Los Angeles Metro Rail

Metro Rail

Company type	Public transit system
Industry	Public transportation
Founded	1990
Headquarters	Los Angeles , United States
Area served	Los Angeles County, California
Products	Urban rail transit (light rail and rapid transit)
Owner	Los Angeles Metro

Metro Rail represents an urban rail transit network serving Los Angeles County, California, comprising six distinct lines: four light rail routes (A, C, E, and K) alongside two rapid transit lines (B and D), encompassing a total of 103 stations. It connects seamlessly with the Los Angeles Metro Busway bus rapid transit system (G and J lines), the Metrolink commuter rail, and various Amtrak services. Managed and owned by Los Angeles Metro, Metro Rail has experienced substantial growth since its inception in 1990, with further expansions currently in progress or planned.

As of , the system achieved an annual ridership of , averaging approximately passengers on weekdays as reported in . Metro Rail operates the most heavily utilized light rail system across the United States.

The network largely traces the former rights-of-way of the historic Pacific Electric Red Car and Los Angeles Railway Yellow Car lines, which were active from the late 1800s until the 1960s, positioning Metro Rail as their modern-day successor.

Lines

Within Los Angeles Metro's framework, a line refers to a designated service characterized by its route and stops rather than a specific physical rail corridor, differing from some other transit systems.

The same alphabetical naming convention applies to the Metro Busway services, which are bus rapid transit routes operating on exclusive transit corridors.

There are six Metro Rail lines functioning throughout Los Angeles County:

Line name	Stations	Termini		Type
		Western/Northern	Eastern/Southern
Template:LACMTA icon	44	APU/Citrus College	Downtown Long Beach	Light rail
Template:LACMTA icon	14	North Hollywood	Union Station	Rapid transit
Template:LACMTA icon	12	LAX/Metro Transit Center	Norwalk	Light rail
Template:LACMTA icon	8	Wilshire/Western	Union Station	Rapid transit
Template:LACMTA icon	29	Downtown Santa Monica	Atlantic	Light rail
Template:LACMTA icon	13	Expo/Crenshaw	Redondo Beach	Light rail

Lines B and D operate entirely underground, while the C Line is completely grade-separated. The A, E, and K lines navigate through diverse environments including at-grade exclusive tracks, street-level running, elevated sections, and tunnels.

The two rapid transit routes (B and D) share their tracks between and . Light rail lines A and E overlap on tracks between and , whereas C and K share tracks from Aviation/Century station to LAX/Metro Transit Center.

Stations

The Metro Rail network encompasses 103 stations, with light rail stops situated at street level, elevated structures, trenches, or beneath the surface. All rapid transit stations are located entirely underground.

Facilities at each station include ticket vending kiosks, directional signage, digital information boards, seating areas, and emergency call boxes linked directly to Metro Rail Operations Control for passenger support. Distinctive artwork representing local heritage is integrated into every station to enrich the visual environment of the system.

At-grade stations generally feature shaded canopies positioned away from roads and pedestrian pathways, providing areas for fare purchase and boarding. Forty-four stations offer parking options, either complimentary or paid, with most also accommodating bicycle storage facilities.

Subterranean stations incorporate mezzanine levels above platform areas dedicated to fare transactions. These stations are constructed to endure seismic forces specific to their geographic setting. Since the system’s inauguration in 1990, no earthquake-related damage has been reported.

Metro Rail utilizes a proof-of-payment fare approach employing electronic TAP cards scanned upon entry at station access points. Fare gates equipped with TAP validators are installed at all underground and elevated stations as well as selected surface stops. Passengers within these designated "fare paid zones" may be subject to random fare inspections; failure to comply can lead to fines or ejection from the transit system.

Rolling stock

Metro Rail operates two separate rail systems: a light rail network and a rapid transit subway system. Although both share the same track gauge and operate on 750 V power, they use incompatible technologies. Rapid transit trains receive power via a third rail, whereas light rail vehicles draw electricity from overhead catenary wires. Additionally, differences in loading gauge and platform configurations accommodate the varying widths of the rolling stock on each system.

Hours of operation

Los Angeles Metro Rail provides service approximately 19 hours daily, running from 5:00 am until 11:45 pm, with limited operations before 5:00 am and after midnight. There is a service gap between 2:00 am and 3:30 am except during special events such as New Year’s Eve. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, weekend service extended until 2:00 am; however, late-night Saturday operations were suspended during the pandemic to facilitate cleaning protocols.

