Metro adjusting bus and rail schedules beginning April 19; plan will keep Metro’s entire workforce on the job

by ,

On Sunday, April 19, Metro will begin running a modified Sunday service schedule every day of the week. This schedule will provide an efficient and predictable level of service for those making essential trips. This service plan will keep Metro’s entire workforce productively employed.

On weekdays, Metro will run its usual Sunday bus service plus some Rapid, Express and Local bus lines that normally do not run on Sundays. On weekdays, most trains will run every 12 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and every 20 minutes at other times with last trains leaving terminal stations around midnight. On weekends, Metro will run its regular Sunday service on bus and rail lines. All Metro bus and rail timetables can be found here — please scroll down each timetable until you see the page for ‘Sunday’ service. 

Metro slightly adjusted service levels in mid-March in response to local and state safer-at-home orders to help prevent spread of the Coronavirus. With ridership down about 70 percent overall, Metro is making this further service change to be more efficient, meet on-the-street reality of reduced demand, while still providing bus and rail service to all communities currently served by Metro and with as little impact to the workforce as possible.

Metro will also be exploring closing some entrances to rail stations that have multiple entrances. ADA access will be maintained at all stations. This is being done to reduce the number of “touchpoints” that must be frequently cleaned, which in turn allows Metro to concentrate on keeping the rest of the system as clean as possible.

To keep both the riding public and Metro’s workforce safe, the agency has already instituted rear-door boarding on its buses. The agency is also encouraging riders to only take essential trips, and is providing bus rides to shelters for vulnerable and unhoused populations. The agency, too, is using signage and social media to encourage all riders to practice physical distancing at stations and to wear face coverings while riding buses and trains.

With nearly 11,000 workers, Metro is one of the larger employers in Los Angeles County. The Modified Sunday service plan being implemented will reduce hours for some operations, maintain service to all currently served and will allow Metro’s workforce to remain gainfully employed and, thus, help reduce strain on our region’s economy during the pandemic.

We will provide all the line-by-line details of the new service plan next week.

Categories: Go Metro, Policy & Funding

Tagged as: , , , , , , ,

76 replies ›

  1. As a Metro employee who works on rail, I think you need to have security do more when it come getting the homeless/drug users out the station. They’re leaving feces, urine, used needles, and blood all over the station (Of course they’re coughing and spitting all over place, no face mask on and even if you give them one they decline the offer.) Sleeping for hours in stations and security leaves it to the custodians to handle getting them out (which is risky because they don’t know if they’ll get attacked) as well as leaving them with cleaning up the mess they leave behind. I understand it’s the custodian job to help maintain the cleanliness of the stations but they can only do so much.

  2. How can affect the using this route for People still ride the bus are 111 60 760 251 751 102 611 612 260 762 is bus going to change route or Continue in Fact People Using a Mask then Garcetti says Riders are affecting during a COVID-19 they said Recommending A users Bus Still Service Then Garcetti says service change This will be happen on Sunday Lastly If people using a Orange Line are still Service N.Hollywood to Chatsworth Station in San Fernando Valley Is People Are Case Right Now How Is Recommend for Using a Transportation during a COVID-19 Can explain to Me Please?

  3. Karen, I have mentioned the plastic chain on several comments but those are the comments that are never replied to. Very frustrating for the families of those on the front lines! It’s such a simple ask!

    • Hi JenOfLA;

      The agency is instead using rear door boarding and telling riders they don’t need to use the farebox — instead be in possession of a fare. We’re also telling the bus operators to use the plexiglass protective shields. Both of those are seen as preferential and potentially more effective as to blocking the aisle. In addition, bus operators have been given masks and gloves and more are on the way.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  4. Hello I agree with JenOfLA because my husband also works as a bus driver and I worry immensely for his health and ours. I have also recommended the idea of placing a plastic chain to divide the space between the driver and the passengers and to also promote social distancing. However when my husband did so, he was told by metro that he could not do that because he was “ violating the passengers’s rights.” Well what about my husband’s rights? I feel as though that was a way of Metro saying they don’t take into consideration the health and safety of their drivers seriously. I know this is a difficult time for all of us but I think the protection and safety of your workers is a priority.

