LAX Metro Transit Center Opening Spurs Significant Rise in K Line Ridership

The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center on 6 June 2025 has led to a substantial increase in ridership on the Los Angeles Metro K Line, according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro).

The new station offers a direct rail connection to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), serving both travellers and airport-area employees.

K Line Ridership Increase

Metro data indicates year-over-year ridership on the K Line increased by 139.5% on weekdays, 198.9% on Saturdays and 214.9% on Sundays in June. Monthly ridership on the K Line in June 2025 was 26.8% higher than in November 2024, making it the second-highest month for K Line usage since the line’s opening.

The LAX/Metro Transit Center closes the final gap along the K Line, enabling continuous service from Expo/Crenshaw to Redondo Beach. This integration has improved connectivity with other lines in the network, including the A, C, E and J Lines. The C Line, which previously terminated at Aviation/LAX Station, now extends to the new LAX station, offering more direct access to the airport.

Systemwide Ridership Trends

While K Line ridership rose, overall Metro system ridership declined slightly in June. Total boardings reached 23.75 million, a 6.0% decrease compared to June 2024. The decline was attributed to increased federal law enforcement activity, multiple protest-related disruptions, temporary station closures, curfews in parts of downtown Los Angeles, and a broader trend of people staying at home.

During the most active protest periods, Metro saw a 10–15% reduction in ridership. However, conditions improved later in the month. Bus ridership declined by 5.9%, and rail ridership fell by 6.5% compared to the same period last year.

Metro noted that other factors such as ongoing construction—particularly work to connect the D Line to its upcoming extension—and seasonal changes in travel patterns also influenced overall ridership.

Customer Satisfaction and Safety

According to a rider survey conducted in February 2025, 87% of Metro customers reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service. Over half of respondents said they had observed improvements to the transit system in the past year, with service quality and safety cited most frequently.

Reported incidents of violent crime per one million boardings fell by 28.9% compared to the same time last year. This is the lowest rate recorded since May 2019. Metro attributes the decline to increased deployment of uniformed personnel and expanded partnerships with local agencies addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse.

Assault severity against transit operators has also declined, a trend Metro links to the installation of enclosed bus barriers. Fare compliance has improved as well, with newer, taller faregates proving effective.

In June, faregates at the LAX/Metro Transit Center validated more paid entries than all other K Line stations combined. It is now the highest-performing station on the C Line, with 71% more paid entries than the previously busiest station, Willowbrook/Rosa Parks.

Metro plans to install similar faregates at Santa Monica/Vermont and Wilshire/Vermont stations before the end of July.