Decrease in homelessness observed within L.A.'s public transportation network
Los Angeles Metro's Care-Based Approach Reduces Homelessness by Nearly 40%
Los Angeles Metro's care-based outreach model has made a significant impact on reducing homelessness within its transit system. Over the past year, there has been a 37 to 39 percent decrease in homelessness on the Metro system, outpacing the smaller decreases in homelessness countywide (4%) and citywide (3.4%) during the same period.
This success is primarily due to the close partnerships between L.A. Metro and Los Angeles County agencies, particularly the Department of Health Services (DHS). These partnerships enable outreach workers to swiftly connect unhoused individuals with shelter beds available 24/7, including late-night access when many transit services are closed.
The county partnership is integral because it integrates housing, healthcare, and targeted outreach, creating a coordinated response that has improved transit safety and access to lasting solutions for people experiencing homelessness.
Additional aspects aiding success include using point-in-time surveys aligned with HUD standards to monitor homelessness specifically on the transit system, aiding tailored interventions. Collaboration with the County of Los Angeles and leveraging county resources such as shelter beds and health services to provide comprehensive care beyond just outreach also plays a crucial role.
L.A. Metro deploys multidisciplinary teams across the bus and rail system, offering resources in real time to individuals in need through its Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement program. The partnership with the county of Los Angeles, especially with DHS, has been critical to ensuring people experiencing homelessness receive care and support.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair and L.A. Metro Board Second Vice Chair Kathryn Barger stated that the progress in reducing homelessness across Los Angeles County shows that when the county and L.A. Metro work together, they can make a real difference. Barger also noted ongoing reductions in crime across L.A. Metro as a result of their efforts.
In fiscal year 2025, L.A. Metro's outreach teams connected 2,709 people to interim or permanent housing, exceeding the agency's goal by more than 150 percent. L.A. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins is proud that the care-based approach is delivering real results, improving the lives of thousands of homeless individuals and enhancing the experience for riders.
The decrease in homelessness on L.A. Metro's system shows the positive impact of efforts to make the system safer, cleaner, and more welcoming while treating all people with dignity and respect. L.A. Metro's approach aims to make Los Angeles a better place for all its residents by addressing homelessness on its transit system.
[1] Source: Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Report, February 2025.
- The decrease in homelessness on Los Angeles Metro's rail and bus system reflects the effectiveness of integrating finance and transportation industries, as they collaborate with county agencies to provide comprehensive care, coordinated responses, and targeted outreach.
- Los Angeles Metro, with the support of Los Angeles County agencies, has seen a significant reduction in homelessness, leading to improvements in transportation safety, access to housing, and overall quality of life for its riders. This success underscores the importance of collaboration between the finance, industry, and transportation sectors in addressing homelessness.
