How LA Metro Can Still Secure Federal Funds? Have More Babies, Apparently
In order to keep receiving federal transit funding, LA Metro has been handed a new set of unusual guidelines, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. These include collaborating with federal immigration officers, ditching mask mandates on public transportation, and—believe it or not—encouraging more people in Southern California to get married and have children.
This new set of policies, signed into action by Duffy on January 29, aims to reward transit agencies that follow these directives with priority for federal grants. Duffy, who signed the order a day after his confirmation, explained that he wants to phase out “Woke policies” and focus on strengthening American families.
Among the most eyebrow-raising stipulations, the federal government will now prioritize grants for big-ticket projects like rail systems, highway improvements, and bus lanes in areas with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average.
LA Metro has been fighting for federal money for various projects, including the Southeast Gateway Line, a monorail or train through the Sepulveda Pass, and the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail. Recently, the San Fernando Valley light rail project secured a hefty $893 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, aiding its first phase. However, it's still unclear how the new rules will impact future funding for these projects.
Duffy's order specifies that these guidelines for federal grants will be implemented "to the extent practicable, relevant, appropriate, and consistent with law." Furthermore, the Department of Transportation is now requiring transit agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement to remove illegal immigrants from buses, trains, and stations. This move aligns with policies outlined by former President Donald Trump.
LA Metro has yet to comment on these new guidelines, but public reaction has been mixed. Hal Dash, CEO of Cerrell Associates, a public policy firm, summed it up with one word: "Bizarre." He questioned whether the government would now be focusing on reducing the number of undocumented immigrants riding public transit to make room for “legal residents."
The birth rate stipulation could prove especially problematic for California transit agencies, especially considering the state's relatively low fertility rates compared to the national average. Political analyst John Pitney pointed out that this new approach is likely designed to favor Republican states, which tend to have higher birth rates, over Democratic-leaning states like California, where fertility rates are lower.
LA Metro’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year is set at $9 billion, including federal funds. According to Metro's interim director of communications, Edith Burge, the budget is balanced and includes more money for transit operations, public safety, and station cleaning.
Metro is also holding its first budget town hall for fiscal year 2026 on February 4. This virtual event will allow residents to give feedback on how to allocate budget funds. For more information, residents can visit Metro’s website or attend the meeting online.
With a current ridership of over a million daily riders, some advocates are pushing for Metro to focus more on expanding its ridership to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Eli Lipman, executive director of Move LA, suggested setting a goal of 2 million daily riders by 2030, although he anticipates a drop in federal funding. Lipman believes the agency should focus on using local funds to accelerate planned projects.
Other experts, like Bart Reed from the Transit Coalition, want more investment in bus-only lanes and enforcement to ensure they remain clear for buses. On February 20, Metro’s Finance, Budget, and Audit Committee will meet to discuss the budget, with additional meetings scheduled for March and April.
In the face of uncertain federal funding, LA Metro will likely have to figure out how to work with these new guidelines in order to secure the necessary funds to complete its ambitious projects—especially as the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics approach.
