L.A. Metro Expands Ride Share Program Into Altadena and Pasadena

ALTADENA, CA — The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will expand its rideshare service into the Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre areas beginning Sunday.

The expansion is a part of the agency's efforts to return transit service to pre-pandemic levels and to support the next phase of its NextGen Bus Plan, according to L.A. Metro.

“Metro's bus network is the backbone of our transit system, and the NextGen Plan is our next step toward higher ridership, faster and more reliable service and lower emissions,” L.A. Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti said. “This next phase of Metro services sends a clear message to Angelenos: We hear your feedback and are working tirelessly to make our system work better for you.”

The Metro Micro program was launched in December and helps riders complete the first and last mile of their transit ride by taking them to and from their Metro stop, the agency said.

Riders are transported on handicap accessible minibuses that can fit up to 10 people, according to L.A. Metro. Fares are $1 through the end of 2021 and rides can only be taken within a set area, meaning you can't take a Metro Micro ride from Altadena to downtown Los Angeles.

Metro Micro rides can be hailed through a mobile phone app and the average wait time is around 10 minutes, Metro said.

In addition to the Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre areas, the service will also expand into Highland Park, Eagle Rock and Glendale.

Here are the current areas Metro Micro is operating in and their hours:

• Highland Park/Eagle Rock/Glendale Zone: 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week beginning June 27
• Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre Zone: 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week beginning June 27
• Compton/Artesia Zone: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week
• El Monte Zone: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• North Hollywood/Burbank Zone: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
• Watts/Willowbrook Zone: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week
• LAX/Inglewood Zone: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday

Visit metro.net/micro for more information about the rideshare program.

—City News Service contributed to this report.