LA Metro Proposes $9.4 Billion Spending Plan to Support Preparations for Major Events

LA Metro customers are being asked Friday to weigh in on the agency’s proposed $9.4 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which officials say continues their investment in public safety, making rides more frequent and advancing transit projects.

While more than a week away, Metro encouraged its customers and county residents to participate in its public hearing scheduled for May 15 at 10 a.m. to provide feedback on the spending plan, which represents a 2% increase, or $180.9 million, compared to budget of $9.26 billion in the 2025 fiscal year.

Participants can attend in person in the Board Room on the third floor of Metro’s headquarters, adjacent to Union Station. The hearing will also be live-streamed at boardagendas.metro.net/.

In response to high profile violent crimes, the agency took steps to improve public safety. Metro has proposed increasing funds for public safety from $385.1 million in the 2025 fiscal year to $392.5 in the 2026 fiscal year, an increase of 1.9%, or about $7.3 million. Funds would support the agency’s ambassador program and more security officers. Additionally, the agency will look to expand its taller fare gates pilot, Tap-to-Exit program, and weapons detection technology systems, as well as its arsenal of security cameras.

Money intended for cleaning would also increase from $279.5 million in 2025 to $316.1 million in 2026, an increase of 13.1%, or $36.6 million. The allocation would support 34 new custodial staff, 84 new service attendants, and increase daily cleaning for four bus terminals seven-days per week. The agency has suggested expanding its end-of-rail car cleaning from two shifts to three each week, covering nine stations. Some $9.9 million would support what is known as “station experience” initiatives, which focus on “safety, cleanliness, mini-makeovers and customer experience enhancements.”

In preparation for the World Cup in 2026, Super Bowl in 2027 and Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028 coming to the L.A. region, Metro would allocate funds for transit projects.

Under Metro’s Transit Infrastructure Development program, the A line Foothill Extension would receive $156 million for construction work on tracks, stations, and systems. Another $22.9 million supports contract closeout and other costs for the soon-to-be-open LAX/Metro Transit Center, a station hub at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street on the K Line. The budget would allocate $267.7 million for the future East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project, $316 million for Southeast Gateway Line, and $794.5 million for the D (Purple) Line Westside Extension project, among other projects.

According to documents, local sales tax and certain revenues are projected at $4.8 billion, which represents a $387 million or 7.4% decrease from the 2025 fiscal year. Current projections for sales tax revenues for 2025 are below budget, meaning 2026 revenues are likely to be lower.

Fare revenues are expected to come in at $174.7 million, a slight increase from $174.6 million in fiscal year 2025.

Tolls and violation fees from ExpressLanes are estimated at $107.6 million in 2026, and advertising revenue is estimated to increase from $27.2 million to $41.5 million. Grant revenues are expected to increase by 9.6% in 2026 compared to 2025.