The Metro Board of Directors Thursday authorized staff to develop a proposal to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers that aims to enhance a game-day stadium express bus service.
In a unanimous vote, the Board of Directors instructed staff to come up with ideas to enhance the Dodger Stadium Express service. Some of the proposals they will explore include a per-ticket transit fee to offset costs; implement a dedicated bus lane; improve signage and a marketing campaign to encourage fans to take public transit.
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose term as chair of the board will be coming to a close soon, noted the Dodger Stadium Express has been free and allows fans to enjoy the game with the stress of driving to the area.
“It’s clear this service is a real need,” Hahn said.
According to the supervisor, the program has been funded by the county. The transit agency aims for the Dodgers to financially support the program in some capacity, as well as to partner on strategies to boost ridership on the service.
LA Metro offers free rides to Dodger Stadium via its bus express service. There’s a dedicated line on Sunset Boulevard from Union Station to Vin Scully Avenue. Riders can board the bus on the west end of Union Station.
Buses run every 10 minutes, starting 2 1/2 hours before game time. Return service runs for 45 minutes after the final out of or 20 minutes after post-game events.
Additionally, the transit agency offers the same service in the South Bay.
Metro staff are expected to return in approximately 120 days with an update on the status of partnership conversations and any proposed next steps.