Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) leaders highlighted major capital project milestones, safety improvements, and customer experience initiatives during the agency's annual State of the Agency event, while outlining priorities for fiscal year 2027.

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Expansion Projects Advance

Among the year's most significant milestones were the September 2025 opening of the A Line extension to Pomona, which brought rail service to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona, and the May 2026 opening of the first section of the D Line extension, adding stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega.

LA Metro also celebrated the opening of the Santa Monica/Vermont Apartments, a 185-unit transit-oriented affordable housing development completed in partnership with Little Tokyo Service Center.

The agency continued advancing several major capital projects.

LA Metro broke ground on the North Hollywood-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in May 2026, while the board selected locally preferred alternatives for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, the K Line extension to Torrance, and the K Line North project.

Safety Initiatives Show Progress

Officials reported continued progress on public safety, noting that violent crime declined for the second consecutive year and reached its lowest level since 2021, while customer satisfaction with safety measures reached record levels.

In January 2026, the agency's Department of Public Safety launched its Care-Based Services Division, consolidating the agency's Metro Ambassadors, Homeless Outreach Management and Engagement (HOME) program, and Community Intervention Specialists under one department. Recruitment for LA Metro's new sworn police force began in May, generating more than 950 applications during the first 24 hours.

Additional safety initiatives included the launch of an online Safety Hub and the expansion of the Tap to Exit program to additional rail stations to help reduce fare evasion and improve station security.

Customer Experience Enhancements, Focus on Major Events, and More

The agency also introduced several customer-focused improvements during the year, including contactless credit and debit card fare payments across its bus and rail network. Riders can now pay directly with a contactless bank card or digital wallet in addition to using a TAP card.

The agency also launched a new official mobile app featuring real-time trip planning, routing information and service alerts, while expanding community programming at rail stations through events such as farmers markets and other neighborhood activities.

Meanwhile, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, LA Metro and its transit partners provided more than 212,000 direct trips to and from Los Angeles Stadium through enhanced transit service.

The agency also reported increased systemwide ridership as residents and visitors relied on public transportation to travel to matches, fan zones, and watch parties.

Officials said the event demonstrated the importance of transit in moving large crowds efficiently during major international events.

LA Metro also highlighted workforce development initiatives, including the first graduating class from the SEED School of Los Angeles County, a tuition-free public boarding STEM high school focused on transportation infrastructure and career readiness. According to the agency, every graduate will attend college, with students collectively receiving $13 million in scholarships and grants.

Looking Ahead to FY 2027

Looking ahead, the agency said fiscal year 2027 will focus on preparing the transit system for Super Bowl LXI in February 2027, deploying the agency's first class of sworn police officers, advancing major construction projects, and continuing work toward opening the second and third sections of the D Line extension.

"Our investments are producing visible results across the system," Wiggins said. "The World Cup demonstrated that when convenient transit options are available, people use them. We intend to build on that momentum as we continue delivering projects that improve mobility for major events as well as everyday travel throughout Los Angeles County."