Metro Express

Metro Express is a form of express bus service in Los Angeles County, California, operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Buses are usually express for a portion of the route, then run either local or limited stop in other areas. Buses are identified by numbers in the 400's going to and from downtown and 500's for suburb-to-suburb trips.

There are two routes with an "X" at the end of their route schedule, the 450X and 577X. They are the only routes that uses the blue painted buses and the only routes with a blue timetable, but the "X" does not appear on headsigns. This service concept is planned to be expanded in the future. Also, there are at least 13 routes traveling by their respective transitways (Harbor Transitway and El Monte Busway).

Metro charges two zones maximum for their express services. Each zone is $0.60 added to the base fare of $1.25. Students with K-12 and College/Vocational passes, seniors, and the disabled with monthly passes are not required to pay the zone fees, but those with a Day, Weekly, or Monthly pass without a zone sticker are required to pay the zone fees.

=Routes=

X Lines- Premium Express Routes

"X-lines" are Metro's premium express routes; they operate with very minimal stops. Metro labels these X-lines as Metro Express in the timetables.

450X - Downtown Los Angeles - Artesia Transit Center

Line 450X is the pilot route of the X-Series of Metro Express service, operating from the City National Plaza in the Financial District of Downtown Los Angeles to the Artesia Transit Center. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 450X operates northbound on Figueroa St. and southbound on Flower St., and enters and exits the Harbor Transitway at Adams Blvd. It then runs express on the Harbor Transitway, making only one stop at the Harbor Freeway Station. Service operates weekdays only, bi-directionally during rush hours: ten trips in the morning and nine trips in the evening, running every 15-20 minutes. The express portion requires an additional 2 Zone payment. This line is proposed to be expanded into midday and weekend service. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) division.

577X - El Monte Bus Station - Long Beach Transit Mall

Line 577X is the second route of the X-Series of Metro Express service, operating from the El Monte Bus Station to the Long Beach Transit Mall. Line 577X runs express on I-605 before reaching surface streets in Long Beach, where it operates similar to a standard Rapid line. Line 577X makes only seven stops along the entire length of the route: El Monte Bus Station, Norwalk Green Line Station, Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach V.A. Hospital, 7th St. & Ximeno Ave., 7th St. & Cherry Ave., and the Long Beach Transit Mall. Service operates weekdays only, around every 30 minutes throughout the day. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the terminals to Norwalk Green Line Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through the Green Line station. Service is contracted to Southland Transit.

Local/Express Routes

Metro considers the non "x-lines" to be Metro Local services and they operate in much the same way as the 300-series limited stop buses. The main difference between the limited stop 300-series and the express 400 and 500-series is that the express buses operate on freeways or a transitway on a portion of their trip. Most routes use buses painted in the poppy-orange Metro Local livery, in some cases, buses in the Metro Rapid livery find their way into service on these routes. Those buses are equipped with special transponders that cause traffic signals to favor the bus, which adds to the express nature of the buses. The blue Metro Express buses do not operate near Santa Monica to avoid confusion with Santa Monica's (Rapid 3) Big Blue Bus, which have a similar color scheme.

Harbor Transitway Routes

=442 - Union Station - Hawthorne Green Line Station=

Line 442 operates from Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station to the Hawthorne Green Line Station. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 442 operates northbound on Figueroa St. and Olive St., southbound on Grand Ave., Flower St., and Figueroa St., and enters and exits the Harbor Transitway at 39th St. It then runs express on I-110 and the Harbor Transitway to Manchester Blvd., making one stop at Slauson Station, then operates limited stop service on Manchester Blvd. and La Brea Ave. Service operates rush hours only in the peak direction: six trips in the morning going northbound and six trips in the evening going southbound. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) and WSC-10 (Gateway) divisions.

444 - Union Station - Rancho Palos Verdes

Line 444 operates from Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station to Palos Verdes Dr. South & Seacove Dr. in Rancho Palos Verdes. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 444 operates northbound on Figueroa St. and Olive St., southbound on Grand Ave., Flower St., and Figueroa St., and enters and exits the Harbor Transitway at Adams Blvd. It then runs express on the Harbor Transitway to the Artesia Transit Center, then shares its route with Line 130 on Artesia Blvd. and Torrance Transit Line 8 on Hawthorne Blvd. until Pacific Coast Highway, with limited stop service on both streets. Service levels are generally every 30 minutes during rush hours and 60 minutes outside of rush hours. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the termainals to Harbor Freeway Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through Harbor Freeway Station. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) and WSC-10 (Gateway) divisions.

445 - Union Station - San Pedro

Line 445 operates from Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station to Pacific Ave. & 21st St. in San Pedro, traveling nearly the entire length of I-110. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 445 operates northbound on Figueroa St., southbound on Flower St., and enters and exits the Harbor Transitway at Adams Blvd. It then runs express on the Harbor Transitway and I-110 to the Artesia Transit Center, then on I-110 from the Artesia Transit Center to San Pedro, making it the only route that stops at Carson and Pacific Coast Highway stations at freeway level. Service levels are generally every 60 minutes every day. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the terminals to Harbor Freeway Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through Harbor Freeway Station. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) and WSC-10 (Gateway) divisions.

