The Long Track Back
Growing Pains: Metro’s Expansion and Its Critics
LA Metro has grown steadily since 1990 — but so has criticism. Can a car city really become a transit city?
Last Updated on August 3, 2025 by Daily News Staff
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Since 1990, the LA Metro rail system has expanded from a single line to a sprawling network of six light rail and subway lines, plus dozens of Metro Rapid and Express Bus routes. Billions have been invested. New stations have risen in East LA, the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and beyond.
But with growth has come friction.
Critics point to crime, cleanliness, and inconsistent service. Some riders have reported feeling unsafe. Others say Metro hasn’t done enough to serve communities of color or reduce car dependency in meaningful ways. And of course, LA’s vast geography and suburban sprawl make it difficult to build a one-size-fits-all system.
Still, progress continues. Projects like the K Line (connecting Crenshaw to LAX) and the Regional Connector (joining the A, E, and L lines in Downtown LA) are game changers for regional access. Metro has also taken steps to improve equity, introduce fare-capping, and modernize its fleet with electric buses.
No transit system is perfect — especially not one rebuilding from scratch in a car-centric city. But LA Metro’s steady growth is undeniable.
Next Up: The Future Underground: What’s Next for LA Transit?
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