Metro and the Occupy L.A. Eviction

Last week, we reported on Metro’s involvement in the “eviction” of Occupy L.A.  Yesterday, Metro spokesman Rick Jager was able to fill in the rest of the questions we had.  So here is your Metro/Occupy L.A. complete F.A.Q.  If you have other questions related to Metro and the Occupy eviction, leave them in the comments section and we’ll pass them on.

How Many Buses Were Involved in the Police Action:

Despite earlier reports of the number of buses was that between 27-34 buses were used as part of the eviction.  The actual number of buses was 34.

Is Los Angeles or the LAPD Reimbursing the Metro for the Service:

The City of LA/LAPD is not paying for the buses.  Metro provided them, as Metro has in the past during potential crisis and other periods, because we faced a public order and safety situation and needed to cooperate and assist the law enforcement authorities.

What is the cost to Metro for your support actions last night, and where do those funds come from?

Cost estimate is $38,350.  This includes buses and bus operators, as well as Transportation Operation Supervisors (TOS) and maintenance support personnel. Also included is Metro  support staff. 

The money will come out of Metro’s operating budget. For FY 12 our operating budget for bus and rail is $1.1 billion.

How was service impacted:

KTLA News reported that from the moment the LAPD closed off streets around City Hall, stops at Civic Center and possibly Pershing Square were skipped by Red and Purple Line scales.  Bus service was not impacted outside of re-routing because of closed streets.