LA Metro Micro: How Metro Micro helps LA Metro boost access, efficiency, and ridership

LA Metro is redefining transit in a car-centric city—making public transportation more flexible and convenient. With LA Metro Micro, the agency introduced the on-demand transit option in 2020 to help Angelenos move across the city more easily. Now, with new multimodal integration powered by Spare, LA Metro Micro is delivering an even more seamless experience—expanding options and making transit more convenient than ever.

What is Metro Micro?

Launched in 2020, Metro micro fills the gaps in LA’s transit network—giving riders a fast, flexible way to reach buses and rail.

LA Metro Micro offers affordable, on-demand rides in areas where buses and trains don’t reach—helping riders plan trips with more flexibility and fewer barriers. Instead of competing with buses and rail, LA Metro Micro strengthens the entire system—giving riders more options while boosting overall transit use.

LA Metro Micro has expanded rapidly, now covering 165 square miles across 29 cities and 12 unincorporated communities. The service operates in eight key zones, including:

• Watts/Compton
• LAX/Inglewood
• North Hollywood/Burbank
• El Monte
• Highland Park/Eagle Rock/Glendale
• Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre
• Northwest San Fernando Valley
• UCLA/Westwood/VA Medical Center

With 83 vehicles on the road, LA Metro Micro makes it easy for riders to reach key destinations—bridging the first-and-last-mile gap and improving access to buses and rail.

“LA Metro Micro combines technology and operational approaches to provide an affordable, flexible and on-demand transit service to fill mobility gaps in our existing transit network,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro.

Goals and vision: Enhancing the transit experience

LA Metro Micro isn’t just another transit option—it’s making LA Metro’s entire system more connected and efficient. 

By bridging buses, rail, and on-demand rides, it’s boosting ridership and improving the rider experience.

As part of LA Metro’s Vision 2028 Plan, LA Metro Micro is helping create a more accessible, sustainable transit network. Built into the plan from the start, it has already exceeded expectations. After a successful 2020 pilot, as of March 2025, LA Metro Micro has delivered almost 2.5 million rides, and now LA Metro Micro 2.0 delivers an even better experience for riders and transit operators alike.

“We are really happy about the improved notifications - they are more detailed and more accurate, in addition to better information, particularly vehicle tracking and arrival / drop off ETAs. The integrated multimodal allows riders to see their different route choices they have to navigate through the system, and make the best option for their travel needs and journey!" Roxane Marquez, Director of Finance and Administration

From competition to complement: Multimodal integration with Spare

LA Metro Micro and fixed-route services once operated separately—sometimes even competing for riders. Now, with Spare, they work together to create a seamless multimodal experience.

The upgraded LA Metro Rider App integrates LA Metro Micro with buses and rail, allowing riders to plan complete trips in one place. Now, riders can see all their transit options in one place—making transfers smoother and planning easier.

This shift isn’t just about convenience—it’s about growing ridership. By making microtransit an extension of the bus and rail network, LA Metro is strengthening the entire system while improving the rider experience.

“The LA Metro Micro is meant to be a complimentary transit service helping riders who may face a 1st / last mile dilemma get to and from the existing fixed route and rail options within the LA Metro system. LA Metro Micro empowers riders to make better choices for their transit trips. Now LA Metro Micro is able to be a backbone of fixed routes through the multimodal system and provide connection for those riders, and in turn increase the ability for those riders to use existing transit options within LA Metro, increasing the overall ridership of the system, while increasing the customer experience!” Dan Nguyen, Executive Officer – Strategic Initiatives and MicroTransit

Rider Experience: What’s new in the app?

The upgraded LA Metro Rider App makes planning and riding transit easier than ever. Riders now have better real-time information and a more seamless way to navigate the system.

What’s new?

• Real-time updates: More accurate notifications keep riders informed about vehicle locations, arrival times, and drop-off ETAs.
• Multimodal trip planning: LA Metro Micro, buses, and rail are now integrated in a single view, making transfers smoother and planning easier.
• Faster, more intuitive experience: A sleek, user-friendly design simplifies booking and improves navigation across the city.

As Daniela B, a Burbank LA Metro Micro rider, puts it: “The new app is easy to navigate, and is super sleek — it’s groovy. I use the service to get to work, and for social outings as well. I love that I don’t need a car and can still get around really easily.”

Expanding transit access without expanding fixed routes

LA Metro introduced an efficient way to expand service without adding new fixed routes. By integrating LA Metro Micro with buses and rail, the agency extends transit access in underserved areas while keeping operations efficient.

Key takeaways for transit agencies

• Expand service without major infrastructure costs. Microtransit reaches areas where fixed routes aren’t feasible.
• Lower costs through efficiency. Dynamic routing and shared rides reduce downtime and cost per trip.
• Seamless transfers boost ridership. Integrated fares encourage more riders to use public transit.

LA Metro’s model shows how demand-responsive transit can fill service gaps while bringing new users into transit.

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Looking ahead

LA Metro Micro’s success shows that on-demand transit can be a powerful tool for bridging service gaps and improving system-wide efficiency. With multimodal integration and real-time optimization, LA Metro is demonstrating a scalable model for public transit innovation.

What other transit agencies can take away:

• Microtransit should complement—not replace—fixed routes. Strategic integration with buses and rail strengthens the entire network.
• Technology drives efficiency. Real-time trip matching and demand-based scheduling help control costs and maximize fleet utilization.
• Data-informed service planning matters. LA Metro continuously refines LA Metro Micro based on demand patterns, which ensures long-term sustainability.

For agencies exploring microtransit, LA Metro Micro offers a proven roadmap for making demand-responsive transit work at scale.

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