Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
JULY 17, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: METRO 2025 TRANSIT SERVICE POLICY
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
ADOPT the 2025 Transit Service Policy (Attachment A).
Issue
ISSUE
Metro’s Transit Service Policy (TSP) is a fundamental guide for bus route design, scheduling, implementation, and evaluation for Metro transit service changes. The document reflects the policy framework for how the agency meets existing and anticipated challenges with providing high-quality transit service. This policy is required as part of Federal Title VI compliance, and the plan is usually updated every three years as the Metro Title VI Plan is updated, which will occur in 2025. Changes to the Metro TSP were last adopted by the Metro Board in June 2022, reflecting the newly implemented framework of the NextGen Bus Plan focused on providing a fast, frequent, and reliable bus network.
Since that time, the majority of the NextGen Bus Plan has been implemented. This 2025 update for the TSP refines the text while making updates for new rail cars entering service and the Metro Micro pilot program.
Background
BACKGROUND
TSP establishes criteria and guidelines to ensure that the transit system is developed and managed consistent with policy guidance approved by the Metro Board, including a formal process for evaluating services, service design guidelines, and a process for implementing service changes.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
This 2025 update of the Transit Service Policy incorporates the following changes:
• Updated for the opening of K Line and the Regional Connector
• Addition of new HR4000 rail car fleet details for maximum load calculations
• Updated the existing light and heavy rail car details to reflect changes in seating configurations and revised the standard to one based on seating plus square foot of floor space rather than a ratio of load to number of seats
• Established a separate chapter for Metro Micro Pilot Program outlining the framework and standards for this service model
• Updated language to reflect the 0.3 mile maximum spacing between bus stops
• Reduced the standard for pass-ups of customers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices from an average of no more than 6% to an average of no more than 5% for regular operating bus service based on existing performance
• Revisions to the order of information to improve the flow of the document
The 2025 Transit Service Policy updates were taken to the June round of Metro Service Council meetings for feedback. Overall, there were few questions from the Councils and members of the public, mostly regarding average stop spacing and how it applies to different types of services and stop relocations during detours.
The Westside Central Service Council also had questions as to what would need to occur in order for the evening/late night rail frequencies to be shortened to a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes rather than the existing 20-minute standard frequency for this time period. This item was a common comment that the Westside Service Council recently heard from the public during the Title VI Public Hearing this Council held for the D (Purple) Line Extension Service Plan and Fare Equity Analysis held in June. Staff informed the Council of the timeline for adoption of the Transit Service Policy update to remain in compliance with Federal Title VI requirements and that discussions with Rail Infrastructure Maintenance, the Office of Management and Budget, and other departments would need to occur prior to making that policy change.
The Council approved a motion for the Council to submit a letter to the Board to advocate for the revision of the evening/late night standard rail frequency to a maximum of 15 minutes instead of 20 minutes for all rail lines, and that Metro also consider feasibility of any funding measures and external funding sources that could support increased rail frequency such as tying fares to major special events, in hope of spurring the initiation of those discussions with all affected departments. Staff will give this motion consideration and can bring any future updates to the TSP forward for approval.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
This Transit Service Policy and all recommendations identified will be implemented with full adherence to established safety policies and procedures.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Implementation of any of the recommendations, elements, and principles established in the policy document would be reflected in the annual Metro Operating and Capital budgets brought to the Board for approval. The adoption of this updated TSP document does not directly impact the budget. The NextGen Bus Plan’s 7 million revenue service hours of bus service, new service hours for rail service expansion, and new funding for the NextGen Bus Speed and Reliability program are included in the FY26 Operating and Capital Budgets approved by the Metro Board in May 2025.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This 2025 update of the TSP incorporates Metro’s most recent Title VI Service and Fare Equity Analysis policies, which provide for formal consideration of the impact on minority and low-income communities of Metro service changes. The TSP incorporates the required definition of “minority persons” outlined in FTA Circular 4702.1b, which includes American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
The TSP continues to reflect the NextGen principles of all-day frequent service based on a set of frequency tiers, focusing more service resources in Equity Focus Communities (EFCs), where the need to use the Metro bus system is greatest. The TSP also continues to include the NextGen Bus Speed and Reliability program, that will also further improve the rider experience in EFCs where the most frequent bus services are concentrated.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled _Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. While this item does not directly encourage taking transit, sharing a ride, or using active transportation, it is a vital part of Metro operations, as it provides the policy framework for the design of and ongoing monitoring and updating of Metro’s transit services to maximize their effectiveness in serving LA County. Because the Metro Board has adopted an agency-wide VMT Reduction Target, and this item supports the overall function of the agency, this item is consistent with the goals of reducing VMT.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Recommendation supports strategic plan goal #1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling. This update to the TSP also encompasses two sub-goals: 1) Target infrastructure and service investments towards those with the greatest mobility needs; and 2) Invest in a world-class bus system that is reliable, convenient, safe, and attractive to more users for more trips.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The TSP that was adopted in June 2022 has been updated in this new 2025 version, reflecting the continued operation of the NextGen Bus Plan, while reflecting new rail fleet deliveries and additional information on the Metro Micro program. This update is timed to be incorporated into the agency’s 2025 Title VI Plan update. The Board could elect not to update the policy, but this is not a suitable alternative as this is a living document that requires periodic updates to reflect necessary changes in transit service policy that guide staff in planning and evaluating Metro’s transit service. This update is timed to be incorporated into the agency’s federally required 2025 Title VI Plan update.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
With the adoption of the 2025 Metro Transit Service Policy, staff will continue to work towards full implementation of the NextGen Bus Plan, ongoing improvements to Metro Micro, and the expansion of the Metro Rail system. Lessons learned from these processes will be included in future updates for the Transit Service Policy.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - 2025 Metro Transit Service Policies and Standards (Redlined)
Attachment B - 2025 Metro Transit Service Policies and Standards
Prepared_by
Prepared by:
Joe Forgiarini, Senior Executive Officer, Service Development, (213) 418-3400
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