In December 2023, service frequencies were enhanced as pandemic restrictions eased. During weekday peak periods, A and E light rail lines operate every 8 minutes while C and K lines run every 10 minutes; off-peak hours and weekends see trains every 10 minutes across these lines. B and D rapid transit lines maintain a consistent 12-minute frequency throughout the day, with early morning and late-night intervals extended to every 20 minutes.

Metro intends to further boost service by shortening headways on B, C, D, and K lines in 2025.

Fares and fare collection

A uniform base fare applies to all Metro trips under a partial proof-of-payment system. Each station is equipped with at least two fare vending machines, while fare enforcement is conducted by inspectors alongside local police and deputy sheriffs to ensure compliance. Riders must obtain a TAP card for travel on Metro Rail; this card enables free transfers across Metro routes within two hours of the initial tap-in.

In July 2023, Metro implemented daily and weekly fare caps, replacing traditional pass options. This system credits each trip toward an unlimited pass valid for either one day or one week, guaranteeing that riders pay no more than $5 (equivalent to three rides) per day or $18 (eleven rides) per week; any additional rides beyond these caps incur no charge. Reduced or complimentary fares are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare beneficiaries, low-income passengers, and students.

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 employs an electronic fare system centered on the TAP card, a contactless stored-value smartcard created to streamline payment processes and lower expenses. The traditional paper monthly passes were discontinued in 2012, replaced entirely by the TAP card. Since September 2013, new passengers are required to pay a deposit—either $2 or $1 when using vending machines—to acquire a reloadable TAP card.

Beginning in 2008, fare gates were installed at all underground and elevated stations, as well as selected surface stations. Although these measures aimed to improve security and operational efficiency, the combined implementation of the TAP card and fare gate initiatives incurred costs nearing $154 million and encountered difficulties during their initial deployment.

Ridership

In , the total ridership across the Metro Rail network reached .

By , the Metro B and D lines maintained an average weekday ridership of , positioning them as the ninth busiest rapid transit system in the United States. These lines carry approximately 7,960 riders per route mile, ranking fifth nationally in ridership density per mile and operating at roughly 70% of their pre-pandemic passenger volumes. Meanwhile, Metro's light rail network is recognized as the second most heavily used light rail system in the country, with average weekday boardings of , and it holds the distinction as the longest light rail system by route length in the U.S.

LA Metro Ridership by Year

Year	Bus	Rail	Total	Change
2009	370,983,141	92,540,577	463,523,718	n/a
2010	358,228,816	95,596,698	453,825,514	Decrease02.09%
2011	359,604,569	97,762,378	457,366,947	Increase00.78%
2012	360,076,040	108,879,123	468,955,163	Increase02.53%
2013	363,319,498	114,790,046	478,109,544	Increase01.95%
2014	352,058,138	112,535,260	464,593,398	Decrease02.83%
2015	333,971,187	106,974,667	440,945,854	Decrease05.09%
2016	304,160,857	111,458,473	415,619,330	Decrease05.74%
2017	284,708,290	112,783,075	397,491,365	Decrease04.36%
2018	275,777,661	108,017,525	383,795,186	Decrease03.45%
2019	277,308,845	93,171,898	370,480,743	Decrease03.47%
2020	161,171,528	51,918,949	213,090,477	Decrease042.48%
2021	179,859,174	47,866,883	227,726,057	Increase06.87%
2022	197,952,375	60,565,995	258,518,370	Increase012.78%
2023	222,922,677	65,165,346	288,088,023	Increase010.99%
2024	242,602 ,853	68 ,650 ,712	311 ,253 ,565	Increase08.04%

Security and Safety

Approximately half of Metro Rail’s trains and stations receive security coverage from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department under contractual agreement. Stations located within city boundaries are overseen by local police departments such as the Los Angeles Police Department and Long Beach Police Department through similar partnerships. Surveillance is maintained through closed-circuit television systems monitored by security teams. Additionally,, Metro Ambassadors offer assistance and information services to passengers to improve overall rider experience.

In June of 2024,the Metro Executive Board gave unanimous approval to create a dedicated transit police department that will replace existing contracted services due to concerns over operational control. This newly formed unit will comprise sworn officers alongside crisis intervention personnel and outreach teams focused on homelessness support.

History

At the dawn of the 20th century, Southern California featured an extensive rail network under private ownership, with Pacific Electric (Red Cars) and Los Angeles Railway (Yellow Cars) managing over 1,000 miles of track. Beginning in 1927, Pacific Electric started substituting buses for less profitable rail routes due to declining revenues. By 1958, these private transit companies were merged into the publicly operated Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). By 1963, bus service had fully replaced all remaining rail lines.