446 - Union Station - San Pedro

Line 446 operates from Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station to the Korean Bell Site in San Pedro. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 446 operates northbound on Figueroa St. and Olive St., southbound on Grand Ave. and Hope St., and enters and exit the Harbor Transitway at Adams Blvd. It then runs express on the Harbor Transitway to the Artesia Transit Center, then operates through Carson and Wilmington. Line 446 provides earlier and later service than any other Harbor Transitway line, running 24 hours daily, but does not provide midday service north of the Artesia Transit Center on all days. Service levels are generally every 30 minutes during rush hours and 60 minutes outside of rush hours. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the termainals to Harbor Freeway Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through Harbor Freeway Station. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) and WSC-10 (Gateway) divisions.

447 - Union Station - San Pedro

Line 447 operates from Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station to 7th St. & Patton Ave. in San Pedro. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 447 operates northbound on Figueroa St. and Olive St., southbound on Grand Ave. and Hope St., and enters and exits the Harbor Transitway at Adams Blvd. It then runs express on the Harbor Transitway to the Artesia Transit Center, then operates through Carson and Wilmington. Line 447 does not provide midday service north of the Artesia Transit Center on all days. Service levels are generally every 20 to 40 minutes during rush hours and 60 minutes outside of rush hours. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the termainals to Harbor Freeway Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through Harbor Freeway Station. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) and WSC-10 (Gateway) divisions.

460 - Downtown Los Angeles - Disneyland

Line 460 operates from 5th St. & Los Angeles St. in Downtown Los Angeles to Disneyland in Anaheim, terminating at the Harbor Boulevard side of the resort. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 460 operates northbound on Figueroa St. and eastbound on 6th St., westbound on 5th St. and southbound on Flower St, and enters and exits the Harbor Transitway at Adams Blvd. It then runs express on the Harbor Transitway and I-105 to the I-605 / I-105 Green Line Station, making stops at 37th St., Slauson, and Manchester Stations on the transitway, then operates through Cerritos, Buena Park, Knott's Berry Farm, and Fullerton. Service levels are generally every 30 minutes daily. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the terminals to Manchester Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through Manchester Station. Operated by the GC-1 (Central City) division.

550 - West Hollywood - San Pedro

Line 550 operates from the West Hollywood Library in West Hollywood to 7th St. & Patton Ave. in San Pedro. Line 550 runs local from the West Hollywood Library to the USC / Exposition Park area through West Hollywood and Mid-City, providing limited stop service between San Vicente Blvd. & Pico Blvd. and Figueroa St. & 39th St, then runs express on the Harbor Transitway from 39th St. to the Artesia Transit Center, then runs local through Harbor Gateway and Harbor City to San Pedro, providing limited stop service between the Artesia Transit Center and Pacific Coast Hwy. & Vermont Ave. Service levels are generally every 20 minutes during rush hours and 30 minutes outside of rush hours. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment if traveling from the termainals to Harbor Freeway Station, or a 2 Zone payment if traveling through Harbor Freeway Station. Operated by the SB-18 (South Bay) and WSC-7 (West Hollywood) divisions.

El Monte Busway Routes

484 - Downtown Los Angeles - Cal Poly Pomona

Line 484 operates from Grand Ave. & Venice Bl. in Downtown Los Angeles to Cal Poly Pomona. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 484 operates southbound on Grand Ave., northbound on Olive Ave., and enters and exits the El Monte Busway at Alameda St. It then runs express on the El Monte Busway to the El Monte Bus Station, then operates primarily on Valley Blvd. through mostly unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Some short line trips originate and terminate in the City of Industry. Service levels are generally every 10 minutes during rush hours and 30 minutes outside of rush hours. No additional zone payment is required between Downtown Los Angeles and Cal State L.A. Station, however an additional 2 Zone payment is required if traveling between Cal State L.A. Station. and El Monte Bus Station. Operated by the SGV-9 (San Gabriel Valley) division.

485 - Downtown Los Angeles - Altadena

Line 485 operates from Grand Ave. & Venice Bl. (Grand Ave. & Olympic Bl. on weekends) in Downtown Los Angeles to North Lake Ave. & Altadena Dr. in Altadena. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 485 operates southbound on Grand Ave., northbound on Olive Ave., and enters and exits the El Monte Busway at Alameda St. It then runs express on the El Monte Busway to Cal State L.A. Station, then transitions to I-710 via ramps that connect the busway to I-710: eastbound busway to northbound I-710, and southbound I-710 to westbound busway, then operates through Alhambra, South Pasadena, San Marino, and Pasadena, running along Valley Blvd., Fremont Ave., Huntington Dr., and Oak Knoll Ave. Service levels are every 10-15 minutes during rush hours and 30 minutes outside of rush hours. No additional zone payment is required between Downtown Los Angeles and Cal State L.A. Station, and no additional zone payment is required between Cal State L.A. Station and Altadena, however an additional 1 Zone payment is required when traveling through Cal State L.A. Station. Operated by the SGV-3 (North Los Angeles) and SGV-9 (San Gabriel Valley) divisions.

