LASA Visits Metro

LASA visited LA Metro and their Emergency Security Operations Center (ESOC) in September to learn more about transportation, emergency operations, and also preparations for LA28. Thanks to Dan Rodman from Mayor Bass’ office and the entire Metro Team – Andrea, Aqib, Ayda, Brian, Colin, Kay, and Roberto for making the day possible.

LASA student Diego shared, “This was my first time visiting the metro headquarters and it was interesting to learn about our guides and how they contribute to their jobs. It was also interesting to visit the LA Metro emergency center to see the inner workings of emergency management. The emergency center has a kitchen, bedrooms, and gym because when emergencies do happen, people will have to be stationed here for days at a time. We got a tour of their operations room and learned how important their role is during major events in LA, like the World Cup and the Olympics. It was cool to see how they track Metro buses and trains with a custom program displayed in the center of the room. Dan Rodman from Mayor Bass’ offices also showed us their virtual training room that had emergency situations simulated on computers for employees to practice with. Based on what I learned, communication is the most important part of being a successful Emergency Manager…”

For many, the day transformed their thinking of Metro as a fleet of buses and rail cars to a team of dedicated public servants. Camila P. writes, “The trip to the Metro headquarters gave me a better understanding of what happens behind the transportation system I see and use every day. Before the visit, I mostly thought of Metro as just buses and trains, but I learned about the different departments and people who work together to keep everything running. I also learned how much planning and effort goes into making transportation accessible and reliable for communities across Los Angeles. This experience made me appreciate Metro more because I realized how many people work behind the scenes to keep the city moving.”

Chloe adds, “Before visiting the Emergency Operations Center, I was unaware of the process behind managing security and incidents across the public transportation system in Los Angeles. After visiting this facility, I have a deeper understanding of how they coordinate responses to emergency or critical situations. As the school I went to at the time was affected by the LA fires in 2025, I found it meaningful to hear about the responses to that event as well. I enjoyed touring the facility, and I found it interesting how they use virtual reality applications and realistic props, like fake weapons, to simulate emergencies and better prepare and train for them. Following this tour, I also enjoyed listening to Dan Rodman and the other speakers on the process of preparing for the Summer Games in 2028. I found it really insightful to hear about the different precautions and methods of preparation preceding the Olympics. Factors such as having a sufficient number of buses or managing traffic in terms of the flow of people are important concerns that ensure smooth operations on the day of the games.”

For others, the day connected questions about transportation to specific issues necessary to address for planning for the Olympics. Mackenzie notes, “I’ve always thought of the Olympics mainly as a sporting event, but the conversation made me realize how much it will affect transportation, infrastructure, emergency management, and the way people filter through the city. During the conversation, the event was described as “the biggest party in the world, coming to LA.” It was eye-opening to see how seemingly inconsequential or simple decisions being made now could affect the experience of millions of people in the near future.” Joy adds, “For example, in Union Station when we had a discussion about the amount of buses necessary for LA28, they talked about requiring an additional 2500 buses to compensate for the influx of people that would be arriving in Los Angeles and would need to use public transportation. They said that they were able to get that number down to 2000 by working with the LA28 committee to change the schedule so that the maximum loads would be lower, thereby lowering the amount of extra buses needed. I have never attended an Olympic event before, so it’s very interesting to see how much work goes into planning it, even just within transportation.”

Luis wraps up our visit, “I really enjoyed exploring the intricacies of the transportation planning and emergency management in Los Angeles. I always wonder when I see an extensive network: Who coordinates that? And now I see how much they really do behind the scenes and how long and how much it takes for them to coordinate it, especially during events like the world cup and olympics. I also think it’s cool how much of their facility is dedicated for every purpose, like the room with bunk beds for if there’s an emergency and need to stay or take naps during long shifts. I also appreciated what they did to cater, to teach, and to have us in their space.”

And the last word goes to Luk: “I have been under the impression for a very long time that LA’s public transport system was not anywhere near up to snuff with the rest of the world because I’ve only ever been on the New York subway system, Japan’s railway system, and Great Britain’s system. After seeing the scale to which our public transport system works, I believe that it is imperative to spread the knowledge that we have the 2nd largest public transport system in the nation because I almost always see buses on the roads without anyone except the driver in them which is only a waste of time and resources.”

Thank you to all who helped kick of fall 2026. We look forward to seeing you in October.