L.A. Metro Hits 24 Months of Ridership Growth
L.A. Metro reports 25.8 million November boardings, 24th consecutive month of growth
L.A. Metro Hits 24 Months of Ridership Growth
Los Angeles transit riders are returning to buses and trains in growing numbers. L.A. Metro recorded 25.8 million boardings in November, marking the agency's 24th straight month of year-over-year ridership increases, officials announced December 19. The milestone represents two full years of continuous growth, though officials didn't specify how the November total compares to the same month in previous years.
Weekend Bus Ridership Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Levels
Weekend bus ridership in November surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time, transit officials said. The recovery milestone suggests riders are using transit for more than just work commutes, with weekend trips typically involving shopping, entertainment, and social activities. Officials didn't release specific weekend ridership figures or comparisons to 2019 levels. Transit agencies nationwide have struggled to recover weekend and off-peak ridership, making L.A. Metro's achievement notable among major U.S. systems.
Growth Reflects Broader Transit Recovery Trends
The sustained ridership increases come as transit agencies across the country work to rebuild service after pandemic-era declines. L.A. Metro's 24-month growth streak stands out among major systems, many of which remain below pre-pandemic totals. Officials attributed the gains to restored service levels and renewed rider confidence, though they didn't provide details about specific routes or service improvements that drove the increases. The agency operates bus and rail service across Los Angeles County, serving one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas.
Agency Hasn't Detailed Future Service Plans
Transit officials didn't announce whether the ridership growth will lead to service expansions or schedule changes. The agency typically adjusts service levels based on demand patterns, but specific plans for adding trips or routes weren't available. Officials said they'll continue monitoring ridership trends, though they didn't provide a timeline for potential service adjustments or when additional details might be released.
Riders Can Track Real-Time Service Information
The ridership milestone affects daily commuters and weekend travelers throughout Los Angeles County who rely on Metro's bus and rail network. Officials said they expect the growth trend to continue but didn't provide projections for upcoming months. Riders can access real-time arrival information and service updates through Moovit, which provides schedule data and trip planning for L.A. Metro's bus and rail lines across the region.
