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Metro Connected 2,709 People to Permanent or Interim Housing During FY25
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced the 2025 annual point-in-time count of people experiencing homelessness on the transit system fell significantly, with a 37% to 39% decrease from the previous year. This year’s count estimates 631 to 684 unhoused individuals on Metro’s system, compared to 1,041 to 1,092 in 2024.
By comparison, homelessness decreased by 4% across Los Angeles County and 3.4% within the City of Los Angeles, according to the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.
“Providing assistance for people experiencing homelessness is an important part of building a world-class transit system for all Los Angeles residents,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Council Member Fernando Dutra. “While there is still much more work to do, this significant reduction shows the positive impact of our efforts to make Metro safer, cleaner, and more welcoming—while treating all people with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Metro’s Care-Based Outreach Model Driving Results
Metro’s care-based approach focuses on connecting unhoused riders to supportive services and housing, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) and a network of homeless service providers. Through its HOME (Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement) program, Metro deploys multidisciplinary teams across the bus and rail system, offering resources in real time to individuals in need. Metro partners with six community-based homeless services providers—PATH, Christ Centered Ministries, HOPICS, LA Family Housing, Union Station Homeless Services and Helpline Youth Counseling to provide critical services and housing.
“I am proud that Metro’s care-based approach is delivering real results, not only improving the lives of thousands of unhoused individuals but also enhancing the experience for our riders,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Fewer people are using the Metro system as shelter, and more are being connected to housing and services. That’s a win for everyone who depends on public transit.”
In fiscal year 2025, Metro’s outreach teams connected 2,709 people to interim or permanent housing, exceeding the agency’s goal of housing 1,800 individuals by more than 150%.
County Partnership Key to Success
Metro’s partnership with the County of Los Angeles, particularly with DHS, has been critical to ensuring people experiencing homelessness receive care and support. The County provides Metro with access to shelter beds around the clock, which allows outreach workers to offer safe options to unhoused individuals even during late-night hours when many buses and trains go out of service.
“It’s encouraging to see that—for the second year in a row—our annual count reflects a decrease in homelessness across Los Angeles County,” said Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Metro Board Second Vice Chair Kathryn Barger. “This progress shows that when the County and Metro work together to deliver housing, health care, and outreach, we can make a real difference. Still, more than 72,000 individuals remain unhoused, and many seek refuge on and around our transit system. That reality keeps us focused on the work ahead. I remain committed—along with my Metro Board colleagues—to ensuring our system is safe for everyone. Our efforts are paying off, as shown by ongoing reductions in crime across Metro. We will continue pursuing compassionate, coordinated strategies that improve transit environments while connecting people to lasting solutions.”
Point-in-Time Survey
The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count led by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was conducted on the Metro system from Feb. 18–20, 2025. The survey used methodology developed by the University of Southern California for LAHSA’s count and aligned with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. The Metro-specific results, which focused on stations, rights-of-way, and parking lots, were not included in LAHSA’s published regional total but provide an essential look at homelessness on the transit system.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.
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