The resurgence of traffic congestion and environmental issues during the 1970s fueled public demand for reinstating rail transit. Leveraging funds generated from a voter-approved sales tax increase, Los Angeles Metro initiated construction of its first rail lines in the 1980s. The Blue (A) Line began operations on July 14, 1990—marking a return to rail transit 27 years after the last streetcar had ceased running—and the network has continued to grow since then.

Just prior to Metro Rail’s inauguration, Proposition U was enacted, which reduced the permissible residential density by half across much of Los Angeles. This legislation constrained high-density housing developments near transit hubs, thereby limiting potential ridership increases; no land adjacent to stations was rezoned for residential purposes before the year 2000.

Segment description	Opening date	Current line(s) serving segment	Endpoints	Number of new stations	Length (miles)	Construction cost
Blue Line Initial Segment	July 14, 1990	Template:LACMTA icon strip	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	17	19.1	$2.2 billion
Blue Line Long Beach Loop	September 1, 1990	Template:LACMTA icon	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	4	2.2
Blue Line To Financial District	February 15, 1991	Template:LACMTA icon strip	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	1	0.7
Red Line MOS-1	January 30, 1993	Template:LACMTA icon strip	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	3	4.4	$3.1 billion
Green Line	August 12, 1995	Template:LACMTA icon strip	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	13	20.0	$1.5 billion
Red Line MOS-2 West	July 13, 1996	Template:LACMTA icon strip	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	3	2.0	$3.4 billion
Red Line MOS-2 North	June 12, 1999	Template:LACMTA icon	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	5	4.7
Red Line MOS-3	June 24, 2000	Template:LACMTA icon	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	3	6.3	$2.3 billion
Gold Line Initial Segment	July 26, 2003	Template:LACMTA icon	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	12	13.7	$721 million
Gold Line Eastside Extension	November 15, 2009	Template:LACMTA icon strip	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	8	6.0	$887 million
Expo Line Phase 1	April 28, 2012	Template:LACMTA icon	Flower/Washington – Template:LAMs	8	7.6	$1.3 billion
Expo Line To Culver City	June 20, 2012	Template:LACMTA icon	Template:LAMs – Template:LAMs	1	1.0
Farmdale station	June 20, 2012	Template:LACMTA icon E	Template:LAMs Farmdale	style=text-align:right  1	style=text-align:right  –

Planned growth

Metro has emphasized project allocation and execution through its Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP), first introduced in 2009 and revised in 2020 to incorporate emerging housing patterns and budgetary adjustments.

Beginning in 2014, Metro saw a drop in ridership linked to safety issues, the rise of ride-hailing alternatives, escalating rents restricting affordable housing options, and a broader regional housing deficit. This downward trend also followed the 2013 enactment of AB 60, which permitted driver's licenses irrespective of immigration status.

Financial backing for Metro initiatives primarily stems from Measure R, a countywide sales tax hike approved in 2008 that supports principal LRTP projects. An attempt with Measure J in 2012 did not achieve the necessary majority. Nevertheless, Measure M, a permanent half-cent sales tax increase passed in 2016, secures sustained funding for local ventures including expansions of Metro Rail.

In 2018, Metro introduced a letter-based system for naming rail lines to enhance user comprehension, beginning with the revamped A Line in 2019 and continuing with the K Line, coordinated with the Regional Connector's anticipated opening in 2023.

Metro envisions major enhancements at Union Station through the "Link Union Station" initiative, converting tracks 3-10 into continuous run-through tracks with phase one slated for completion by 2028. Subsequent stages involve adding a California High-Speed Rail platform, establishing a Southeast Gateway terminus station, and renovating concourse areas.

Ongoing and priority initiatives

Several rail projects listed within the constrained plan of the 2009 LRTP remain top priorities for Metro, all financed through Measure R. After Measure M's approval in 2016, Metro updated its Long Range Transportation Plan in 2017 and published a comprehensive report in 2020 alongside the Twenty-eight by '28 program.

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Additional expansion proposals

Metro's Long Range Transportation Plan, initially released in 2009 and revised in 2020, outlines multiple potential line extensions that currently lack allocated funding or are not prioritized. Some projects are categorized as "strategic unfunded," signifying possible development contingent on future financial support. Others have been considered by the Metro Board for prospective feasibility evaluations.

