Senate Bill 789 Redirects Transit Funds to Los Angeles Metro

California Senate Bill 789 directs state money to public transit operators in large counties, including Los Angeles County. The measure passed the legislature in June and takes effect for the 2027 budget year. It targets agencies that run fixed-route bus and rail service.

Why the timing matters for the region

Los Angeles County covers more than 4,000 square miles and contains the largest share of the state population. Transit ridership has not returned to pre-pandemic levels on many Metro lines. Local officials requested extra operating support to cover rising fuel and labor costs while they update schedules.

The bill requires the California Transportation Commission to distribute the new funds according to existing formulas that factor in ridership and service miles. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will receive the largest single share because of its size.

Daily effects for residents

Commuters on the Metro A Line between downtown and Long Beach may notice added cars during peak hours once the money arrives. Bus riders along Vermont Avenue and Western Avenue could see some routes run every 10 minutes instead of every 15 during midday. Residents without cars who travel to jobs in the ports or at Los Angeles International Airport stand to gain the most from any increase in evening service.

The legislation does not change fares. It also leaves route decisions to the local board. Policy analysts say the first visible changes will appear in the spring 2027 service change, after Metro completes its annual planning cycle.

Los Angeles County has roughly 10 million residents, and about 300,000 people board a Metro bus or train on an average weekday. The new allocation is listed in the bill as an addition to the existing State Transit Assistance program.

Metro staff will present an updated spending plan to the agency board in October. The board must approve specific service additions before any new trips appear on the timetable. County residents can submit comments through the agency website during the public review period.