The LA Metro Board on Thursday adopted a $9.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, which prioritizes safety improvements, expanded cleaning operations and other large-scale infrastructure upgrades.
The plan adds 400 new full-time positions, bringing Metro’s total workforce to 11,821 employees, the report shows.
New hires will support customer service improvements, rail line expansions, and maintenance efforts aimed at improving cleanliness, reliability and accessibility across the system.
Metro says this approved budget will provide noticeable improvements for its riders.
Reflecting a 2% increase from last year, the budget includes funding for shorter rail headways to reduce wait times, “smart” restrooms that are ADA-accessible and monitored remotely for safety and cleanliness, expansion of the “tap-to-exit” system at select stations, and taller fare gates to crack down on fare evaders.
Other programs include upgraded lighting, weapons detection technology, and more elevator and escalator refurbishments. Metro said these investments were shaped by public feedback gathered through outreach campaigns and telephone town halls.
The budget also calls for 46 new Transit Security Officers to be deployed, especially on expanding A and D rail lines, as the agency continues developing its own law enforcement agency.
Metro also plans to increase investment in “Equity Focus Communities,” neighborhoods with high transportation needs. Metro estimates that about 80% of these planned investments will benefit these communities, up from 67.3% in 2022.
The report shows that the budget was adopted amid financial challenges. Sales tax revenue, one of Metro’s primary funding sources, is expected to fall 7.4% compared to the prior year. Officials also cited concerns about inflation, uncertainty about federal funding, and long-term costs tied to major capital projects and upcoming mega-events, including the 2028 Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Super Bowl LXI in 2027.
Large-scale projects, those that exceed $5 million in cost, include building new electric vehicle charging stations, improvements at Los Angeles Union Station, and systemwide communication upgrades.
The agency expects to issue new debt in the coming year to support those long-term efforts, subject to board approval.
For more information, visit budget.metro.net.
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