Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
JUNE 18, 2025
Subject
SUBJECT: MEASURE M MULTI-YEAR SUBREGIONAL PROGRAM UPDATE - SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SUBREGION
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. APPROVING:
1. Programming an additional $12,321,943 within the capacity of Measure M Multi-Year Subregional Program (MSP) - Active Transportation Program (expenditure line 54), as shown in Attachment A;
2. Programming an additional $24,181,572 of Measure M MSP - First/Last Mile and Complete Streets Program (expenditure line 59), including inter-program borrowing of $6,579,127 from the Measure M MSP - Active Transportation Program, as shown in Attachment B;
3. Deobligating $50,271 of Measure M MSP - Bus System Improvement Program (expenditure line 58), as shown in Attachment C; and
B. AUTHORIZING the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or their designee to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements for approved projects.
Issue
ISSUE
Measure M MSP funding is included in the Measure M Expenditure Plan. All MSP funds are limited to capital projects. The annual update allows the San Gabriel Valley Subregion and implementing agencies to approve new eligible projects for funding and revise the project scope of work and schedule for previously funded projects. Funds are programmed through Fiscal Year (FY) 2028-29. The Board’s approval is required to update the project lists (Attachments A, B and C), which serve as the basis for Metro entering into agreements and/or amendments with the respective implementing agencies. There are no changes to the project lists in Attachments D and E, but they are included in this report as information.
Background
BACKGROUND
Based on the amount provided in the Measure M Expenditure Plan, a total of $124 million in MSP funds was forecasted to be available for programming for the San Gabriel Valley Subregion from FY 2017-18 to FY 2028-29. In prior actions, $83.96 million has been programmed in support of 25 projects. To date, $10.33 million has been expended. One project is closed, and five others have been completed and are in the close-out audit process. Therefore, $40.04 million is available to the subregion for programming as part of this update.
In line with the Board adopted Measure M Master Guidelines (the Guidelines), agencies requesting MSP funds must provide documentation demonstrating community support, project needs, and multimodal transportation benefits that enhance safety, support traffic mobility, economic vitality, and enable a safer and well-maintained transportation system. Cities and the Council of Governments lead and prioritize all proposed transportation improvements, including procurement, the environmental process, outreach, final design, and construction. Each agency, independently and in coordination with their subregion, undertakes its jurisdictionally determined community engagement process specific to the type of transportation improvement they seek to develop. These locally determined and prioritized projects represent the needs of cities and the subregion.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Metro staff works closely with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) and the implementing agencies on project eligibility reviews of the proposed projects and project scope of work/schedule changes for this annual update, as applicable. The jurisdictional requests are proposed by the cities and approved/forwarded by the subregion.
During staff review, Metro required a detailed project scope of work to confirm project eligibility and establish the program nexus, including but not limited to project location and limits, length, elements, phase(s), total estimated expenses, funding requested, and schedules. Final approval of funds for the projects shall be contingent upon the implementing agency demonstrating the eligibility of each project, as required in the Guidelines. Staff expect the collection of the project details in advance of Board action to enable the timely execution of project Funding Agreements for approved projects. All MSP funds must be expended within three years from the fiscal year in which the funds are programmed, according to the Guidelines Timely Use of Funds Lapsing Policy. Staff will continue working with the implementing agencies and encouraging timely completion of the projects, in time for the 2028 Games. Additionally, all projects are subject to a close-out audit after completion, according to the Guidelines.
This report includes inter-program borrowing of funds from the Active Transportation to First/Last Mile and Complete Streets Program. This type of inter-program borrowing was approved in 2022 and 2023 for the San Gabriel Valley Subregion and other subregions in LA County. This is acceptable under the Board-adopted Guidelines, as long as the projects meet the Measure M MSP funding eligibility, have consent from the affected subregion, and obtain Metro Board approval. In February 2025, the SGVCOG Board approved the inter-program borrowing.
Active Transportation Program (expenditure line 54)
This update includes funding adjustments to three new and three existing projects as follows:
Azusa
• Program $1,000,000 in FY 29 for MM4701.11 - East First Street and Baseline Road Street Improvement. This new project includes the installation of raised landscape medians, pedestrian level street lighting, Class II bike lanes, and will retrofit ADA ramps and updating the traffic signal timing of five traffic signals to incorporate leading pedestrian intervals. This project will likely decrease Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). The funds will be used for the project’s construction phase.
LA County
• Program an additional $700,000 in FY 26, FY 27 and FY 28 for MM4701.09 - Eaton Wash Bike Path - Phase I. This existing project will construct a 1.1-mile Class I bike path, a 0.2-mile Class III bike route, and marked crosswalks, and upgrade curb ramps. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s Plan Specifications and Estimates (PS&E), Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition, and construction phases.
