LA Influencers Embrace Metro Transit Amidst Rising Costs
A new wave of social media personalities, dubbed 'transit baddies,' are promoting the Los Angeles Metro system as a viable and even desirable alternative to car ownership.
Los Angeles's public transit system, the Metro, is experiencing a surge in popularity among a new demographic: social media influencers. Driven by escalating gas prices and persistent parking challenges, these individuals are documenting their use of buses and trains, aiming to make the beleaguered system appear more appealing and accessible.
These influencers, who refer to themselves as 'transit baddies,' are sharing their experiences on platforms like TikTok, attracting thousands of views and engaging with a growing online community. Julianna, who posts under the handle "Hot Girl Transit," discovered the system after her car broke down. "I almost feel like I'm rediscovering LA," she stated, noting that public transit has allowed her to explore new neighborhoods and cultural spaces.
While influencers are not on the Metro's payroll, their content highlights the system's extensive network of 165 bus routes and six rail lines. Many, like Julianna, find the transit system offers a stress-free alternative to driving, citing shorter commute times compared to navigating Los Angeles traffic and avoiding the costs associated with car ownership, such as gas and leases.
Despite past criticisms regarding reliability, safety, and cleanliness, the LA Metro system has reported a decrease in violent crime, with figures falling 6.7% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest point since 2021. Weekday ridership has also seen an increase, growing by 8.4% between June 2025 and June 2026. The agency is actively encouraging more residents to use public transit through initiatives like the "One Car Challenge" pilot program, which offers financial incentives to households that forgo car usage for a period.
Expansion projects are also underway, including the D Line's westward extension with new stops opening in Beverly Drive, Century City, and Westwood in the coming years. These developments aim to improve accessibility and connectivity across the sprawling metropolitan area.
Other influencers, such as Celine Milien, a New York native who moved to Los Angeles a year ago, also advocate for the Metro. Milien, an actress, finds the system's affordability, with a standard one-way fare of $1.75, a significant draw. She actively encourages her friends to join her on public transit, highlighting its convenience, especially after social events.
While the influencers promote the benefits of public transit, they also acknowledge the importance of safety awareness. They advise riders to be vigilant, stay aware of their surroundings, and consider sitting in the first car of trains for proximity to the conductor. Despite some public skepticism and concerns voiced in online comments, these influencers are determined to normalize public transit as a viable and even fashionable mode of transportation in Los Angeles, showcasing it as an underutilized resource.
Alaina Graham and Lucylovestransport are among other influencers contributing to this trend, sharing their transit experiences and highlighting the system's reach, often surprising followers who assumed Los Angeles lacked a comprehensive train network due to its reputation for heavy traffic. Their content aims to demystify and promote the use of public transportation within the city.