LA Metro's 'Ride the D' Shirts Sell Out Amid Innuendo

The transit agency's new merchandise has sparked online chatter about its unintended double meaning.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has released new merchandise featuring the slogan "Ride the D," which has sparked innuendo and amusement online. While the shirts were meant to promote the opening of the D Line Subway Extension, some Reddit users pointed out the potential sexual connotation of the phrase. The Metro has not directly addressed whether the double meaning was intentional, but the shirts have reportedly sold out quickly.

Why it matters

The popularity of the "Ride the D" merchandise highlights how even innocuous marketing can take on unintended meanings, especially in the age of social media. The transit agency's ability to navigate this situation and respond to the online chatter will be a test of its public relations savvy.

The details

The LA Metro released shirts featuring the slogan "Ride the D" to coincide with the announcement of the opening of the D Line Subway Extension on May 8. The 3.92-mile addition will take riders from downtown LA to Beverly Hills with three new underground stations. While some Reddit users found the slogan humorous due to its potential sexual connotation, the Metro has not directly addressed whether the double meaning was intentional. The shirts have reportedly sold out quickly, with the agency saying more will be available soon.

  • The LA Metro announced the opening of the D Line Subway Extension on February 26, 2026.
  • The "Ride the D" shirts went on sale in late February 2026.

The players

LA Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the public transportation agency serving the Greater Los Angeles area.

Maya Pogoda

A spokesperson for the LA Metro.

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What they’re saying

“The tees have been very popular and sold out. More will be back up shortly.”

— Maya Pogoda, Spokesperson, LA Metro (USA TODAY Network)

“Hahaha, this is hilarious. Absolutely, they knew what they were doing.”

— Anonymous Reddit user (Reddit)

“Who at Metro approved this lol”

— Anonymous Reddit user (Reddit)

“Props to the marketing team”

— Anonymous Reddit user (Reddit)

What’s next

The LA Metro has not indicated whether it plans to address the unintended double meaning of the "Ride the D" slogan. The agency's response, or lack thereof, will be closely watched as it seeks to promote the new subway extension.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of careful branding and marketing, especially for public agencies, to avoid unintended innuendos or controversies. The LA Metro's ability to navigate this situation will be a test of its public relations savvy and its commitment to clear, thoughtful communication with the community it serves.