Happy SoCal Transit Month!
September is SoCal Transit Month! Now in its third year, Transit Month is a chance for riders, advocates, and agencies to build relationships and share in the joy of riding transit. Move LA is producing this event in partnership with Bay Area Transit Month, America Walks Week Without Driving, and the Coalition for Clean Air’s California Clean Air Day.
All month long, transit friendly events will be happening across the region. The Metro Youth Summit is a by-youth, for-youth event that will explore how transit can create a more accessible future for everyone. Angelenos of all ages can join a DTLA Transit Tour, discovering hidden gems in LA’s most transit-rich neighborhood. And Destination Little Ethiopia’s Open Street Festival will promote safe, car-free streets on Fairfax Avenue with live entertainment, local food, and activities for all ages. Check out SoCal Transit Month’s Events Calendar for the full line-up of events.
You can even get rewarded for riding transit this month! Participate in the Ride Contest and log your transit trips on participating SoCal agencies–including LADOT Transit!–for the chance to win prizes from your favorite transit agencies.
Transit is an essential resource that keeps us moving, our economies growing, and our environment healthier. Let’s celebrate transit together this SoCal Transit Month.
LADOT Attends 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Panel
Last week, LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo joined Representatives Laura Friedman, Judy Chu, Ted Lieu, Maxine Waters, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, as well as staff from LA Metro and the City of Santa Monica Department of Transportation, for a conversation on transportation lessons from the World Cup in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Los Angeles will host the 2028 Games over a span of several weeks, with hundreds of thousands of spectators visiting during the largest sporting event in our region’s history. While LA is well accustomed to hosting large events, the 2028 Games presents a challenge on a new scale.
The panel discussed how best to support this multi-venue, multi-week event that will affect operations on our freeways, transit systems, and local roads. Given the expected demands on the transportation network, the City of Los Angeles is prioritizing transit-first access that promotes sustainable transportation strategies in partnership with regional partners. Spectators will be encouraged to travel by bus, train, shuttles, bicycles, shared and on-demand mobility, and additional means other than driving.
The panel also discussed funding requests in advance of the Games, regional coordination efforts, and safety and security. LADOT shared how the department is investing in multi-modal improvements to major streets that will support the movement of people and goods, not only during the Games, but for years to come.
Finally, the panel shared what lessons can be learned from the recent FIFA World Cup, particularly how local event programming, added services, and clear communication enabled residents to enjoy the festivities within their own communities.
LADOT looks forward to continuing to work with our regional partners as well as local, state, and federal governments to deliver a 2028 Games that is frictionless, beneficial, and enjoyable for Angelenos and visitors alike.
Apply for Metro's Visionary Seed Fund
Los Angeles Metro has just launched $1.9 million in available funding from the Visionary Seed Fund (VSF) Grant Program.
The VSF Round 2 award cycle will fund innovative mobility pilot projects that focus on improving the daily rider experience through bus stop and transit station improvements.
To learn more, visit Metro’s FY27 VSF Grant Opportunity and attend our webinar on August 27th at 3pm. Register for the Metro's Visionary Seed Fund webinar. Applications are due by Monday, October 12, 2026.
Resources For Residents Affected by Lineage Warehouse Fire
As the City of Los Angeles and Council District 14 continue recovery efforts following the June 17 Lineage Warehouse Fire in Boyle Heights, LADOT wishes to make residents aware of the following resources available to affected Angelenos:
Business Recovery: Low-interest federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are now available to small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. Customer service representatives will be on hand at Business Recovery Centers in the LA area to assist with applications. Explore Boyle Heights Business Recovery Resources.
Community Resource Center: A new location for the Community Resource Center at Boyle Heights City Hall, 2130 E. 1st Street. Learn about the Community Resource Center.
Free Buses: LADOT is making temporary service adjustments to serve Boyle Heights residents, offering additional free buses in the area. Two additional buses have been added to the Boyle Heights DASH route, operating daily with free service every 10-15 minutes until further notice.
LADOT has also temporarily waived fares for Cityride Dial-a-Ride service for seniors and people with disabilities. A Cityride van is stationed at LAC+USC Medical Center to provide emergency transportation. Service runs daily from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM. To request same-day service, call: (213) 808-7433; (323) 808-7433; or (818) 808-7433.
Community Notifications: The Mayor’s Office has created a dedicated WhatsApp channel for Boyle Heights residents to receive regular updates on the recovery process. Download WhatsApp Messenger for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
For additional information on resources available to the Boyle Heights community, including financial assistance for businesses, pest control, and odor mitigations, please visit the Emergency Management Department.
Transportation Photos of the Week
