Metro reps. will be out in full force guiding public transit riders to and from the Expo Line at USC games. (Credit: Aaron Schrank)
Metro has announced that they will be out in force during USC football games this year, bringing at least 100 guides (dressed in the university's colors) to the help direct public transit riders and answer questions about routes and stations during home games. Metro's blog, The Source, reports that these representatives will also be walking with visitors and handing out maps between the nearby light-rail Expo and Silver Line station.
With the approximately 80,000 people who flood the university and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum for games, Metro is championing these trains as functional alternatives to driving, and a way to help visitors avoid the major parking and traffic issues that often come with home games.
“It’s essential that Trojan fans have an easy and safe time making Metro part of their game and tail-gate party experience,” said Metro CEO Art Leahy in a statement. “But what we want most on game days is safety for our customers, for the students and for the fans who will be attending the games. We are doing everything we can to underscore that message.”
Metro announced a few weeks ago that they'd also be increasing frequency of service of the Expo line before and after USC games to encourage the use of public transit. For 20 minutes after each USC game, the Silver Line which runs to Downtown, the South Bay and the San Gabriel Valley, will have additional trains running to and from the 37th Street/USC Station. The Expo line will have trains coming and going every six minutes before and after games.
Eating and drinking are not allowed on Metro trains but you can pack a lunch to go, as officials say small picnic baskets and coolers are allowed. Tailgating via public transit may prove difficult however, because flammable items including grills are not permitted on the trains. USC's first home game is Saturday, Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
