LA Metro Seeks Input on East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project

Metro is studying transit improvements for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor project, primarily along Van Nuys Boulevard. The current environmental studies, released earlier this month, include possible Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail, or transportation systems management (TSM – basically minor low-cost bus improvements). Light rail options studied include a partial subway, though the project is anticipated to be surface light rail.

Public comments are due by October 16. There is still time to catch the last of Metro’s pubic input hearings on the East Valley Transit Corridor Project, this Saturday 9/23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 14646 Sherman Way in Van Nuys.

The project study area includes most of Van Nuys Boulevard and a portion of San Fernando Road. The future 9.2-mile transit facility will connect with the Van Nuys Orange Line station, and Van Nuys and Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink stations.

According to Metro’s presentation, despite relatively low bus speeds of approximately 12 mph, the corridor is the seventh busiest bus corridor in the Metro system, with the second highest bus boardings in the Valley. Less than a century ago, the Pacific Electric streetcar ran there.

The project is funded primarily by Measure M, with additional Measure R funding. The funding currently available is $1.2 billion, which corresponds to the anticipated cost of surface light rail.

Light rail options include either 14 or 28 stations. The 28 station rail would move much slower, and attract fewer riders.

At Monday’s community hearing, several speakers expressed concerns about anticipated property acquisition for a future rail yard. Metro has identified three potential general locations for a 25-30 acre yard.

Another aspect of the project that people are weighing in on is how cyclists factor into the corridor. CiclaValley notes that the Van Nuys corridor is designated as part of L.A.’s bicycle network, though Metro designs currently show only sharrows. A possible Van Nuys Blvd bikeway would compete with curb parking.

Attend this Saturday’s meeting to learn more and to express support or concerns.