The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is conducting an environmental review of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor, a project that, if built, creates an almost 2-mile transit link between the Metro Gold and Metro Blue Line light rail transit (LRT) systems through downtown Los Angeles.
This Regional Connector would eventually connect not only with projects currently under construction including the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension, which is expected to be operational in fall 2009, and the Metro Expo Line, which will connect Downtown to Culver City by 2011, but also with potential new light rail transit projects.
By providing continuous through service between these lines, the Regional Connector will improve access to both local and regional destinations – and help create a true transportation network for the region. The Regional Connector is slated to receive partial funding from Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in November 2008.
Benefits of the Regional Connector
- The Regional Connector benefits the entire Los Angeles County region — not just Downtown.
- The Regional Connector will enhance Metro Rail service by providing one continuous trip between the Pasadena Metro Gold Line and Metro Blue Line, and between the Metro Eastside Gold Line and Metro Expo Line.
- The Regional Connector will minimize the need for transfers, reducing one-way light rail trips across the County by 10 - 30 minutes or more.
- The Regional Connector will reduce station crowding, especially at peak hours.
- The Regional Connector will provide new access to Downtown attractions as well as regional destinations.
- The Regional Connector will increase regional mobility.
The Regional Connector will enable all Los Angeles County rail and bus transit, as well as all intercity transit service, to operate more efficiently and attract higher ridership, thus reducing roadway congestion, improving regional air quality and reducing the region’s carbon footprint.
Project Area
The project area encompasses approximately two square miles of downtown Los Angeles and includes the communities of Little Tokyo, the Arts District, the Historic Core, the Toy District, Bunker Hill, the Financial District, the Jewelry District, and the Civic Center. A Project Area Map is available online.
Where We Are in the Process
Metro is currently in the initial 18-month Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR) phase of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Study. This environmental review, which follows the Alternatives Analysis phase (AA), was authorized by the Metro Board of Directors at its January 2009 meeting.
Moving forward for further study are two Build alternatives – an at-grade emphasis alternative via Second St. with a couplet on Main and Los Angeles Sts., and an underground emphasis alternative via Second Street crossing First and Alameda Sts. at grade, as well as the required No-Build and Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternatives. These two build alternative alignments for the Regional Connector LRT would serve several new downtown stations and allow through-service between regional LRT lines.
During the Draft EIS/EIR process, Metro will further refine the project alternatives (including alignments and station locations), assess the potential impacts of the alternatives, and address possible mitigation measures. We will also consider the cost effectiveness of the alternatives as well as funding options for constructing the project.
At the conclusion of the Draft EIS/EIR process in late 2010, the Metro Board will recommend a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) which will identify the project to move forward into the Final EIS/EIR process. Metro and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will be preparing a joint document that meets the requirements of both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Public Scoping meetings were held on March 30, 31, April 1 and 2, 2009 to provide the public an opportunity to provide comments as the Draft EIS/EIR proceeds into in-depth analysis of the alternatives. The formal public comment period closed on May 11, 2009. Metro will continue to conduct ongoing community outreach during the Draft EIS/EIR phase to ensure that the public is engaged and informed every step of the way.