  5. You guys need to extend Line 180 from Pasadena to La Cienega/Jefferson Expo Line Station due to a passenger demand and eliminate Line 217 because I can’t stand Line 217 anymore I stopped taking it because they never show up on time

    Line 180 needs to run on Fairfax Ave via Hollywood Blvd, Los Feliz Blvd, Broadway and Colorado Blvd to replace Line 217

    You guys better work on that and that’s my request

    Your Passenger Demand Metro Customer,
    Luis

  6. I am an Essential worker working in a hospital in North Hollywood. I ride the Bus # 353 from Monday to Friday back and forth. Are you still doing the same regular schedule? I have to wait for 30 -45 minutes and if we only have the new bus schedule, we can prepare for it. the metro app is not even updated it will say bus is coming but no no no bus comes. I even don’t want to sit on the bench in the waiting shed and just get the virus. A lot of times since we waited so long for the bus, the bus is full that we cannot practice the 6 feet distance from each other. Hope you can let me know the schedule solved this issue.

    • Hi Claribel;

      The 353 will NOT be running beginning Sunday and going forward. Where are you traveling from and to? Can we help you find another route?

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

    • Hi Jessie –

      We are not. We will continue to run bus and train service although we are going to run on a modified Sunday schedule seven days a week beginning April 19. There will be some buses running that don’t usually run on Sundays. We’ll post more details tomorrow (Tuesday).

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  8. Do you know what’s going to happen to Lines 106, 127, 154, 169, 183, 202, 211, 215, 239, 243, 244, 245 and 258 they don’t run on the weekends especially Sunday do you what’s going to happen?

    • Hi Luis;

      All of those lines will be running at least Monday through Friday, likely about once an hour. The 106 will not be running at all. We’re planning on posting all the details on Tuesday.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  9. Interesting thing is April 19th is the exact day that the county stay at home order is lifted, also the state and federal stay at home order may be lifted a few weeks later what will be your plan to resume regular service if this happens 2 weeks after you have implemented the daily Sunday service ?

    • Hi Lionel;

      The safer at home order by L.A. County is being extended to at least May 15, as many media outlets are reporting.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

    • It’s understandable that Metro cannot be the “cough police” but what *CAN* and SHOULD be done, is the installation of a plastic chain across the front of the aisle to prevent riders from approaching the drivers, thereby not respecting the 6′ of social distancing. The public must make a choice as to whether or not to ride the bus or train. Since it’s the operators jobs, at the VERY LEAST the minimal protection of keeping passengers 6′ away from the drivers is not too much to ask, especially since similar plastic chains have been utilized in other cities!

  10. What are you going to do about all the disease ridden people taking the train not wearing and coughing up a storm. A fine wont do anything please keep them out of these essential services we need I’m an essential employee I work in the medical industry. Why do you care more about those people an you do public health.

    • We are doing out best to recommend face coverings and best health practices to all riders as well as connect and even provide rides for homeless and vulnerable people to shelters.

      What we’re not: the cough police. We run the third busiest transit system in the U.S. and many, many people depend on us. The best we can do is help shift the needle for everyone on best public health practices. It’s not a perfect act. But we think that in time we’ll help ourselves and everyone get better with doing the right thing.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  11. Greetings,

    This is excellent news and happy Metro will remain running. However I work for the Post Office and I need to be there by 7 a.m. With the modified Sunday schedule the earliest bus that leaves Manchester and Crenshaw is after 6 a.m. Is there a way the 210 (going towards Hollywood/Vine) to at least run one bus during the 5 a.m. hour?

  12. I need to catch the 4:24 am orange line and than transfer to the 5:13 am 236 NB to get to work. The Sunday schedule has the bus getting to my stop at 6:52 am. In the afternoons I don’t mind walking the 2 miles After my shift but early in the morning it’s pretty sketchy plus it’s putting me at risk of not making it to work on time. Is there no other alternatives?

    • Hi Elle;

      Are there any other bus lines near your job that might work?

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  13. The 52 northbound bus is already full when I got to work and now even more so with this limited schedule. Can’t even get to work without feeling safe anymore. Too many people using the bus now for a free ride instead of staying home and letting the essential workers get to work safe and on time.

    BTW, most busses now are hit or miss on whether they’ll show or not. Half the time they don’t show at all and your app has no info on when the next one is coming.

    At this point I’m just gonna have to buy a car and drive myself to work.

    • Hi Bryan;

      We’re hoping moving to this schedule will make the buses more reliable and on schedule. We’re trying to run about 80 percent of our buses on any given day but we’re missing trips due to staff availability. This puts our system back on a more firm schedule and ensure that we can make most trips. Of course, we are in a pandemic and we’ll have to see how things go. But this move also allows us to keep our entire workforce employed and that should help getting all our buses out each day.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  14. I don’t mind the schedule being changed as long as the bus shows up. The Sunday buses are rarely on time and often never appear. I would prefer consistency over maybe the bus will come maybe it wont especially when you are trying to hold on to a job. If a scheduled bus is not going to
    come find some way of letting riders know. Also too many homeless on the bus. They are obviously in bad shape.

