Input collected from the public will help guide budgeting for better service on bus and train lines. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority invites the public to provide feedback about the agency’s fiscal year 2025 budget process and is offering $50 gift cards and TAP cards for participating in the My Metro Budget program.

Metro has a plan to make it easier to get around L.A. County and is currently planning its budget for fiscal year 2025. The My Metro Budget initiative aims to increase education and transparency about Metro’s revenue and spending and collecting public feedback. To submit comments and input, visit mybudget.metro.net/online.

Metro is also seeking input on its Metro Micro program, which combines technology with a flexible approach to getting around Los Angeles, offering an on-demand transit service for riders taking short trips in eight service zones. Instead of operating vehicles on a fixed schedule and route, the service matches riders with flexible pick-up and drop-off locations and times to board smaller vehicles that seat up to nine passengers. People can order a Metro Micro van by using a smartphone app, calling (323)GOMETRO or visiting book.metro-micro.net.

Metro Micro aims to improve first and last-mile connections to existing transit routes, and provide better service where fixed routes are performing poorly. The service areas cover 165 square miles, including 27 cities and 12 unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County.

Metro is planning some changes to make the Micro program more accessible, integrated within the existing system and more sustainable over time. Metro is proposing a permanent fare structure that would provide a more seamless transfer experience between Metro Micro and other public transit that could enhance Micro’s overall effectiveness.

A meeting on the Metro Micro programs for the Westside/Central area will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Metro Headquarters Building, Third Floor Board Room, 1 Gateway Plaza. People can also attend using Zoom by visiting us02web.zoom.us /j/86800724592 and using the Meeting ID: 868 0072 4592. To participate by telephone, call (888)475-4499. For information, visit metro.net