Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: STATION ACTIVATION UPDATE
Action
ACTION: ORAL REPORT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE an oral report that provides an update on Metro’s efforts to launch a comprehensive Station Activation Program.
Issue
ISSUE
Station activation is vital to making stations feel safe, welcoming, and connected to the communities Metro serves, especially as Metro works to expand ridership. When stations appear empty or disconnected, customers can perceive them as unsafe spaces, making activation efforts a critical part of Metro’s overall customer experience.
At its February 2025 meeting, the Board approved Motion 29 by Directors Yaroslavsky, Bass, Dupont-Walker, Sandoval and Mitchell. (Attachment A) In response to the Motion, staff is providing a status update on the comprehensive approach to station activation that will guide planning for the upcoming rail openings and future station improvements. The oral report covers a range of efforts, including the pilot program to enliven stations through vending, markets, and community events; early deployment planning for the D (Purple) Line Extension stations; and strategies for leveraging TAP cards to deepen connections with nearby entertainment and cultural venues. It also outlines a framework for ongoing performance monitoring and regular updates to the Board, highlighting lessons learned from existing activation efforts and the path forward for making stations welcoming, vibrant spaces for all riders.
Public safety research shows that open, active environments with high visibility increase perceptions of safety and foster natural surveillance. Activities such as cafes, kiosks, and markets help ensure that public spaces remain vibrant and well-used. Metro’s care-based approach to station activation responds directly to the needs of transit riders and nearby communities, creating safer, more welcoming spaces while supporting increased ridership.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
Station activation prioritizes equitable access and a sense of belonging across communities. By actively inviting people into stations, especially in underserved neighborhoods, Metro can help build spaces that reflect their culture and needs, making them feel safe, valued, and connected. These efforts will foster stronger connections between Metro and the communities Metro serves, making stations places where everyone feels welcomed and supported.
By partnering with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for open-air markets, educational programming, community events, and small business and workforce development initiatives, these efforts strengthen the local creative economy, foster a people-centered transit experience and help CBOs build capacity. These programs help address the lasting impacts of historical disinvestment and support microentrepreneurs and small businesses.
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. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through investments in station activation activities that will benefit and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Attachment
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A – Board Motion 29
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Monica Bouldin, Deputy Chief, Customer Experience (213) 922-4081
Michelle Banks-Ordone, Senior Director, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 547-4375
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Jennifer Vides, Chief Customer Experience Officer, (213) 922-4060
Ray Sosa, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 547-4274
Digitally approved by Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer