Environmental Review for Light Rail Through The Valley Approved

The B Line subway includes two stops in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, but other than that, commuter rail and buses are the only options for transit. New light rail plans could change that.

1 minute read

December 7, 2020, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (Metro) Board of Directors recently voted to certify the final Environmental Impact Review (EIR) for a light rail route that will run north-south through the San Fernando Valley (The Valley) in Los Angeles, according to an article by Dave Sotero for Metro's The Source.

The planned East San Fernando Light Rail Project would connect the G Line bus rapid transit route (formerly known as the Orange Line) to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station, with 14 stations built along the way.

The project would be funded by Measure M locally, along with Prop 1B funding from the state of California, "and could be well-positioned to compete if any federal funding opportunities become available," according to Sotero.

According to Sotero, the EIR approved by the Metro Board includes provisions that will enable the route to be built in segments, starting potentially as early as next year on the first 6.7-mile segment between the G Line in Van Nuys to San Fernando Road in Pacoima.

Thursday, December 3, 2020 in The Source

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

2 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

3 hours ago - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

4 hours ago - Arizona Republic