  15. Greetings,

    I work for the Post Office and have to be to there by 7 a.m. With Sunday schedule for the 210 going towards Hollywood, the earliest bus won’t leave until after 6 a.m. from Crenshaw and Manchester. Is there any way for bus that’s been arriving at 5:27 am to keep running?

  16. I ride Line 780 if I need to because that route takes me from Washington/Fairfax Transit Hub to Glendale and sometimes I use that route to Pasadena especially Line 780 doesn’t run on the weekends what I don’t like is catch the 217 the route that never appears on time and get off at Hollywood and Argyle and catch 180/181 that’s sounds unfair especially Line 217 is a terrible route.

    Maybe you guys should renumbered Lines 180, 181, 217 and 780 as the brand new Line 180 and extend Line 180 from Pasadena to La Cienega/Jefferson Expo Line Station think about all the passengers from the Fairfax and Hollywood passengers

    Line 180 should extend from Pasadena to La Cienega/Jefferson Expo Line Station due to passenger demand.

    You guys need to keep that in mind

    That’s my requests

    Your unhappy Metro Customer,
    Luis

    • Hi Luis;

      The 780 will be running M to F after the schedule changes. We’re finalizing the details and those will be out Monday.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  18. I ride the “183” in GLENDALE,CA, every day , Monday thru Friday@ 6:00 am to work & 5:00 pm to home , there is NO SUNDAY SERVICE in GLENDALE on SATURDAY or SUNDAY, what are my options going to be, walk a mile to catch a 92 or a 94 like i do on weekends?

    • Hi Bill,

      We will be running additional service on lines that do not normally run on Sundays. Please stay tuned for full details next week.

      Thank you,

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source

  19. Metro Bus #212 has been exactly to same except for a couple of times your drivers had the first 10 seats blocked off which caused standing room only. But business was as usual, you would not know that there’s a request by our Governor/Mayor to Stay Home.

    However on Monday the 6th of April when it was pouring down rain I travelled from La Brea / San Vincente to La Brea / Hazel during my trip it was a total of 6 individuals going to work and 8 individuals total going home. This morning just 2 individuals all the way to work. I always believed that the majority of passengers where riding because its free.

    Its sad that I am an essential worker and I cannot afford to rent a vehicle during this time. I wish we could restrict the bus to just essential workers. I know that would cost Metro more money. But it is a thought if Metro truly cared about their passengers and if the Governor/Mayor truly care about their essential workers an effort can be made. For example requiring essential workers to have documents to prove that fact which is being done in Baltimore.

    Mr. Hymon and my concerns about Sunday Schedule is a fair concern based on my personal experiences. Sundays has always been unreliable.

    I wish you could just charge all essential workers the monthly fee and just charge against our TAP Card (we’re in the 21st Century Metro can figure out how to get their money) By charging essential workers you may be able to run the Metro Buses at a profit using the normal schedule.

    Stay Safe and Healthy,

    Jannie
    UnHappy Metro Customer

    • Hi Jannie;

      Thank you for taking the time to provide the details and all fair points. Sounds like some days there are many riders, other days not so much. The issue of restricting buses to just essential riders doesn’t really involve money — it’s more of a legal one. The police are — and this is at transit hubs — trying to let people know that travel is only for essential purposes. At the same time, they’re also trying to persuade vulnerable and homeless individuals to consider accepting a ride to a shelter.

      We’re also heard from riders who are essential and do not want to be asked where they are going or have to provide proof of why they’re riding. They feel like that goes too far. So we’re trying to walk a fine line and educate riders rather than try to police each rider.

      We do collect comments from riders such as yourself every day and share them with our colleagues — and I’ll certainly include yours.

      Stay safe and thanks for riding,

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

      • Greetings Mr. Hymon:

        Thank you for your prompt reply.

        I can appreciate riders who are essential workers who do not want to be asked where they are going. My question to those riders is are you aware that right now its not just about YOU? Why not be helpful set an example by saying “yes, I’m an essential worker” by doing so it helps weed out people who are purposely ignoring what has been mandated by both our Governor Newsom and Mayor Garcetti.

        Mr. Hymon, I am curious if Metro is going to enforce the latest mandate by Mayor Garcetti, beginning today the 10th of April about Face coverings mandate for essential business workers, customers in several SoCal cities? I am hopeful. If Metro was to enforce Face coverings on both Buses and Rail shall help with more passengers riders due to Metro’s Sunday Schedule commencing on Sunday the 19th of April.

        Mr. Hymon, I truly appreciate you! Thank you for your outstanding service you provide.

