L.A. Metro Receives $1.24 Billion in Federal Funds

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.