MTA – Metro Red Line

If there was zero stars they’d get it. What a rip-​off of public transportation.
The Alvarado /​MacArthur Park Red Line station has numerous bums, miscreants and panhandlers. In front of the station on Alvarado are numerous illegal street vendors hawking their merchandise, while congesting pedestrian foot traffic to a stand still.
Furthermore, even worse yet, I have to endure the «Gestapo» tactics of members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department demanding us to produce our proof of fare payment.
This causes bottlenecks of traffic at the random stations where they conduct these «fare inspections». It causes commuters dependent on public transportation to be late to appointments, work, etc…
Furthermore, I didn’t realize civilian members of the Sheriff’s Department could impede and detain private, law abiding citizens, under the «pretext» of a «fare inspection».
I feel like a Jew in Nazi Germany, being unlawfully detained, denied my right to travel unimpeded without probable cause, and feel like a sub-​human ordered about by members of the Sheriff’s Department, in order for them to get quotas for citations issued to fare evaders.

Ride it from Hollywood to Universal or NoHo and sometimes downtown very frequently. A few minor issues here and there but mostly efficient and convenient. If you ride after 8:30 or 9, Metro performs «track maintenance» and service can be delayed or slowed accordingly. To me, this should be performed after 1AM when train service stops… but i guess there’s a good reason it isn’t. So, overall, can’t complain… at least we have a subway (and purple line extension is coming)…

Train is just standard but the station is interesting & nice. Lots of people from everywhere. Headed toward Pershing Square & Grand Central Mkt; yay time to eat something delicious!

So much easier than driving around town. This line is usually much faster than the rest of them because it’s underground. The trains and stations are always nice and clean. Sometimes the trains will be empty or they’ll be way to overcrowded. It just depends on what time of day I guess. The Red line Connects all Touristy places in Hollywood and Universal Studios to Downtown LA.

Love the Redline.
I lived in LA for a number of years — hated the traffic — and so eventually located myself in Koreatown so as to live right at a great Metro intersection.
I LOVE Metro. Its inexpensive; its reliable; I have (almost) always felt safe. Best of all — it will take you to all the coolest neighborhoods in LA (if one line doesn’t go there, it intersects with another that does — or will soon).
For now, if you can get on a train, you can get to Downtown LA, MacArthur Park, Koreatown, East Hollywood, Hollywood, Studio City, North Hollywood, Culver City, USC, Long Beach, South LA, Pasadena, Highland Park, Asuza, East LA, the South Bay, Norwalk, etc.
And soon — Santa Monica, West LA, LAX, the Miracle Mile, Westwood, and Inglewood.
LA has the best best walking/​biking weather in the USA — take advantage of that by using Metro — plus, you get to skip GAS PRICES, PARKING FEES, and TRAFFIC.

When I was young LA did not have a metro just buses and the bus drivers were often scary insane people and there were no bathrooms so people would poop in the bus or pleasure themselves. And some of the passengers were pretty scary too. So basically those who rode the bus were the subject of pity and regarded as substandard citizens. These were the dark times. If you did not have a car in LA back then, life sucked. And because nobody walked in LA, because every one had a car, it was too dangerous to walk in LA. This metro made LA, a real city, with trains to take us all over and the city opened up and people rejoiced and there was travel equality for all. And now slowly the good people of LA are regaining their ability to walk. It is a miracle.

At first I was a bit skeptical but after checking Google maps and noticing that it would take well over an hour to drive to North Hollywood, fugeddaboutit! I pulled up the transit option it would take me half this time and for only $ 1.75. Given the love hate relationship that I have with LA traffic, the metro red line is a great way to get to select destinations without sitting in rush hour traffic. If you live in LA you’ll know that there’s never a good time to be on the road unless you’re up at the ass crack of dawn. Even then it’s a crapshoot depending on where you’re going.
The entire process is very straightforward. Head down into the station, buy a tap card or a single ride ticket. Tap your card and go through the turnstile. The signage at these stations make it very easy to identify the train and its intended destination. Also the station timetables are listed on the Metro website and it’s very accurate.
I gave public transportation a shot in LA just to see how it goes and I’m digging it!

