I have noticed that my past entries about the Los Angeles public transportation system are getting quite a few hits.  There’s a lot of people out there looking for information, and not much to be found.

I decided to take some of the most frequently searched questions and do my best to answer them here. Much more information can be found on the official Metro website. (Update 2/2010: The Metro website has been updated. I think it looks great now.)  This is simply my own firsthand knowledge as a daily Metro rider for the past 8 years and counting.

Though it pales in comparison to the reach of the T back in Boston, the Los Angeles Metro system isn’t bad at all.  It’s usually pretty reliable, clean, safe, and very convenient.  Though I wish it the subway lines would go further west to the Westside, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica (there’s always talk about that being in the works), there are plenty of buses that will take you there.  Many people in L.A. are attached to their vehicles, despite the horrible traffic, and there seems to be a stigma associated with taking public transit in this image-obsessed city.  With the economic slump and more attention being given to the environment, this is changing, and I hope more people give the Metro system a look.

Anyway, I hope this helps anyone looking for information on how to get around Los Angeles without a car.  Don’t forget, with the great weather and crazy sights, walking is always a great option!

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What is the public transportation system in Los Angeles?

The public transit system in L.A. is known as the Metro. This includes the subway, above ground rails (Orange Line and Gold Line), and buses.

How much does it cost to ride the Metro’s buses or subway lines?

The L.A. Metro has the same fare rates for both buses and the subway. Bus fare or a one-way subway ticket is $1.25. A day pass, which is good all day on both the subway and buses, is $5. If you want a day pass when getting on a bus, just put $5 in the fare box and the bus driver will hand you a day pass.

At the subway stations, you don’t need exact change for the ticket machines. They also take debit and credit cards.

In addition to the day pass, people can buy weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly Metro paper passes. There is also a refillable card called the T.A.P (Transit Access Pass) that functions like a weekly or monthly pass. You can refill it at a subway ticketing machine instead of buying a new paper pass (which are bought online or at specific stores).

How does the ticketing system work aboard the Los Angeles Metro subway lines?

In essence, the Los Angeles subway works on the honor system. When you’re on the subway train, you should have valid fare in your possession, be it a one-way ticket, day pass, monthly pass, etc.

Most of the time, you will go your entire ride without ever needed to show your pass to anyone. However, a few times a month, Metro agents or deputies from the Sheriffs department will either board your train car or be waiting at the station’s exit. They will ask to see your ticket or pass, and you better have it, or else you’re going to get pulled aside, embarrassed in front of everyone, and given a $250 ticket. They carry scanning devices to make sure T.A.P. cards are valid. There are also T.A.P. scanners leading into the subway platforms for T.A.P. holders to use to verify that their cards are still valid.

Note: You must get a new one-way ticket if switching lines on the subway. For example, if you need to take the Red Line and then switch to the Blue Line, either have a day pass or greater or buy a ticket at the Red Line station and a ticket at the Blue Line station. A Metro subway one-way ticket is good for one way, one line.

Update: The Metro has installed turnstiles at most Metro stations. These are activated by the T.A.P. cards. They are starting to get rid of paper passes and switch everything to T.A.P. cards. As of 2/2010, you can still get paper passes. If you have one instead of a T.A.P. card, no need to go through the turnstiles; just go through the open gate. Many people even with T.A.P. cards are too lazy to tap and go through the open gate also but this may soon change. Everyone will have to go through the turnstiles at some point.

How late does the Los Angeles Metro subway run?

Not very. Most subway lines stop running around midnight. The Los Angeles Metro subway system will usually run all night long though on New Year’s Eve.

How frequently does the Los Angeles Metro subway run?

It varies depending upon the time of day and day of week. During rush hour, it could be about every 10 minutes, but it could be 20 – 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

How late does the Los Angeles Metro buses run?

Varies. Some less popular bus lines will stop around 9 P.M. Most stop running around midnight, and some run all night but infrequently, about once every hour.

How frequently do the Los Angeles Metro buses run?

It varies depending upon the time of day, day of week, and the particular bus line. During rush hour, Metro Rapid buses can often run every 5 – 7 minutes and many regular buses will run every 10 – 12 minutes. During off-peak hours, it could be about every 30 minutes to up to once an hour.

Click here to see a list of Metro buses that run about every 12 minutes or less.

What’s the difference between the regular buses, the Metro Rapid buses, and the limited buses?

