Background

The Regional Connector will enable Los Angeles County rail to operate more efficiently and attract higher ridership, thus reducing congestion, improving air quality and lessening our carbon footprint. By linking several LRT systems through Downtown Los Angeles, the Regional Connector will increase regional mobility by providing access to new destinations for transit riders.  Transit passengers will have access to three new stations in Downtown Los Angeles: Grand Ave., Broadway and the Little Tokyo/Arts District.

The Regional Connector will:

• Enhance Metro Rail service by providing one continuous trip between Claremont and Long Beach, and between the Eastside and Santa Monica. Specifically, this project creates two regional LRT lines for Los Angeles County:
  • A north/south LRT line from Claremont to Long Beach, and
  • A east/west LRT line from East Los Angeles (and in future the I-605 freeway) to Santa Monica
• Provides access to 90,000 passengers daily, including approximately 17,000 new transit riders.
• Minimizes the need for transfers, reducing one-way light rail trip times across the County by 10 - 20 minutes or more.
• Improves 11 intersections, including at 1st/Alameda Sts., which will see improved performance and less congestion.
• Provides 3 new stations and access to downtown attractions as well as regional destinations.