Metro ridership reaches new heights amid public safety concerns

While LA Metro grapples with another high-profile violent crime that occurred on its system last week, the transit agency reported continued growth in ridership and efforts to improve public safety.

In August, Metro’s ridership stood at 27,066,446 boardings, reaching 84% of its August 2019 pre-COVID levels, according to figures released Monday. The agency reported that weekday ridership stood at 21,187,496 boardings whereas weekend ridership stood at 5,878,950 boardings.

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Bus ridership rose to 21,147,858 rides, an 8.2% year-over-year increase compared to August 2023, with weekday ridership at 16,669,840 boardings, and 4,478,018 boardings on the weekends.

Meanwhile rail ridership increased to 5,918,588, representing a 2.5% increase compared to August 2023, and a 81.3% increase from August 2019 data. Weekday rail boardings stood at 4,517,656, according to Metro.

The agency cited special events for the increase in ridership, such as HARD Summer Music Festival at Hollywood Park, Nisei Week in Little Tokyo, Reggae Night, The Gipsy Kings and Sara Bareilles at the Hollywood Bowl, and CicLAvia in Hollywood. Metro noted end of summer concerts at the Crypto.com Arena, BMO Stadium, Expo Park, Kia Forum and SoFi Stadium led to more riders on its system as well.

Metro officials say they are continuing a three-point plan to improve public safety by bolstering the presence of law enforcement officers, making station improvements and adding more bus safety measures. Additionally, with the use of its fare gate pilot programs, officials say they are ensuring public transit is being used for its intended purpose.

More transit security officers were deployed across the system to enforce Metro’s code of conduct rules. Additionally, Metro Transit Security Bus Safety Teams are performing end-of-line operations during late-night “Owl” service on some of the busiest bus and rail lines.

Ambassadors are out as well to help customers and keep an eye out for any problems they may see.