Monrovia
• Program $1,000,000 in FY 29 for MM4701.12 - Colorado Boulevard Bikeway - Phase 1. This new project will provide bicycle and pedestrian improvements and connect the City of Arcadia bicycle system to Monrovia's Old Town. Project includes Class II and Class III bicycle facilities, sidewalk improvements, ADA ramp installation, and street improvements. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s construction phase.
San Gabriel
• Program $362,600 in FY 26 for MM4701.13 - Roadway Safety Improvements and Bike Lane Installation. This new project includes intersection and pedestrian improvements, installation of a 0.7-mile bike lane to close a gap in the bicycle network, and a flashing beacon at a crosswalk. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s PS&E and construction phases.
SGVCOG
• Program an additional $6,259,343 in FY 26, FY 27 and FY 29 for MM4701.10 - East San Gabriel Valley Sustainable Multimodal Improvements Project - Phase I. This existing project was awarded Measure M MSP Active Transportation, First/Last Mile and Complete Streets and Bus System Improvement Program funds. This project is the result of a partnership between the seven partner cities of Azusa, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, La Verne, Pomona, and San Dimas under the leadership of the SGVCOG. This additional Active Transportation fund will allow the cities of Claremont and Covina on improvements including but not limited to protected bike lanes, ADA-compliant access ramps, sidewalk improvements and repairs, bike infrastructure, pedestrian crossing enhancements, and improved lighting and landscaping, etc. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s Project Approval and Environmental Document (PAED), PS&E and construction phases.
• Program an additional $3,000,000 in FY 26 for MM5505.04 - ACE Turnbull Canyon Road Grade Separation (Pedestrian Bridge). This existing project was also awarded Measure M MSP funding from the Highway Efficiency Program. This project will construct a pedestrian bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad to eliminate the at-grade crossing. The project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s ROW and construction phases.
First/Last Mile and Complete Streets Program (expenditure line 59)
This update includes funding adjustments to six new and two existing projects as follows:
Alhambra
• Program $1,000,000 in FY 26, FY 27, FY 28, and FY 29 for MM4703.11 - Alhambra Citywide Bus Stop Improvement. This new project will replace 15,000 square feet of damaged sidewalk, and install shaded bus shelters, bus benches, bus pads, detectable warning surface domes and trash containers. The project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s construction phase.
Arcadia
• Program $4,500,000 in FY 26 for MM4703.12 - Colorado Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Gap Closure Connectivity and Safety. This new project includes Class II bike lanes, sidewalks, curb extensions, and high visibility crosswalks to connect key destinations, close network gaps, and improve access to Arcadia’s Metro A-Line Station. The project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s construction phase.
El Monte
• Program $2,135,000 in FY 29 for MM4703.13 - Arden Drive Complete Street. This new project will reduce the 1.1-mile Arden Drive corridor from four to two lanes (one lane in each direction). Additionally, it includes the creation of Class IV cycle-tracks, including a parking lane as a buffer and a curb adjacent to the cycle-tracks. In some sections of the corridor, the Class IV cycle-tracks would transition to a buffered Class IIb bike lane. The project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s construction phase.
La Verne
• Program $2,000,000 in FY 26 for MM4703.14 - Pathways to the Future: Building Safe, Accessible Routes for 2028 and Beyond. This new project includes the installation of wayfinding signage, shared lane markings (sharrows/a class III bike lane), and traffic-calming measures, and addresses critical first/last mile gaps in current bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This project will also support access to the LA County Fairgrounds which is a recently announced 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Cricket venue. The project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s construction phase.
SGVCOG
• Program an additional $8,287,336 in FY 26, FY 27 and FY 29 for MM4701.10 - East San Gabriel Valley Sustainable Multimodal Improvements Project - Phase I. This existing project was awarded Measure M MSP Active Transportation, First/Last Mile and Complete Streets and Bus System Improvement Program funds. This project is the result of a partnership between the seven partner cities of Azusa, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, La Verne, Pomona, and San Dimas under the leadership of the SGVCOG. This additional First/Last Mile and Complete Streets fund will allow cities of Glendora, Pomona and San Dimas on improvements including but not limited to drought-tolerant raised medians, curb extensions, pedestrian and traffic street lighting, wayfinding signage, and Class IV separated bike lanes, etc. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s PAED, PS&E and construction phases.
South El Monte
• Program an additional $3,500,000 in FY 26 for MM4703.09 - Santa Anita Avenue Walkability Project. This existing project includes bicycle and pedestrian mobility elements, such as installing Class II buffered bike lanes, and enhancing safety for non-motorized transportation. Pedestrian access will be improved with continuous ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, curb and gutters, bulb outs, and raised center medians. The project also includes high-visibility crosswalks, enhanced signage, roadway rehabilitation, and a range of street furniture. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s environmental, PS&E and construction phases.