        Stay Safe and Healthy,

        Jannie
        Metro Customer

        • Hey Jannie –

          Thank you for the kind words and taking the time to write. Completely agree — we really need folks to think about the big picture here and not put anyone else in danger. As for the face coverings, we’re still just recommending it – and I’m definitely seeing more people out with them (in fact, most people). Wearing one is something all riders can do to help each other and, thus, themselves. The less we overburden the hospitals, the better the chances that hospitals will be there in case any of us or our loved ones need them!

          You stay safe/healthy, too, Jannie and thank you for the essential work that you’re doing!!!!

          Steve Hymon
          Editor, The Source

  20. Hello,
    I need to commute to La Canada Flintridge on weekdays with metro local line 177 running on weekdays’ rush hour. I rely on this line for me to commute as an essential worker. Is that ok to keep at least one round trip for the day? One is leaving memorial park gold line station at 8am, and the returning trip at 6:50pm leaving JPL. I appreciate the help.
    Thank you

    • Hi Ray,

      Thanks for this feedback, we’ll definitely share with our service planners. We understand these adjustments will cause difficulties, and we’re doing our best to balance the needs of our riders with the needs of our staff. Please stay tuned for additional updates next week.

      Thank you,

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source

      • Hi, I’m an Bus Operator and I’m just wondering, how running the Sunday time schedule will slow this pandemic, I feel the buses are going to be MORE crowded. Especially with more vulnerable folks living on streets. How will that protect other riders and myself?

        • Hi Janelle —

          Thanks for identifying yourself as an employee — I appreciate it. My understanding is that each division is going to monitor service and capacity and can make necessary changes. As you probably see, some bus lines continue to attract riders while ridership has really fallen off many others. The thinking is that this plan best matches what the current ridership is and will be given the area’s safer at home orders. As for the issue of homeless, law enforcement has an ongoing education campaign intended to persuade everyone but those making essential trips to stay off the buses — and to provide rides for homeless/vulnerable populations to shelters.

          Please, please, please do not hesitate to take your concerns to your division managers as you’re on the front lines and have the best vantage point to see how things are going. And, finally, as a Metro employee who is not on the front lines, I just wanted to express my appreciation and gratitude for what you and our other frontline employees do and the courage it must take to do it.

          Stay safe,

          Steve Hymon
          Editor, The Source

  21. It should be MANDATORY that ALL PASSENGERS are wearing face coverings and also MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING while riding! Keeping the buses running is basically just enabling the spread of this horrific disease! Totally irresponsible on Metro’s part. Please answer this: Are steps being taken to keep passengers 6′ away from the bus operators?? Close the farebox at the very least!

    • Hi JenOFLA;

      Yes, that’s why we put rear door boarding in place, told people to have fares with them instead of using the farebox and are promoting social distancing. Bus operators are also being told use their plexiglass shields and we’ve recommended that all riders use a face covering or mask.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

      • Hi Steve, Respectfully, as a spouse of a bus operator, I’m well aware of the recommendations, which are all subject to rider self-enforcement. Why have you not put a plastic chain across the front of the aisle to keep riders from accessing the drivers? This would help to at least maintain the recommended social distancing that many, MANY riders show no intention of ever respecting. The plexiglass shields are not enough protection from germs, which can travel over the barrier. Please consider putting up a plastic rope like they have in other cities!

        • Yes, that’s what Long Beach & OC have done. Yellow chains & rear door entrance & everyone is wearing their face masks.

  22. Will y’all be adjusting routes to run faster instead of hold at some stops to stay on schedule? Lots of routes are running faster with less people boarding and less traffic but most operators are trying to adhere to the schedule

  23. Metro needs to clean and decontaminate the west end of the Willowbrook green line station, upper and lower. it’s so putrid and disgusting that even the homeless will not camp out there.

  24. So why has the system been left alone to be the caretaker and shelter of the homeless? For the few of us trying to use the system for essential travel its always having to contend with them on the buses and trains seemingly unaware of the health situation we are in right now.

  25. Is the operation of the buses and trains going to be back to normal when the symptoms coronavirus is disappeared?

    • Hi Lisa,

      We certainly hope so, but given the scope of this crisis we don’t know when that will be.

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source

  26. So Social Distancing is out the door when traveling on the MTA. Budget is taking precedence over Operator and passenger safety. Make your cuts at Gateway Plaza not in your operations.

  27. Greetings:

    So now there’s going to be a 25 – 32 minutes wait for the next Metro Bus #212.

    That’s the way to ensure the Bus is pack with passengers.

    There’s no need for Social Distancing, when it comes to PEOPLE who ride the Bus. It’s Free!

