Local funding for a new light rail line and upgrades to the G Line (née Orange Line) bus rapid transit route have been approved for the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.
Steve Scauzillo reports for the Los Angeles Daily News: “By unanimous votes of the [Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority] Board of Directors, about $66 million was approved to hire a construction management firm to oversee the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Line (ESFVLR) and about $44 million will go toward improvements to the existing Metro G Bus Rapid Transit Line, commonly known as the Orange Line.”
“The proposed light rail line will extend north from the Van Nuys Metro G Line station to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station, running 9.2 miles and including 14 at-grade passenger stations,” according to Scauzillo.
As noted by Scauzillo, the ESFVLR will be the first light rail line in the San Fernando Valley.
The improvements to the G Line will reduce waits at intersections, “[reducing] the time a passenger spends on a G Line bus by allowing buses to travel up to 15-25 mph faster by avoiding traffic at major intersections.” The new speed will be achieved by a mix of grade separation, signal priority, and “railroad-type crossing gates,” according to Scauzillo.
More details about the political and legal debate surrounding the funding can be found in the source article below.
FULL STORY: SF Valley light rail and G-Line rapid bus updates are green-lighted by LA Metro board
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.
New Bus Rapid Transit Line Proposed for L.A.'s San Fernando Valley
Measure M, approved by L.A. County voters in 2016, is enabling a slew of transit projects in the San Fernando Valley.
Light Rail Recommended for the San Fernando Valley
Transit planners with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have recommended light rail for the planned East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces
Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service