The metro red line
Its alright, i mean it takes me about the same time to get to work on private transportation as it would on public transit. Although because of mta constant maintenance issues starting around 4 pm till closing have seriously hampered there service as reliable.
if heading to North Hollywood, you must board the red line. if your new to riding metro red line it can be confusing. The trains destination will always be posted in the front of the train car and the sides of it. The metro red line will only stay in the station on an average 12 – 13 seconds. sometimes less. if possible ask around, if the train that arrived is your intended train, if your un easy with that idea, there are information/​emergency kiosks located throughout the station. You can speak with a metro operator.
Take note, since this is the the train to go to North Hollywood there are some crazies on this train if at all possible if traveling by night I strongly suggest traveling in Pairs.
If traveling on these trains on Sunday — Thursday, operation will shut down just before midnight. On rare occasion they run one last late night train. For Friday & Saturday trains run just until 2a.m.
Note: There are restrooms located at this station but on the main floor.

I am a HUGE fan of public transportation. I grew up in Chicago — lived in Boston, Paris, Vienna, and at times New York: — all of them having spectacular examples of public transportation via rail. And in LA, the Red Line is the quintessential cornerstone Subway Line that connects one line to another — thus creating a web of access for the entire city.
It is not the best system on the planet. Tokyo, New York, Paris, London, and Berlin have those. But for a growing city of the new era, that is sprawling and traditionally disconnected, the Red Line offers a portal to the future of America’s greatest 21^st century metropolis.

Since I’m a valley kid, this line is my best way of getting into the city. 4 stars because it gets me where I need to go. Other than that, it smells like garbage can hell in these trains. There’s nothing metro can do about the freaks because it’s public transportation, what else do y’all expect? My one tip is maybe having better security on all trains so the freaks don’t get too frisky. As for the smell, they can’t do much on their own about that too. That’s the smell of LA; piss and broken dreams. (with hints of weed)

The underground way of public transportation in Los Angeles, the Metro Red line is just like the Blue Line… but only below ground. The fare is the same as the Metro buses and Blue Line– $ 1.75 for a one way trip and $ 7 for a day pass with use of your Metro tap card.
The Red Line begins in North Hollywood right by Universal Studios and Citywalk (the preferred way of getting there for those who have no way of getting there by car) and ends in Union Station in Downtown L.A. Yes, this line can especially get very packed during the morning and afternoon rush hour. This line does make other stops throughout Hollywood and the Westlake District. This line is convenient for those going to places such as Citywalk, LACC, East Hollywood, McArthur Park, Union Station DTLA and such.
I have been riding this line for such a long time. Often whenever I go on my imbibing escapades, I will use this as a way of getting around, which is also the smarter choice. It does run till late night, but not too sure if it is 24 hours. The latest I have taken it is around 12 midnight. It will take a bit longer for arrival during the late night hours however. Oh yeah, during New Years Eve, often all Metro buses and trains run all night, which is the smarter solution of transport. You will have to be on the lookout for their maps and the station names through the windows, as this is the only line that will not announce overhead the upcoming station, at least from what I remember!
Do not knock it till you try it. Just about everybody in Los Angeles has been familiar with using the Metro system. Improvements have been made so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Try the transit line with sometimes easy parking you can have a plethora of places to go,
Universal City — universal city walk and universal studios
Hollywood and vine– the pantages theater
Union station — central hub for transfer all around the city of la
Pershing square — an old style market place with food you’ll just have to keep coming back for

I like the Red Line makes getting around real easy, helps with parking because you just leave your car at home. In my case I left my car in the mid-​west, so this underground tube makes it possible to get from point A and B. It is much quicker than the buses, granted you don’t try to catch it late at night, fewer trains running. I am giving it four stars for the convenient matter and the affordable price to get around.
Another great thing you will almost all the time get free entertainment, from people watching, the cracked out individuals, the homeless and sometimes start up a good conversation with someone while waiting. So for a $ 1.75 a trip, you get transportation and a show, much cheaper than the movies or a concert. But it has always been safe, never had a problem with anyone. Don’t want to put across the image that the red line holds the under belly of L.A. All the stations are very clean and safe, the trains are clean for the most part, besides your occasional smell of someone’s accident or lack of personal hygiene. I have lately found it easier to just remain standing while on the tube, to avoid my clothing picking up an unwanted scent from the seats.
Of course while you make your way downward to the station and on the train there is no cell reception. Doesn’t cause any inconvenience and I find myself editing pictures or taking abstract ones while underground. Just an interesting place, and all the stations are themed differently, which makes it amusing. Another thing make sure your Tap Card is filled up if you use your card for the buses, in the subway stations or light rail are the only places I’ve found to put money on them.
Excited for when they complete all the new lines they have been working on.

