Improvements underway at Westlake/MacArthur Park Station, a significant transportation hub in L.A.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) has made significant strides in enhancing the safety, cleanliness, and overall rider experience at Westlake/MacArthur Park (WLMP) Station.
The recovery effort, launched in 2023, has yielded impressive results. Violent crime at WLMP Station dropped by 48 percent between January and April 2025 compared to the same period in 2022. Property crime also saw a decrease of more than 71 percent during the same timeframe.
L.A. Metro has increased custodial staffing at the station, with the number of custodians per shift rising from one to three. This increased presence has led to daily deep-cleaning of interior floors and power-washing of exterior areas, including the plaza, sidewalks, and parking area, three nights a week.
To further improve the cleanliness of the station, L.A. Metro is testing new cleaning products for elevators that kill 99 percent of germs and help neutralize odors. These products are expected to improve the overall environment and user perception of the station.
For long-term upgrades, L.A. Metro plans to simplify the station entrance by consolidating from multiple separated turnstile areas to one clear, accessible entrance. This change is intended to improve safety and accessibility. Additionally, taller, next-generation fare gates will be installed to reduce fare evasion. These fare gates are already being installed at WLMP Station and other key stations.
Other improvements include the installation of brighter LED lighting throughout the station, upgraded CCTV cameras in 4K, and new ventilators to improve air circulation and reduce odors. Painted fences and new ivy banners have been added outside the station, while classical music plays softly inside to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
In a bid to address the issue of public hygiene, L.A. Metro has installed The Throne portable restroom at WLMP Station. This facility has been used over 32,000 times since its installation. Sealing off underused areas and installing new benches have also been done to make the station more inviting and functional for passengers.
L.A. Metro notes that when the station looks good, people treat it better, leading to changes in how the space is used. These improvements are part of L.A. Metro's commitment to providing a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for all passengers using the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station. The agency plans to move to one clear, accessible entrance at WLMP Station later this year.
- The transportation industry, in collaboration with the finance sector, has played a crucial role in funding the modernization efforts at Westlake/MacArthur Park Station, improving not only the rail system but also the overall transportation experience.
- In the realm of technology, L.A. Metro is experimenting with advanced cleaning solutions for their elevators, reducing germs by 99 percent and eliminating odors, aiming to boost cleanliness and passenger satisfaction.
- Beyond rail and bus transportation, L.A. Metro's comprehensive approach to improving Westlake/MacArthur Park Station includes addressing public hygiene concerns by providing alternative facilities like The Throne portable restroom, aligning with the broader concerns and expectations of the transportation industry.
