San Fernando Valley secures $893 million for light rail project

After extensive advocacy for improved public transportation in the San Fernando Valley, local officials celebrated the announcement of an $893-million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding will support the construction of a 6.7-mile light rail project along Van Nuys Boulevard, connecting communities such as Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta, and Pacoima. The project aims to restore rail service to the Valley for the first time since 1952, addressing long-standing transportation gaps in the region. The rail line will integrate with existing local and regional bus services, including the Metro G Line express bus and the Van Nuys Metrolink/Amtrak station. With approximately 35% of residents lacking access to a car, the new service is expected to significantly enhance mobility for nearly 19,000 daily riders, reducing commute times by up to 15 minutes. The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.57 billion, with funding sourced from Measure M and additional grants, including a $600 million award from the California State Transportation Agency in February 2023. Metro plans to initiate minor street improvements and utility adjustments later this year, paving the way for the rail line's completion by 2031. Local leaders, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and Los Angeles Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, emphasized the importance of this project for the historically underserved communities in the Valley. The light rail is seen as a transformative development that will provide better access to jobs, opportunities, and regional attractions, marking a significant step forward in the area's public transportation landscape.