Temple City
• Program $1,000,000 in FY 29 for MM4703.15 - Citywide Bicycle Route and Pedestrian Enhancements. This new project includes improvements to bicycle detection at 18 signalized intersections, as well as enhancements to pedestrian detection and ADA compliance at several locations. The project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s PS&E and construction phases.
West Covina
• Program $1,759,236 in FY 29 for MM4703.16 - West Covina Citywide Pedestrian and Transit Safety Improvement. This new project will install high visibility crosswalk striping, signage, a flashing beacon, speed feedback signs, pedestrian countdown signal heads, audible pedestrian signals, pavement legend markings, ADA-compliant curb ramps with truncated domes at locations approaching parks, schools, near high pedestrian generators. This project will likely decrease VMT. The funds will be used for the project’s PS&E and construction phases.
Bus System Improvement Program (expenditure line 58)
This update includes funding adjustments to one existing project as follows:
Foothill Transit
• Deobligate $50,271 from MM4702.01 - Colorado Boulevard Corridor Signal Priority Upgrade Project. This project was completed and audited with a project savings. This savings will be returned to the overall Measure M - Bus System Improvement Program, and made available for future project programming.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Programming of Measure M MSP funds to the San Gabriel Valley subregion projects will not have any adverse safety impacts on Metro’s employees or patrons. It will result in improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people accessing transit.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
In FY 2024-25, $15.35 million is budgeted in Cost Center 0441 (Subsidies to Others) for the Active Transportation Program (Project #474401), $5.02 million is budgeted in Cost Center 0441 (Subsidies to Others) for the Transit Program (Project #474102) and $1 million is budgeted in Cost Center 0442 (Highway Subsidies) for the Highway Efficiency Program (Project #475503). Upon approval of this action, staff will reallocate necessary funds to appropriate projects within Cost Center 0441. Since these are multi-year projects, Cost Centers 0441 will be responsible for budgeting the cost in future years.
Impact to Budget
The source of funds for these projects are Measure M Highway Construction 17% and Measure M Transit Construction 35%. These fund sources are not eligible for Metro bus and rail operations expenses.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
The San Gabriel Valley subregion consists of 31 cities and unincorporated communities in Los Angeles County. Twenty-four percent of census tracts in the subregion are defined as Equity Focus Communities (EFCs). Cities within the subregion where most census tracts are EFCs include Alhambra, Rosemead, El Monte, South El Monte, and Pomona.
All the proposed projects in this update are supporting active transportation or first/last mile improvements, or improving overall safety for non-motorized users. For example, the proposed City of La Verne project, which is in close vicinity of a recently announced 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Cricket venue at the LA County Fairplex Fairgrounds, will include the 3rd Street Bike Boulevard which will connect downtown La Verne, the University of La Verne, and the future Gold Line Station. The downtown wayfinding system will link major destinations, including the new Gold Line station, University of La Verne, and the LA County Fairgrounds. The project supports La Verne’s 2021 Active Transportation Plan, 2023 Local Roadway Safety Plan, Metro’s 2019 Gold Line Foothill Extension 2B First/Last Mile Plan, and the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan. The project supports healthy travel options, particularly benefiting disadvantaged and transit-dependent populations located in southern La Verne and northern Pomona. By reducing traffic congestion, enhancing connectivity to key destinations, and benefiting disadvantaged communities, the project promotes safer, more inclusive infrastructure for residents and visitors. Preparing for a significant increase in traffic, La Verne is committed to meeting the car-free, transit-first goal by developing sustainable transportation options that create seamless, active transit connections between the Gold Line Station, Bonelli Regional Park, and local amenities.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled _Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through planning activities that will improve and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. The details of how specific projects may impact Metro’s VMT reduction targets are shared in the “Discussion” section of this report. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports the following goals of the Metro Vision 2028 Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling by alleviating the current operational deficiencies and improving mobility along the projects.
Goal 4: Transform LA County through regional collaboration by partnering with the Council of Governments and the local jurisdictions to identify the needed improvements and take the lead in the development and implementation of their projects.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could elect not to approve the additional programming of funds for the Measure M MSP projects for the San Gabriel Valley subregion. This is not recommended as the San Gabriel Valley Subregion developed the proposed projects in accordance with the Measure M Ordinance, Guidelines, and Administrative Procedures, and may delay the development and delivery of projects.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Metro staff will continue to work with the subregion to identify and deliver projects. Funding Agreements will be executed with those who have funds programmed in FY 2025-26. Program/Project updates will be provided to the Board annually.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Active Transportation Program Project List
Attachment B - First/Last Mile and Complete Streets Program Project List
Attachment C - Bus System Improvement Program Project List
Attachment D - Highway Efficiency Program Project List
Attachment E - Highway Demand Based Program Project List
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Fanny Pan, Executive Officer, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 418-3433
Laurie Lombardi, Senior Executive Officer, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 418-3251
Nicole Ferrara, Deputy Chief Planning Officer, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 547-4322
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Ray Sosa, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 547-4274
