Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is putting pressure on L.A. Metro to give everyday riders a formal say in how the system is run, using social media to rally transit users ahead of a key meeting later this month.
In photos and a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday, Hahn announced that Metro's Ad Hoc Board Composition Committee will hold a special meeting on March 23 to consider changing who sits on the agency's governing board. She repeated her call that "Metro riders should be on the metro board" and urged people who actually use buses and trains to show up, tune in, or call in to be heard. According to her post, members of the public will be able to attend in person, watch online, or phone in to offer public comment.
Hahn's Post And The March 23 Meeting
In her Thursday Facebook post, Hahn singled out the March 23 special meeting as a chance to rethink who gets to make the big calls at Metro. She framed the issue in simple terms, arguing that the people who depend on the system every day deserve a voice at the decision table. The post included photos, a short message aimed directly at riders, and a breakdown of how to participate.
According to Janice Hahn's Facebook post, the public will have three main options on March 23: show up in person, stream the meeting online, or call in to offer public comment during the hearing.
Ad Hoc Committee Details
The Ad Hoc Board Composition Committee, the board-level body created to review who sits on Metro's governing board, is listed on the agency's official committee roster and is chaired by Ara J. Najarian. The panel's assignment is to study the board's current makeup, discuss potential changes, and bring back recommendations to the full Metro board for possible action.
Metro's committees page identifies the Ad Hoc Board Composition Committee and lists its members.
Why Board Makeup Matters
Who holds a seat on Metro's board shapes everything from which capital projects get funded to how service and rider policies are set. The structure of the board is largely defined by state law and by local appointment rules, so tinkering with it is never just a quick procedural fix. Any real change carries legal and political weight.
In recent legislative sessions, state lawmakers have floated bills aimed at reshaping the Metro board. For example, bills like SB220 have sought to amend how board seats are allocated, according to LegiScan. Against that backdrop, Hahn has consistently highlighted rider experience during her time on the board, which helps explain why she is now pushing the composition question out into the open.
How To Weigh In
Metro posts agendas, dial-in numbers, and streaming links on its online meeting calendar, so riders will not have to hunt far for the fine print. Committee meetings can be watched live, and the agency provides phone access for those who want to speak during public comment.
For this committee, Metro's public meeting pages list a toll-free number along with an access code for English and Spanish callers. The instructions typically direct people to dial 888-978-8818, then enter the access code shown on the specific event page.
Riders can check Metro's meeting calendar for the March 23 listing and to see the full agenda once it is posted.
The March 23 session gives riders a clear opening to push for representation. Those interested in weighing in should review Hahn's post alongside Metro's official meeting materials, then be ready to sign up for public comment when the agenda is released. If the committee settles on any recommendations, they could be sent up to the full Metro board for consideration later this spring.