The regular buses runs on a regular schedule and stops at all stops listed. The Metro Rapid buses, which are newer, red buses, run very frequently, most often during busy hours. There is always a 7 at the beginning of the name of the bus line. The reason why they can run so frequently is that they only make stops at popular destinations such as major intersections. The limited bus lines, which have a 3 at the beginning of the line’s name, is like a hybrid of the regular bus and the Metro Rapid. They have limited stops and often do not go as far or run as long as the regular line.

What are the lines on the Los Angeles Metro subway system and where do they go?

L.A. has 6 main subway lines:

Red Line – The main subway line; runs from North Hollywood in the valley to Union station in Downtown L.A. Major stops include Universal City (for the Universal Studios Theme Park and Citywalk), several stops in Hollywood, the Wilshire District and Downtown Los Angeles.

Purple Line – Part of the Red Line that branches off at the Vermont/Wilshire station (from downtown) and runs east on Wilshire to Western Avenue.

Orange Line – Above ground line (fancy buses) that serves the Valley.

Gold Line – Above ground light rail that goes from Union Station to Pasadena.

Blue Line – Runs between the Red Line’s 7th Street/Metro stop (downtown L.A.) to Long Beach.

Green Line – Connection to South Bay/LAX (the airport) from the Metro Blue Line’s Imperial/Wilmington stop.

Click here for a Metro subway system map.

What are the bus lines in Los Angeles?

There are many bus lines in L.A. that service all parts of the city.

Click here for a map of the Metro bus lines in Los Angeles.

Click here to see the schedules and timetables for the Metro bus lines in Los Angeles.

How do I find out which Metro bus or subway line to take in L.A.?

The Metro website has a great trip planner that will map your trip for you. Just enter your arrival or departure time, starting point, and ending destination:

Check out the Metro Trip Planner now.

What are my other public transportation options in Los Angeles?

In addition to the Metro system, there are other bus lines in and around Los Angeles. The DASH, a small line run by a separate agency, is only 25 cents and has a good coverage area.

Click here for a list of other public transit carriers in Los Angeles.

How can I get to the airport (LAX) using public transportation in Los Angeles?

The easiest way is to use the Metro Trip Planner to plot your trip. The Metro Green Line goes to the airport (there’s a free shuttle from the stop). You can also take the Metro Red Line to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles ($1.25 fare) and then hop aboard the direct FlyAway Shuttle (a large coach bus) for only $6. I have personally taken it several times and it’s a very easy, hassle-free trip.

How do I go to Universal Studios Theme Park or Citywalk using public transportation in Los Angeles?

Take the Red Line to the Universal City stop. Once you exit, you’ll have to cross the street and catch the free shuttle up the hill into the theme park area. You can also walk up the hill, but I would not recommend it (this is coming from someone who prefers walking and walks a lot).

How do I get to the Staples Center or Nokia Theatre using public transportation in Los Angeles?

Take the Red Line to the 7th Street/Metro Station. It’s a short walk from there, or if you’re feeling lazy you can connect to the Blue Line and get off at the closer Pico Station.

Here’s a walking map from the 7th Street Metro Station to Staples (also the Convention Center and Nokia Theatre).

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I’ll keep updating this page if I think of anything else that would be good to know about the public transporation here in L.A.

The Los Angeles subway system, called the Metro, has introduced late night service on its most popular line for the holiday season. [official press release]

Between Friday, November 21st, and Saturday, December 27th, the Metro Red Line, which usually runs until about midnight or so, will run until 3 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.  Sponsored by popular businesses in Los Angeles, this initiative is meant to be good for the environment, good for the travelers, and good for the street.  With holiday parties and events, this time of year usually has a spike in drunk driving.  This is also good for the businesses as a way to get people out late without them having to worry about parking and getting home.

Well, it’s about damn time! I’ve always thought that it was ridiculous that the Metro stopped so early.  If you don’t want people drinking and driving, why would you limit their means of getting home?  Most bars around here close at 2 AM.  At that time of night, the subway is no longer running and most buses either don’t run or run about once an hour.  Lucky for me, I can walk home from my favorite late-night hangouts.