487 - MacArthur Park - Sierra Madre Villa Station

Line 487 operates from the Westlake/MacArthur Park Subway Station to the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 487 operates southbound on Grand Ave., northbound on Olive Ave., and enters and exits the El Monte Busway at Alameda St. It then runs express on the El Monte Busway to Del Mar Ave., where buses enter and exit the busway to street level via ramps going over the westbound lanes of I-10, then operates through San Gabriel, San Marino, and Pasadena. After terminating at the Sierra Madre Villa Station, buses switch to Metro Local 287 and when Metro Local 287 arrives at Sierra Madre Villa Station, it becomes Metro Express 487. Service levels are generally every 20 minutes during rush hours, 30-45 minutes outside of rush hours on weekdays, 45 minutes on Saturdays, and 60 minutes on Sundays and holidays. No additioinal zone payment is required between Downtown Los Angeles and Cal State L.A. Station, however an additional 1 Zone payment is required if traveling between Cal State L.A. Station and Del Mar Ave. Operated by the SGV-9 (San Gabriel Valley) division.

489 - MacArthur Park - Temple City

Line 489 operates from the Westlake/MacArthur Park to Rosemead Blvd. & Huntington Dr. near Arcadia. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 489 operates southbound on Grand Ave., northbound on Olive Ave., and enters and exits the El Monte Busway at Alameda St. It then runs express on the El Monte Busway to Del Mar Ave., where buses enter and exit the busway to street level via ramps going over the westbound lanes of I-10, then operates through Rosemead and Temple City. Service operates weekdays only in the peak direction: six trips in the morning going westbound and six trips in the evening going eastbound. No additioinal zone payment is required between Downtown Los Angeles and Cal State L.A. Station, however an additional 1 Zone payment is required if traveling between Cal State L.A. Station and Del Mar Ave. Operated by the SGV-9 (San Gabriel Valley) division.

490 - Downtown Los Angeles - Cal Poly Pomona

Line 490 operates from Grand Ave. & Venice Bl. Downtown Los Angeles and Cal Poly Pomona. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 490 operates southbound on Grand Ave., northbound on Olive Ave., and enters and exits the El Monte Busway at Alameda St. It then runs express on the El Monte Busway to the El Monte Bus Station, then operates primarily on Ramona Blvd. through El Monte, Baldwin Park, West Covina, Covina, Eastland Center, and Walnut. Line 490 does not provide service to Downtown Los Angeles on weekends and holidays. Service levels are every 10 to 20 minutes during rush hours, 30 minutes outside rush hours on weekdays, and 60 minutes on weekends. No additional zone payment is required between Downtown Los Angeles and Cal State L.A. Station, however an additional 2 Zone payment is required if traveling between Cal State L.A. Station. and El Monte Bus Station. Operated by the SGV-9 (San Gabriel Valley) division.

Routes not operating on transitways

439 - Union Station - Aviation Station

Line 439 operates from Patsaouras Transit Plaza at Union Station to the Aviation/LAX Green Line Station. In Downtown Los Angeles, Line 439 operates northbound on Figueroa St., southbound on Flower St., and enters I-10 at Grand Ave. and exits at Olive St. It then runs express on the Santa Monica portion of I-10 to the West Los Angeles Transit Center, then operates through Culver City, Fox Hills Mall, Westchester, and the LAX City Bus Center. Service to Redondo Beach has been assumed by Beach Cities Transit (Line 109), a department of the City of Redondo Beach. On weekends and holidays, Line 439 also goes to the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area off La Cienega Bl. Services levels are generally every 40 minutes during rush hours and 60 minutes outside of rush hours. The express portion requires an additional 1 Zone payment. Operated by the SB-5 (Mid Cities) and WSC-10 (Gateway) divisions.

534 - West L.A. Transit Center - Santa Monica - Malibu

Line 534 operates from the West Los Angeles Transit Center to Pacific Coast Hwy. & Trancas Canyon Rd. in Malibu. Line 534 runs express on I-10 from the West L.A. Transit Center to Santa Monica, then operates on Pacific Coast Highway through Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Palisades, Pepperdine University, Point Dume on selected trips, and Zuma Beach, making it one of the more scenic routes. Service levels are generally every 10-30 minutes on weekdays, 20-30 minutes on Saturdays, and 30 minutes on Sundays. The express portion requires an addition 1 Zone payment. Operated by the WSC-6 (Venice) and WSC-7 (West Hollywood) divisions.

ee also

*Former Metro Express Routes