LBT Budget WireFrame
Understanding
Our Budget
Long Beach Transit’s Board of Directors sets the budget each May. Here’s what you need to know about how LBT is funded, how it spends public dollars, and how you can have a say before the vote.
LBT is a nonprofit public benefit corporation formed in 1963. The Board of Directors — appointed by the Mayor of Long Beach — meets monthly to set policy and adopts the budget each May. The fiscal year runs July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Budget Explainer Videos
Our two-part video series walks through how LBT’s budget is built, where the money comes from, and what it pays for — in plain, everyday language.
Learn where LBT’s money comes from, how it is spent, what customers told us they want, and how you can provide input before the Board votes in May.
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A look at LBT’s expenditures — operations, capital projects, maintenance, and workforce — and how decisions are made by the board.
The Budget Process
LBT’s annual budget follows a structured, multi-step process overseen by a public Board of Directors. Here’s how it unfolds each year.
LBT surveys riders and the community to understand priorities. Last year’s survey showed customers want more frequent service, later night service, and more weekend service.
Staff build two budgets: an operating budget for day-to-day expenses (people, fuel, maintenance) and a capital budget for major projects like buying buses and improving stops.
The proposed budget will be posted in early May. Submit comments by calling (562) 591-2301 or emailing [email protected]. Your feedback goes directly into the record.
The Board of Directors considers the budget at a public meeting on May 28th. President & CEO Kenneth McDonald presents the detailed spending plan. The budget takes effect July 1.
LBT At a Glance
Key figures reflecting Long Beach Transit’s scale, reach, and community impact.
Where Funding Comes From
LBT’s budget is supported by a diverse mix of local, state, and federal funding. No single source covers everything — that’s by design.
The capital budget (buses, facilities, stop improvements) is funded differently from daily operations: ~50% federal government, ~35–40% state government, and ~10% local sources.
* Percentages reflect the operating budget as described in the FY 2026–27 budget video presentation.
What Customers Told Us
LBT surveyed riders and the community last year to guide budget priorities. Here’s what you said — and what’s planned in response.
- #1 On-time performance — the most important factor to riders, ranked first by 31% of customers
- #2 Safety from crime and harassment on buses, ranked most important by 26% of customers
- #3 Safety at bus stops while waiting, ranked most important by 20% of customers
- #4 More frequent service — the top requested improvement, cited by 30% of riders
LBT’s overall customer satisfaction is 87% — 31 points above the national average. Our Net Promoter Score of 58 far exceeds the transit industry average.
- → Incremental service improvements as resources allow
- → Improvements to the First Street Transit Gallery transit hub
- → Corridor improvements on Atlantic Ave., Cherry Ave., and Long Beach Blvd.
Get Involved
The budget process is public — and your input genuinely shapes decisions. The video was clear: LBT surveys customers and the community before building the budget. Here’s how to participate right now.
A copy of the proposed budget will be posted in early May. Submit your comments by phone or email before the Board vote on May 28th. Your feedback becomes part of the public record.
(562) 591-2301 → [email protected] →LBT’s Board of Directors will consider the budget on May 28th. President & CEO Kenneth McDonald will present the detailed spending plan. All meetings are open to the public — you can speak during public comment.
View Meeting Notice →Meeting notices, the budget document, and updates will be posted on LBT’s website. Check ridelbt.com for the latest information including the full meeting agenda and how to submit public comment remotely.
Visit ridelbt.com →