The Red Line makes life in Los Angeles without a car possible. I have taken public transport in Atlanta, where I am from, and sorta expected a similar experience. How pleasantly surprised I have been over the years with the Red and Gold Lines.
I hate buses, I think everyone does; if I can take a train I will. And the Red Line just cuts through all the crap. Literally. If you live near Downtown, you can go to Union Station and all your transport needs are gonna be met. And you get to see that wonderful, iconic building that screams «the real LA». Its also near Olvera Street and Chinatown. Union Station is as a part of my life in L.A. as palm trees and ghetto birds.
To be sure, you will see many interesting people. And I have gotten more on point guessing who is gonna get off which stop. I always figure that obviously-​new immigrants, homeless people, sketchy people etc are gonna pour out of the train at the Westlake Station. If you have face tattoos you are probably gonna get off at 7^th and head down to LBC. If you got a big backpack and don’t smell you are probably gonna get off at La City College. People watching is one of the great pleasures of living in Los Angeles– just don’t be too uptight about the screamers and the schizos and the drug addicts. Its what makes a city a city.

It’s basic travel. I needed to get from Union Station to an inland destination after long and rough Greyhound trip.
Tip!* No not as in extra money. If you get here on a Sunday make sure to buy an all day Sunday pass for that extra $ 1 than the usual $ 9. Why? Because the regular one-​way passes expire after three hours! I missed my first train and had to pay for an extra pass. Also during weekdays buy your pass an hour before you need to get to your destination and make sure your train is on time.
Otherwise the trains are in good shape and clean. Usually on time. You can bring your bikes onboard and luggage. They have little bathrooms too that are clean.

The RED LINE was the final train in my journey from the South Bay Beach Cities to Union Station, passing through ‘tha ‘hood” as well as Downtown (incl. Staples Center, LA Live, and The LA Convention Center) to get right at the cusp of Chinatown.
My journey was underground, so know that your cell phone won’t probably work, so you can’t call nor text from the train.
Also, helpful hints, tips and words of advice… don’t take your cell phone out anyway… there’s always the potential for cell phone theft, be it pick pocket, strong armed robbery, or grab n’ snatch.
The MTA system is easy but not intuitive in that you don’t really know exactly how much it costs per ride from station to destination including transfers. Unlike the SF Bay Area’s BART system in Nor Cal, it would be easier if there were an at a glance chart detailing the pricing more simply.
It takes about 1 hour from end to end from Union Station to Redondo Beach, each way. If you drove, it could take you about 30 – 40 minutes w/​o traffic and up to or more than 2 hours w/​traffic, so the train can be beneficial, saving you time, the eco system… go green!) and money (incl. for parking fees n’ fuel/​gas).

:Note: Unilocal has previously removed this review for «lack of firsthand customer experience.» If you read the review, it’s pretty damned clear that I was (unfortunately) here.
UGH. Just UGH.
Needed to take a bus from Union Station and needed to park for five days, so I was shown to the MTA underground parking lot. It was PACKED so I had to go all the way down to the 4^th floor, which looked like a scene from a zombie apocalypse movie. Trash, broken chairs/​furniture, dumpsters, and lots of other debris EVERYWHERE. Every other parking spot was useless because of all the trash. I ran over a bolt while looking for a spot and ended up getting a flat.
My friend called them on our way back to the lot to complain about the disgusting condition of the lot and the damage to my vehicle because of it. We told them we were on the 4^th floor and they said they’d take care of the parking.
When my friend and I arrived back at our car we refused to pay for the parking because of the poorly-​kept lot. If you deem yourselves «not responsible» for anything that happens to my vehicle under YOUR watch, then I’m «not responsible» for paying $ 6 a day. We called AAA to come and fix my tire, and they asked for proof that AAA had to come. We followed the tow truck out of the lot (they clearly saw him because they had to let him out) and then informed us that since they «couldn’t find our car on the 4^th floor», they were just going to «let us slide» and let us out without paying.
Never again, MTA lot. I’d rather pay to valet than deal with your dirty, unsafe conditions and poor customer service.
P. S. You may want to shut down your elevators and lock your front doors if your lobby is «closed after 10PM.» Just an idea.

