How do you get from point A to point B in a county of 9.8 million people?  That’s simple.  You go Metro.

METRO RAIL
It takes a lot to get LA residents out of their cars.  But with the ever-expanding Metro Rail network, public transportation is quickly becoming a popular alternative to braving LA traffic.  So take a tip from those in the know: LA Metro Rail is the way to go.

LA’s Metro Rail system includes the Metro Blue, Green, Red and Gold Lines. The Metro Blue Line runs north and south between Long Beach and Los Angeles.  The Metro Green Line crosses the Blue Line, running east and west between Norwalk and Redondo Beach, curving south near LAX.  The Metro Red Line subway meets the Blue Line in Los Angeles and provides service through Downtown, the Mid-Wilshire area, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, where it meets the Metro Orange Line transitway.  And the Metro Gold Line connects with the Red Line at Union Station, running northeast to Pasadena.

METRO LOCAL
The Metro Local is LA’s bus service.  It covers local, limited-stop and shuttle bus services.  Metro Local buses have route numbers indicating the type of service offered.  Here’s a quick look at those routes to help you plan ahead. 1 – 99: local service to/from Downtown LA and other areas.  100 – 199: east/west service in other areas, not necessarily Downtown LA. 200 – 299: north/south service in other areas.  300 – 399: limited-stop service, mostly designated by just placing a 3 before a main route number (for example, Route 4 becomes Route 304).  600 – 699: shuttle and special event services.  

METRO RAPID
Want to speed up travel time?  Metro Rapid is LA’s special rapid bus transit system.  These buses feature the latest in transit technology.  Metro Rapid buses are equipped with special transponders that cause traffic signals to favor the bus.  Green lights are held longer and red light are shortened.  They also make fewer stops.  Rapid buses stop only at major intersections and transfer points.  Plus, they feature increased frequency.  More buses mean less wait time.  All Metro Rapid buses are low floor buses for faster boarding.  And most importantly, they’re not held to a schedule, which frees them from waiting at a station until the clock catches up. 

Stop wasting time in traffic. Enjoy LA. Go Metro.

All information subject to change. For up-to-date schedules contact Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).  Public Transportation One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles. 800-COMMUTE (266-6883). www.metro.net.