I don’t know if this will make much of a difference in people’s habits.  Many people in L.A. are firmly attached to their cars.  Despite traffic and lack of parking, people seem to prefer driving everywhere.  It’s a status symbol to arrive in a cool vehicle, and I think Los Angeles still has a stigma that public transportation is for those who can’t afford anything else.  Growing up back east, where everyone takes the subway or bus and aren’t embarrassed about it, all I can say to L.A. is “Get over yourselves!”

The Los Angeles Metro system is very good, and is getting better.  Why would you want to put up with traffic, gas, and the hell that is finding a parking spot when you can take the subway?  Plus, you don’t have to worry about watching your alcohol consumption because you’ll have to drive home later.

I take the Metro almost every single day.  I’m 2 blocks from a stop, and my work is about a 10 minute walk from another stop.  It takes me about 25 minutes to get to work, and during that time I can listen to music or read a book. I have happily relied on the Metro system (back when it was called the MTA) since I moved to Los Angeles from Boston 8 years ago.  While I do wish it ran later and extended further West, it is still a pretty good system.  One-way fare is only $1.25 and the convenient all-day pass is $5, which is good on both Metro buses and subway rides.  Fortunately for me, my employer provides me with a monthly pass.

The Los Angeles Metro Red Line, from my own personal experience, has been pretty reliable and clean.  It runs from Union Station in downtown L.A. to North Hollywood in the Valley.  In between, it has various stops at Universal City, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Miracle Mile, and more.  There’s other lines, such as the Pasadena-serving Gold Line, the Valley’s Orange Line, and the Blue Line which goes down to Long Beach, but I’ve had the most experience with the Red Line.

I hope that because of this special holiday extension, more people in Los Angeles will give the Metro system a try.  It really would be better for our environment and keep our streets safer this holiday season!

I take the subway system here in Los Angeles, known as the Metro, nearly everyday. This come as a surprise to many. L.A. is known for its traffic and love of driving, and it’s true that many will drive a distance that is easily (and in my opinion, enjoyably) walkable. I have met people who have lived here for years and didn’t even know that Los Angeles has a subway system.

It does have its shortcomings; I wish it would run later and span out to the Westside. Fortunately, it has suited my needs for the past 8 years and counting. I really admire the artistic and architectural elements put into each subway station which gives each of them their own unique layout and style.

Within the past year, I have noticed advertisements showing up for the first time in select stations. Normally, I would be irritated by commercial ads showing up where before there were none, but to my surprise, I actually like these campaigns. They are well-done, stylized, station-wide advertisements. Currently, at the Universal City station stop, there are large, mural-like ads plastered throughout the station to promote the upcoming Indiana Jones movie. A few weeks before, we had great line drawings promoting the L.A. Marathon. The ads are often very big and designed to fit the space they’re in, be it a wide wall, narrow column, or a section of the floor. They look great and I’m glad the Metro chose to go with something so tasteful.

Yesterday morning, Tuesday May 6th, I was surprised by a new kind of ad. Maybe “shocked” is a more appropriate description considering the reaction of some of my fellow riders.

I was riding the Red Line towards North Hollywood as I do every morning for work. I have a habit of standing near the exit, staring out into the blackness of the dimly lit tunnels through the glass (or is it plastic?) doors and windows. There’s nothing to see; it’s dark and I tend to just drift off staring at my own reflection.

Until yesterday, that is. All of a sudden the bleak monotony was broken by blocks of bright, colorful lights. Having seen the same emptiness nearly every day for years, it took me a moment to realize what was going on, and once I did, I was quite astounded.

Right before arriving at the Universal station, the dark walls are lined with a series of very bright LCD screens. Each screen displays an image slightly different than its predecessor, and as the train speeds by, we’re captivated by an electronic flipbook effect. Everyone in my train car turned to look. A tired-looking drunk standing in the middle looked like he had just seen a ghost and searched futilely for a safe place to retreat.

To say that I’m impressed is an understatement. This innovative form of advertising accomplished exactly what all ads should do: capture the attention of its audience. It also spread its message beyond that audience because I went to work and shared my experience with my coworkers. I’m writing about it now.

Though it hasn’t changed my opinion about the item being advertised (the Speed Racer movie doesn’t look very appealing to me), it may get others to check it out now that they’ll associate it with something with such a high “cool” factor. Whoever is in charge of the advertisements in the Metro system is doing a great job, and I can’t wait to see what else they come up with.

If you’re in the L.A. area, I seriously recommend checking it out. Metro fare is only $1.25 each way, or $5 for a day pass. Check them out at www.metro.net.