Metro Board Approves Union Deal, Expands Transit Ambassador Program

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board approved a collective bargaining agreement effective Tuesday, July 1, thereby creating an in-house Transit Ambassador department and expanding the safety program to more bus lines and rail stations.

The Board approved 85 additional Ambassador positions and a contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to represent Transit Ambassador personnel effective July 1. The moves allow Metro to begin building an in-house department the Board approved in October 2023.

“I’ve been impressed by the support the Metro Ambassadors provide to transit riders,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and Whittier Council Member. “They connect riders to resources they need and provide a welcoming and visible presence that customers rely on.”

The agreement adds 388 contract positions comprised of 309 current Transit Ambassador staff and 79 new ambassadors. The program will expand to cover the Metro/LAX Transit Center, A Line extension to Pomona and D Line extension to West Los Angeles.

Metro will also add 49 supervisor positions and two non-contract positions to oversee operations, training and customer experience improvements.

A 2023 Metro customer survey found 63 percent of respondents who saw Ambassadors felt safer. That number rose to 66 percent among women, 68 percent among Hispanic/Latino customers and those under 18, and 70 percent among Asian/Pacific Islanders.

“Metro Ambassadors have been an incredible addition to our system, helping us make it friendlier and safer,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “They’re a key part of our customer experience and safety strategies.”

The Ambassadors help riders navigate the system, provide assistance, connect them to resources and report issues. They have saved 334 lives through suicide prevention and NARCAN administration.

Metro amended its Fiscal Year 2026 budget to include $11.8 million for wages and benefits under the collective bargaining agreement.

The Transit Ambassador program operates alongside transit security, law enforcement, homeless outreach and crisis intervention teams as part of Metro’s public safety ecosystem.

Metro carries nearly one million daily boardings on four light rail lines, two subway lines and 119 bus routes using more than 2,000 low-emission buses.