Translate
Funding provides capital to help expand transit access to millions of Angelenos
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), will receive $700 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which Metro will use to support three Metro transit projects – the planned East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project and the Westside’s D (Purple) Line Extension Transit Project [sections 2 and 3].
This bill, which Congress adopted late last week, and President Biden signed into law, was a much-delayed Fiscal Year 2024 transportation spending bill funding transportation projects and programs throughout the nation at levels pursuant primarily to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was adopted in November of 2021.
The bill provides robust funding for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5309 Program (popularly referred to as the New Starts Program), which funds the construction of major transit capital projects.
“During our international delegation to Paris to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games, the message was clear: there’s no time to waste in strengthening our local infrastructure and transportation system to be ready to welcome the world for the Games,” said Mayor of Los Angeles and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass. “We thank our federal delegation for helping to pass a transportation spending bill that directs significant funds to LA Metro. I thank President Biden for signing this bill into law to bring major funding to Los Angeles that will help Metro complete transformative infrastructure projects to increase accessibility for millions of people across L.A. County on Metro’s system.”
The D Line (Purple) Subway Extension Project is being constructed in three sections, and will connect Downtown L.A. with West L.A. It is part of a broader 9-mile project that will provide a high-capacity, fast and reliable alternative for commuters. Metro anticipates receiving $165 million for section two (between Wilshire/La Cienega and Century City) and $478 million for section three (between Century City and Westwood), all sections will be open prior to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Also, as a result of the Fiscal Year 2024 transportation spending bill becoming law, the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project will receive $66.9 million, which will help to significantly improve connections and access to crucial destinations for customers in the San Fernando Valley. The first segment of this light rail line, which is a 6.7-mile at-grade alignment will run along Van Nuys Boulevard and will include 11 new transit stations.
“This is great news for anyone who has to navigate our infamous traffic in LA County,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “I want to convey my thanks to Metro’s Board of Directors for putting us in a position to receive such favorable news from Congress and I’d like to thank LA County’s congressional delegation and Senators Padilla and Butler for their work on this critical package. We also thank President Biden for signing this bill into law so we can complete these transformative projects and deliver a world-class transit system for LA County’s 10 million residents.”
To learn more about the D Line Subway Extension, please visit metro.net/d_line, for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, please visit metro.net/esfv.
Additional quotes:
Senator Alex Padilla
“I am proud to support a federal transportation spending bill that will deliver millions to expand the LA Metro system,” said Senator Padilla. “The Purple Line Extension and East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project will help strengthen our local economy and better connect Angelenos to businesses, schools, and jobs across the region. I will continue to fight for significant federal investment for our public transit systems.”
Senator Laphonza Butler
“I am proud to help the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail and Westside Purple Line Extension Transit Projects secure $700 million to continue to build out and expand the Los Angeles Metro system,” said Senator Butler. ”LA Metro continues to fund alternatives methods to car transportation in the city and these investments are essential to combating air pollution, reducing traffic congestion, and improving accessibility and the overall quality of life for Angelenos.”
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36)
“I’m pleased that we could bring so many federal dollars to Los Angeles County through this year’s appropriations process, and, in particular, am happy to see over $700 million for Metro transit projects. Having a robust and modern public transportation system helps ensure our community has safe and reliable ways to stay connected. This money will go towards projects that will help meet the transportation needs of residents and tourists alike and will help usher in a new era of public transit opportunities for Los Angeles County.”
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)
“I was proud to vote for this vital funding to better connect our communities,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “This funding will improve, expand, and provide greater access to Metro, reconnecting communities that have historically been neglected. Further, as Los Angeles prepares to host major world events including the Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Cup, it is critical that we improve Metro for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.”
Congressman Tony Cardenas (CA-29)
“Thousands of families in my district depend on public transportation to get to work or to school and they need premium transportation options for their everyday lives,” said Congressman Cárdenas. The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project accomplishes just that! I’m proud to have voted in support of the Transportation Spending Bill as we’re one step closer to making this dream that has been decades in the making a reality.”
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
