis in progress / Draft EIR Completed
Extends the B and D rapid transit lines from their eastern terminus at Union Station, south along the L.A. River to the Arts District, and possibly across the river along Whittier Boulevard to the Eastside. However, Metro is studying the possibility of adding one or two stops along the river in the Arts District as part of a project to improve and expand the rail yard already in the area to accommodate increased headways once the D Line extension west is completed.
Create a new north–south route down Vermont Avenue between Wilshire/Vermont station, the Metro E Line and C Line. Included as a Tier 2 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan; a bus rapid transit line has been funded in the near term by Measure M, but studies will be conducted for possible heavy rail rapid transit, as the Vermont corridor is Metro's second busiest public transportation corridor.
BRT 2020; HRT 2060
BRT 2028–2030; HRT 2067
Three LPA's analysis funded / Pending Draft EIR for BRT
Converting the current G Line bus rapid transit route into light rail. Made possible after the 2014 repeal of state legislation prohibiting light rail along the G Line right of way, which had been enacted due to neighborhood opposition in the 1990s. Long term plans include complete conversion in phases with full replacement by 2057. Metro commenced BRT upgrades in 2018 to add grade crossing gates, and two new elevated segments at Van Nuys Bl and Sepulveda Bl, reducing travel time by 20%.
BRT with eventual LRT conversion along Lincoln Boulevard from LAX/Metro Transit Center to Downtown Santa Monica. The C Line was originally engineered to maintain compatibility with this extension. Included in City of Los Angeles Westside Mobility Plan, and as a Tier 2 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan.
Metro's Long Range Transportation Plan was published in 2009,[37] and was updated in 2020.[38] The following proposed line/system expansions do not have funding or high priority in Metro's long-range plans. Some are listed as "strategic unfunded" in the last Long Range Transportation Plan, indicating some possibility they could be constructed should additional funding materialize. Others have been the subject of Metro Board discussion, with the possibility of future feasibility studies. (More information on each project can be found in the references.)
Concept name
Description
Source
Burbank–Glendale Line
Would connect Downtown Los Angeles to Glendale and Burbank. Studied in the 1990s, and included as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan.[37]
Extend the Metro B Line3.2 miles (5.1km) from its northwestern terminus to Hollywood Burbank Airport. Included as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan.[37]
Extend the C Line east to Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs station (Metrolink). Included as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan,[37] but is included among the Major Transit Projects (Figure 8) in the 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan with an estimated "open year" of 2052.[38]
DTLA Union Station thru Hollywood to Beverly Hills terminating at the under construction D Line Century City Station. Stops in or near Silver Lake, Dodger Stadium, Echo Park, West Hollywood and Century City. Mostly a Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard east–west route. Possibly using the already built HRT B Line tracks thru Hollywood or the LRT K Line under consideration in West Hollywood. East of Union Station would head to the City of La Puente or El Monte, CA. With possible stops in East L.A., Cal State LA, San Gabriel and Baldwin Park. No LPAs listed. No funds available. Listed as one of several "Strategic Unfunded Plan" project in the 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan, Tier 2.[37] Eastside route no longer met by the removed Eastside Transit Corridor option along The 60 Freeway.
Light rail line to connect harbor area (San Pedro) to Metro A Line or C Line. Floated in LA City Council motions and Metro Harbor Subdivision studies. Also, a further southward extension of the C Line is included as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in the 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan. Other plans could lead to the J Line being converted to rail.[37]
↑ Vaillancourt, Ryan (May 27, 2010). "Los Angeles Downtown News and Information". Los Angeles Downtown News – the Voice of Downtown Los Angeles. Ladowntownnews.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2010.
Railroads in italics meet the revenue specifications for Class I status, but are not technically Class I railroads due to being passenger-only railroads with no freight component.
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