The agency also provides funding and directs planning for railroad and highway projects within Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority was formed on February 1, 1993, by the California State Legislature which merged two rival agencies: the Southern California Rapid Transit District (SCRTD or more often, RTD) and the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC).

[4] The RTD was founded on August 18, 1964, to operate most public transportation in the urbanized Southern California region, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties.

RTD replaced the major predecessor public agency, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, and took over eleven failing other bus companies and services in the Southern California region.

The LACTC began operation in 1977 after a state requirement that all counties form local transportation commissions.

LA Metro has assumed the functions of both agencies and now develops and oversees transportation plans, policies, funding programs, and both short-term and long-range solutions to mobility, accessibility and environmental needs in the county.

[1] The authority also partially funds sixteen municipal bus operators and an array of transportation projects including bikeways and pedestrian facilities, local roads and highway improvements, goods movement, Metrolink regional commuter rail, Freeway Service Patrol and freeway call boxes within the County of Los Angeles.

To increase sustainability in transportation services, Metro also provides bike and pedestrian improvements for the over 10.1 million residents of Los Angeles County.

TAP cards are valid on Metro buses and trains, and on 25 other transit agencies in Los Angeles County.

TAP cards can be purchased at station fare machines, local vendors, online, and at Metro Customer Care Centers.

Average daily boardings and passenger miles for all of 2024 are as follows:[25] Day-to-day operations of Metro is overseen by Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Wiggins.

[27] To enable this work, the councils call and conduct public hearings, evaluate Metro programs in their area, and meet with management staff.

Ex-officio Board Member A complex mix of federal, state, county and city tax dollars as well as bonds and fare box revenue funds Metro.

Although it falls under State regulations, it can also partake in regional and municipal levels of rule during a transportation development project.

[33] Using CNG reduces emissions of particulates by 90%, carbon monoxide by 80%, and greenhouse gases by 20% compared to diesel powered buses.

[41][42][43] Metro, in partnership with LA Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC, is currently proposing to construct an aerial gondola system to connect Dodger Stadium and the stadium's surrounding communities to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.

Additionally, the proposed project would also include several improvements to the nearby Los Angeles State Historic Park.

[45] The tax is also expected to support over 778,000 jobs in the Los Angeles area and $79.3 billion in economic output.