One of my favorite public transit lines! It gets me to all my hot spots especially in downtown LA and Hollywood. I can drink and not worry about driving and parking. Plus learned an important lesson on life!
My usual spot to get off (sort of speak) is Hollywood/​Vine. A lot of venues around that area including the Pantages, Palladium, Henry Fonda, Avalon, Hotel Café. There’s also a lot of bars and eating options in the area. So I can drink and not worry about driving. Parking can be a pain. Although if you know the area like I do, you have your parking tricks.
A recent discovery (for me) is the Westlake/​MacArthur Park stop. I remember seeing lotsa drug dealers and homeless at MacArthur Park when I was kid. I think the drug dealers are gone or are more inconspicuous, but there are a lot of people just hanging out the whole day. You can get a cup of hand-​shaved ice raspado for $ 1.50 a cup! I need to get around to trying some of the street food like the pupusas.
Like any public mode of transportation, you’ll see a wide variety of folks. It doesn’t matter if it’s during the day or night. I did learn an important lesson on one of my Red Line outings.
PERSONAL/​TANGENTIAL STORY: After an LA Kings game, a friend and I arrived at the 7^th and Metro station. I see this guy wearing a Kings jersey. For whatever reason, we start staring at each other. I guess we were sorta drawn to each other. When the train arrives, we are separated inside since there are many other passengers standing between us. But I did look his way and see him wink at me! In the meantime, my friend is talking to me. Eventually guy starts making his way closer to me. In hindsight, I probably should have told my friend, «Hey, stop talking, I think that guy’s hitting on me!» I also should have tried talking to the guy when he did get closer since I realize I may not have shown interest back. Eventually he and his friend get off their stop, thus in the end nothing happened. A MISSED CONNECTION.
Next time, just go for it.

It is true from the song «Freaks Comes Out at Night» by an Old School artist Whodini. I believe him now since I was on the MTA Metro Red Line train from Union Station going up to Hollywood.
Each rail ride is $ 1.25 per trip, or you may purchase a day pass for $ 5.00 which is cheaper should you ride more than one different Metro Metro Line.
During the day, the Red Line commute is wonderful. it’s very enjoyable as it is not at crowded in Los Angeles compared to New York. It eliminates the headaches of driving around Los Angeles, and especially diffuses our impure thoughts about the hassles of looking for a parking space.
However, at nights… the later it gets, weird people starts boarding the subway. It was so amusing to see a funny tattooed, probably wannabe gangster strutting on board. I’m sorry to stereotype, but it was too funny. He kept lifting his plaid shirt, adjusting his baseball cap, and pulling up his pants. His pose in front of the sliding glass doors was absolutely hilarious! Yes, I grew up in East Los Angeles and have encounter real gangsters when I use to work at my parent’s business after school. Another weird person sitting close to me was I believe Schizophrenic. It’s sad, but realistically it’s not funny. He was talking to himself while eating his dinner, until he suddenly offers me his food. It was extremely nice of the fella to offer, but of course I refused. God Bless Him!
Anyhow, the Red Line is semi comfortable. But a subway moving at high speeds with the constant jerking is already a getting use to process. The seats are hard, and sometimes it’s dirty. But anyhow, it’s still bearable.
The trains runs frequent, with an approximate fifteen minutes lapse time for each train that comes by at any station you might be at. However, the subway system shuts down everyday at 1:00 a.m. So be sure to be at your desired destination prior to that time.
The MTA Metro Line is a great way to go green. I highly encourage everybody to try riding it at least once. It’s a great experience as you learn to memorize Los Angeles geography.
They should improve on informing the riders on which sides to stand while waiting for the train. It’s very confusing as you go downstairs to the railway area. The Metro Lines should also improve with signs telling us exactly the direction it’s headed along with the locations brightly lit. Newbies like myself can easily get confused and lost. Also, each box car should have a map of it’s destinations and stops indicating where the train is located… via GPS. Other city subways I have rode on besides outdated New York, is a bit easier to take.
The Los Angeles subway took twenty years to complete since conception. And we all know how outdated a technology can be after five years. So L.A., please update your subways information system.
Just a thought, I don’t recommend females to travel alone in the train at nights. Please be safe!
I would give it four stars, but the lack of clear signs informing the rider, and the lack of maps in the trains makes it difficult for newbies. So three stars for now.

They need to do a better job was fare enforcement. In spite of those gate latches, I see people bus through/​crawl under them constantly.
Also, they need to do something about annoying cyclists who don’t keep to the bike areas, try to climb stairs with their bikes, and block train exits without giving a damn.