Metro - File #: 2017-0213

• File #: 2017-0213
• Type: Motion / Motion Response
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 3/23/2017
• In control: Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting
• On agenda: 3/23/2017
• Title: Motion by Garcetti, Ridley-Thomas and Dupont-Walker that the Board direct the CEO to: A. Proceed with the Vermont Bus Rapid Transit project as a near-term "Phase 1" transit improvement along the Vermont Avenue Corridor; B. Initiate the study of extending the Red Line along Vermont Avenue to 125th Street, specifically focusing on connecting the Wilshire/Vermont Red Line Station to the Expo/Vermont Expo Line Station as a "Section 1"; C. Include a heavy rail alternative in the Alternative Analysis and Environmental Studies for the Measure M Vermont Transit Corridor; and D. Report back on all the above to the Planning and Programming Committee during the July 2017 Board cycle. ###
• Indexes: Alternatives analysis, Bus rapid transit, Eric Garcetti, Expo/Vermont Station, Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Measure M, Metro Exposition Line, Metro Orange Line, Metro Red Line, Motion / Motion Response, Project, Railroad commuter service, Transfer on 2nd Boarding, Transit buses, Vermont Avenue Transit Corridor, Vermont Avenue Transit Corridor Project, Wilshire/Vermont Station
• Related files: 2016-0835, 2017-0400

Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
MARCH 23, 2017

Preamble
Motion by:

Directors Garcetti, Ridley-Thomas and Dupont-Walker

March 23, 2017

Relating to Item 9, File ID 2016-0835; Vermont Transit Corridor

Vermont Avenue has the second-highest number of transit boardings of any corridor in Los Angeles County, behind only Wilshire Boulevard.

In February 2017, the Vermont Avenue Rapid and Local bus lines combined for over 43,000 average weekday boardings, higher than the Green, Orange, and Silver Lines.

Recognizing the need for additional transit investment along Vermont Avenue, the 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan included a "Vermont Corridor Subway" in the list of Strategic Unfunded projects.

Since then, MTA staff has worked diligently to advance transit on Vermont Avenue. Vermont was listed as the number-one corridor for Bus Rapid Transit investment in the 2013 Countywide Bus Rapid Transit Study.

In 2014, MTA initiated technical studies for a Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project and is proceeding with Alternatives Analysis, including providing for a future conversion to light rail.

Bus service improvements on Vermont Avenue are vital, and MTA should proceed with Bus Rapid Transit improvements as quickly as possible. However, the Measure M Expenditure Plan anticipated future conversion to light or heavy rail. Given Vermont Avenue's intense transit ridership, MTA needs to pursue a path now for future rail options to serve this corridor.

Title
Motion by Garcetti, Ridley-Thomas and Dupont-Walker that the Board direct the CEO to:

A. Proceed with the Vermont Bus Rapid Transit project as a near-term "Phase 1" transit improvement along the Vermont Avenue Corridor;

B. Initiate the study of extending the Red Line along Vermont Avenue to 125th Street, specifically focusing on connecting the Wilshire/Vermont Red Line Station to the Expo/Vermont Expo Line Station as a "Section 1";

C. Include a heavy rail alternative in the Alternative Analysis and Enviro...