ArtMoves LA: The Cleaner, Greener Way!

Public transit

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Los Angeles is the most car-dependent U.S. city: 84% of commuters drive, and residents lose 88 hours a year to congestion—the nation’s third-worst delay (INRIX 2024). In 2024 the city recorded 302 traffic deaths and more than 1,400 severe injuries; LAPD data show crashes jump 20% on weekends with large sports and events. Vehicle traffic also keeps LA County in ozone and PM2.5 non-attainment, with transport producing 40% of local greenhouse gases (SCAQMD).
Yet Metro rail and bus ridership remains only 55% of pre-pandemic levels, and active trips (bike, walk) make up barely 3% of daily travel. Underused transit and active options translate into crowded roads, slower emergency response, and higher crash risk for pedestrians and cyclists—especially in low-income neighborhoods that rely on buses, bikes, or walking. Unless travel habits shift, upcoming mega-events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics will strain streets, elevate collision risks, and limit equitable mobility.

To mitigate these issues, we must popularize public transit, walking, and biking across Los Angeles. SAFE already holds a library of student-created posters and short films that can do exactly that. Sharing these works community-wide both promotes safer travel choices and gives students published portfolio pieces that strengthen their résumés and job applications.
Many teens tell us they would prefer transit, walking, or biking, but safety concerns push them toward other modes. Last year we piloted a “public transit, walking, and biking” category in our high-school program. Students studied safe travel practices, then produced posters and 30-second films to show what they learned and encourage peers. The project was a hit.
We plan to revive this element in 2025, but also adding a new component to publish and distribute students’ work countywide. The result will be wider adoption of transit and active travel—walking and biking—reduced traffic impact, and new creative career opportunities for participating youth.
The plan would be to get their work up on buses, billboards, and amplifyed through social media campaigns. We will share content via Metro’s and partner websites, newsletters, and community centers, ensuring student voices reach as many Angelenos and visitors as possible.
This popularization is vital to start now so that we, as a county, are prepared for major sports and entertainment events that will be taking place in the near future - especially the 2028 Olympics.

If this project succeeds, Los Angeles will experience a culture shift in which public transit is seen as a safe, sustainable choice, leading to reduced vehicle traffic, fewer collisions, and improved air quality.
Student-created PSAs will spark peer-to-peer influence and community engagement, reshaping perceptions of public transportation.
By starting now, as we approach the 2028 Olympics, we acknowledge that changing mindsets takes time; early efforts will lay the foundation for long-term outcomes, including sustained reductions in traffic congestion.
Success also means a shift in youth perspectives, future drivers who will become advocates for public transit and traffic safety.