Concept name	Description	Construction	Operational	Status	Ref.
Template:LACMTA icon Foothill Extension Phase 2B to Pomona	Extends the northeast portion of the A Line eastward from Template:LAMs to Template:LAMs.	2019–2025	September 19th, 2025	In testing
Template:LACMTA icon D Line Subway Extension Project	Extends the D Line west along Wilshire Boulevard through La Cienega, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Westwood/UCLA to reach the VA Medical Center. All phases are under way with completion aimed before the 2028 Summer Olympics.	2015–2028	2025 (Section 1) / 2027 (Section 2) / 2028 (Section 3)	Under construction
East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project	Builds a light rail line connecting east San Fernando Valley to the G Line, primarily following Van Nuys Boulevard and San Fernando Road. It will link with Metrolink and Amtrak at Van Nuys station and connect to the future Sepulveda Transit Corridor.	2024	2031	Under construction
Southeast Gateway Line	Establishes a new light rail route linking Downtown Los Angeles with Artesia and Gateway Cities along the West Santa Ana Branch.	2025	2035	Under construction
Template:LACMTA icon Foothill Extension Phase 2B to Montclair	Extends the A Line from Template:LAMs to Claremont station adding two stations; project is shovel-ready.	2025	2030	LPA adopted / EIR Completed
Template:LACMTA icon Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2	Prolongs the E Line southeast along Washington Boulevard reaching Whittier.	2029	2035	LPA adopted / EIR Completed
Template:LACMTA icon C Line Extension to Torrance	Extends the C Line from Redondo Beach toward Torrance and other South Bay cities. Upon completion, K Line will operate this extension after rerouting C Line to LAX/Metro Transit Center.	2026	2033	LPA adopted / Final EIR ongoing
Sepulveda Transit Corridor	Plans a rail connection linking the G Line and East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor to D and E lines on the Westside. Options include rapid transit or monorail. Current funds cover $5.7 billion with additional financing sought for completion ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.	2028	Phase 1: 2033–2035 / Phase 2: 2057–2059	Five LPA analyses underway / Draft EIR completed
Template:LACMTA icon K Line Northern Extension	Develops an underground light rail route connecting B Line's Hollywood/Highland station southward to D Line and K Line's Expo/Crenshaw station via Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. Multiple route alternatives are being evaluated.	2041	2047	Three LPA analyses underway / Draft EIR completed

Project name	Overview	Reference
Burbank–Glendale Line	Provides a rail connection between Downtown Los Angeles and the cities of Glendale and Burbank. This route was examined during the 1990s and designated as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in the 2009 update.
B Line Extension to Burbank Airport	Plans to extend the Metro B Line northwestward by 3.2 miles, reaching Hollywood Burbank Airport. This extension was included as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009.
C Line Extension to Norwalk Metrolink	Proposes extending the C Line eastward to connect with the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink station. This project appeared as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan initiative in 2009 and was listed among Major Transit Projects in 2020, with an anticipated opening date around 2052.
"Pink Line"/"Silver Line" (previous designations)	This route would run from Downtown Los Angeles Union Station through Hollywood to Beverly Hills, concluding at the under-construction D Line Century City Station. It would traverse areas such as Silver Lake, Dodger Stadium, Echo Park, West Hollywood, and Century City, primarily following Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards. Eastward extensions beyond Union Station could reach La Puente or El Monte with stops including East L.A., Cal State LA, San Gabriel, and Baldwin Park. Classified as a Tier 2 Strategic Unfunded Plan project in 2009, it currently lacks funding.
Harbor Line	Envisions a light rail service linking the San Pedro harbor district to either the Metro A or C Lines. This concept has been proposed through motions by the LA City Council and studies on the Metro Harbor Subdivision. The southern extension of the C Line is identified as a Tier 1 Strategic Unfunded Plan project from 2009. Additionally, converting the J Line to rail is being explored.
D Line Extension Phase 4	Plans to extend the Metro D Line westward for approximately 3.5 miles from the under-construction Westwood/VA Hospital station to Downtown Santa Monica station. Currently, there is no funding allocated for this extension.
Venice Boulevard Corridor	Intends to reinstate rail service along Venice Boulevard stretching from Venice Beach westward to Culver Junction, with possible extensions north along La Brea Avenue toward Hollywood or east into Downtown Los Angeles. This corridor would serve both Westside and Central LA neighborhoods and was last utilized by the Pacific Electric Venice Short Line during the 1950s.

See also

• Los Angeles Metro
• Los Angeles Metro Rail rolling stock
• Breda A650
• Transportation in Los Angeles
• Measure R
• List of metro systems
• List of tram and light rail transit systems
• List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership
• List of United States light rail systems by ridership

External links

• Comprehensive history of the Metro Rail network
• Accurate, to-scale network diagram
• Interactive Google map displaying Metro Rail and Busway stops
• Go Metro – Official Rail System Map
• Photograph documenting underground Metro Rail construction, 1989 UCLA Library Special Collections