The draft 2020 LRTP outlines what Metro is doing currently and must do for Los Angeles County over the next 30 years. LA Metro says current challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, will present opportunities for the operator to take bold action and help achieve mobility improvements for the region.
The 2020 LRTP details how LA Metro will add more than 170km to the region’s rail network, expanding coverage to 200 stations and nearly 390km over the next 30 years, in what the authority says is “the most aggressive transit expansion plan in the nation.” The plans call for an $US 80bn investment in new public transit infrastructure.
Among the projects set to benefit where construction is already underway are the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project light rail line, which is expected to open in 2021, and will extend from the E Line (Expo) to the C Line (Green), with a station at the Los Angeles International Airport’s Automated People Mover. The Regional Connector Transit Project, scheduled to open in 2022, will connect the L Line (Gold) to the A Line (Blue) and E Line (Expo) to provide more stations in downtown Los Angeles and greater connectivity. The Westside D Line (Purple) metro extension along Wilshire Boulevard is under construction in three phases, with Section 1 from Western to La Cienega scheduled to open in 2023. Other near-term projects include the metro Gold Line Foothill Extension to Claremont, which recently broke ground, the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project, and the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor.
In addition, the draft 2020 LRTP includes more than $US 200bn for operations and state of good repair, as well as $US 38bn in funding for local agencies to maintain their transport systems.
LA Metro says the plan “lays out a future vision and roadmap for bringing about a more mobile, sustainable and vibrant future for Los Angeles County.” The updated plan was developed following extensive public outreach during the past 18 months, including 77 community meetings, 28 public workshop meetings and 20,000 survey responses from the public. Feedback from these activities have enabled LA Metro to break down the region’s desires into four goals: Better Transit, Less Congestion, Complete Streets and Access to Opportunity.”
The plan also notes the potential to deliver significant mobility benefits to the region through the major capital projects, programmes and bold policies. After implementation, those benefits include placing 21% of county residents and 36% of jobs within a 10-minute walk of rail or bus rapid transit stop, up from only 8% of residents and 16% of jobs currently. If implemented, the plan aims to result in an 81% increase in daily transit trips, a 31% decrease in traffic delays and a 19% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
The complete draft 2020 LRTP is available for viewing and public comment at www.metro.net. The 45-day public review period will run from May 29 until July 13.