    Shame on me for being an Essential Personnel Employee for a Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Program.

    Stay Safe and Healthy,

    Jayne
    Unhappily Metro Customer

    p.s. Every time I ride Metro #212 I feel like I am playing Russian Roulette.

    • Hi Jayne;

      How crowded or not crowded have you found the 212 to be since we adjusted service in mid-March?

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  28. Which non-Sunday local lines are getting service and what schedule will they follow? Is this being handled internally like a shakeup where new paddles and summaries are being printed up or is this all pink letters? Will this schedule data be updated on Metro GTFS feeds for third party devleopers?

    • Hi Michelle —

      We’ll put out the line by line details next week. Just wanted to give everyone an early heads up this is coming. Most of the non Sunday lines that will run on weekdays only will be a couple dozen or so local and rapid lines as well as a couple express lines. We want to get the info organized and presented in a way easy to understand — but need to take a couple more days to get it ready.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

        • Hi Bill;

          We’ll have a blog post up tomorrow (Tuesday) explaining the new schedules. The Sunday schedules are already online at the timetables page on metro.net.

          Steve Hymon
          Editor, The Source

          • but there is no sunday or saturday service for the 183 in Glendale ,CA

          • Hi Bill;

            That’s right. I’ll check to see if the 183 will run to Glendale on weekdays. If not, do you have other options for weekend trips? Can we help?

            Steve Hymon
            Editor, The Source

          • My only other options are to walk about a mile to catch a 92 or a 94 depending that they will run at the times I need them

        • will there be weekday service on the 183 next week?, that is my main concern,thanks

          • I’M SORRY, I guess i did not make myself clear, I am still confused , Will there be 183 service in Glendale ,CA ,Monday thru Friday, because the Sunday bus schedule shows the 183 stopping in Burbank,Ca,no Glendale service

          • Hi Bill,

            Sorry for the confusion. With the schedule change, the 183 will not have service in Glendale. If you need assistance finding an alternative route, please let us know or you can also call 323.GOMETRO.

            Thank you,

            Anna Chen
            Writer, The Source

          • thanks Anna for the update, just to let you know there will be many UPSET riders in Glendale,Ca next week when their bus does not show up at all, many of these riders do not have access or are of aware of bus tracking apps like “Nextbus” or Google trip planner

          • Good morning Steve H. , Anna said yesterday that the “183” will NOT run in Glendale starting next week, I am very unhappy about that, my 1 tenth of a mile walk turned into a mille walk to get a 92 or a 94, i use the 183 dailly am & pm & sometimes at lunch also, . there are going to be many upset essential workers without a 183 in Glendale , sign maint. dept needs to cover the 183 bus stop signs to let people know of this MAJOR change in service, I also talked to senior bus driver last night & and a different one this a.m. , they both told me that the 183 will NEVER return to Glendale ,Ca, when this is over , how sad ,if that is the case ALL the 183 bus stop signs NEED TO BE REMOVED, so that people do not wait for a bus THAT WILL NEVER SHOW UP , Please thank the MTA / METRO planners for me for CHEATING THE RESIDENTS OF Glendale, Ca.

          • Hi Bill;

            I’m checking to see if the 183 will be running to Glendale. I’ll post info when I get it.

            Steve Hymon
            Editor, The Source

          • Hi Bill;

            The 183 will be running its Sunday service pattern, meaning that it will terminate at Ikea & Angelo in Burbank. I’m sorry and hope we can help you find an alternate route.

            Steve Hymon
            Editor, The Source

          • thanks again, I already know what my options are , not very good,especially when it rains, but I will make do,I have been riding the bus in Glendale since the mid 60’s when it was the “RTD” long before it became MTA / METRO, thanks again

          • i am sorry to bother you again, but,
            PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK THE PLANNERS FOR NOT HELPING THE RIDERS IN GLENDALE,CA who use the 183 and 177

          • Bill —

            We’re in the process of posting updated timetables to metro.net and that might be helpful for trip planning.

            Steve Hymon
            Editor, The Source

  29. What is the current bus schedule for LA metro 76 eastbound? It’s been almost nonexistent. Almost no bus prediction are shown on the app and it’s accurate giving that no buses are showing up after an hour of waiting.

    • Check the pdf timetables, my guess is they have been running Sunday schedules now, so yeah, expect buses to be non-existent cause you know, Sundays.

    • Hi Arthur;

      I’m sorry about the long wait for the bus. We are currently running as many buses as we safely can with available staff. If you need help locating your bus, please call 323.GOMETRO or reach out to us via Twitter. Our handles are @metrolosangeles or @metrolaalerts. Thanks,

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source