Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Buses

New Video Explains UCLA Study on Transit Ridership Decline

UCLA ITS attributes transit ridership declines to increases in car ownership and use. Capture from UCLA ITS video

LongBeachize_Ad_Concepts
This article supported by Los Angeles Bicycle Attorney as part of a general sponsorship package. All opinions in the article are that of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of LABA. Click on the ad for more information.

Note: Metropolitan Shuttle, a leader in bus shuttle rentals, regularly sponsors coverage on Streetsblog San Francisco and Streetsblog Los Angeles. Unless noted in the story, Metropolitan Shuttle is not consulted for the content or editorial direction of the sponsored content.

The experts at UCLA's Institute of Transportation Studies have a new video out that explains their recent study on why California and L.A. transit ridership has declined recently.

The 70-page January, 2018, study is well worth a read, but get the key points from the above video, or from Streetsblog's explainer article.

The report and, especially its recommendations, are also summarized in a new infographic-laden document called Not Boarding - The Case of the Disappearing Transit Rider. UCLA ITS experts recommend several solutions, including:

    • expanding bus-only lanes
    • making easier integrated fare payment methods
    • charging variable distance-based transit fares
    • charging drivers closer to the real costs they incur, including congestion pricing and parking reform
    • using zoning to foster building more multi-modal transit-friendly places

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Eyes on the Street: Caltrans Santa Monica Blvd. Construction on the Westside

Caltrans contractor work is underway along Santa Monica Boulevard in the Sawtelle neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. New bus lanes coming soon.

January 7, 2026

SGV Connect Is Now on Spotify

StreetSmart too.

January 7, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

ICE, bikes on trains, A Line derailed, Lincoln Heights, NoHo, housing, car theft, parking, car-nage, and more

January 7, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Potholes, wildfires, car-free life, Chandler bikeway, South Pasadena freeway fighter, East L.A. walks, car-nage, and more

January 6, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Metro Public Safety Advisory Committee, Sawtelle Bikes ride, and more.

January 5, 2026

UCLA Study Finds Metro Transit Ambassador Program Is Benefitting Metro Riders

"Overall, ambassadors contribute to improved passenger experiences and play a needed role not well-served by other existing staff or system design features."

January 5, 2026
See all posts