Overview
Metro, in coordination with the City of Los Angeles, is conducting a transit study to evaluate ways to improve north-south transit opportunities in the east San Fernando Valley that offer connections to the regional transportation network.
In October 2011, a series of community meetings were held introducing this transit study which initially included only the Van Nuys Bl corridor, between Ventura Bl and I-210. At the three meetings held in Van Nuys, Panorama City and Pacoima, comments were made urging Metro and the City to expand the corridor study area beyond Van Nuys Bl.
You spoke, we listened!
We are pleased to announce that Metro has now incorporated your recommendations into an expanded and newly named “East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor” study. The Project Study Area has now been expanded to include Sepulveda Bl and the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station as a northern terminus/origination point.
The Van Nuys and Sepulveda Bl Corridors run through the heart of the eastern San Fernando Valley and connect diverse communities to their destinations every day. Both corridors are home to several destinations including schools, hospitals, large employers, the Van Nuys Civic Center, Auto Row, Sherman Oaks Galleria, and various shops and restaurants.
Keywords: East SFV Transit Corridor; Overview
Last Revised:
Wednesday April 04, 2012
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Overview '
Upcoming Meetings
Metro, in cooperation with the City of Los Angeles, will hold three community meetings in April to update the public on the Alternatives Analysis (AA) study that is evaluating options to improve north-south travel opportunities in the east San Fernando Valley and provide connections to the regional transportation network.
The community meetings will take place at the following locations:
Information at all the community meetings will be the same.
Thursday, April 12, 2012, 6-8pm
City of San Fernando Regional Pool Facility
Aquatic Center Multipurpose Room
208 Park Av
San Fernando, CA 91340
Served by Metro Local Lines 94, 224, and 234
Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6-8pm
Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church Auditorium
5329 Sepulveda Bl
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
Served by Metro Local Lines 154, 183, 234, and 734
Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6-8pm
Valley Presbyterian Hospital Auditorium
Jean & David Fleming Health Education Center
15107 Vanowen St
Van Nuys, CA 91405
Served by Metro Local Lines 165, 234, and 734
Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 6-8pm
Mission Community Police Station
11121 N. Sepulveda Bl
Mission Hills, CA 91345
Served by Metro Local Lines 239 and 234
Keywords: East SFV Transit Corridor; Meetings
Last Revised:
Thursday April 12, 2012
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Upcoming Meetings '
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Alternatives Analysis (AA)?
An Alternatives Analysis , or AA, identifies and analyzes the range of potential transit improvements within the study area in order to support a decision on a transit investment that meets stated goals and objectives for the Corridor. For the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, the AA is combined with the formal environmental analysis, in that it is published in combination with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) as an AA/EIS/EIR. An initial set of alternatives is developed at the on-set of the AA and is refined through public participation; at which time, the alternatives are presented to the public and agencies for review and comment.
In addition to the alternatives proposed, other transit alternatives identified during community meetings, public and agency comments and suggestions are evaluated for potential inclusion in the AA/EIS/EIR. Following this process, a screening of all the alternatives narrows down the number of alternatives based on a review against the project’s purpose and need, project goals and objectives, assessment of physical feasibility, and evaluation criteria developed for the project. A shorter list of alternatives will then be analyzed in more detail in the draft EIS/EIR and documented in the AA/EIS/EIR.
What is an Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/R)?
An Environmental Impact Statement/Report, (EIS) is a document that is prepared, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for projects requiring federal action where there may be significant impacts to the environment. An EIS identifies the potential social, economic, transportation and environmental benefits and impacts associated with the construction and operation of the project alternatives (proposed transportation investments) selected for evaluation in comparison to the No-Build Alternative (environment without the proposed transportation investments) and Transportation Systems Management (TSM) Alternative (low-cost improvements to the existing transportation system such as improved bus service).
The purpose of an EIS is to provide a full and open evaluation of impacts associated with the alternatives, as well as to inform decision-makers and the public of reasonable alternatives, if any, that could avoid or minimize adverse impacts and enhance the quality of the environment. It also identifies reasonable measures to mitigate any potential adverse impacts, if necessary. The evaluation of impacts is summarized in the Draft EIS document, which is circulated for public and agency comment over a 45-day period. Public hearings are held to present the results of the Draft EIS and to formally record all public comments. A Locally Preferred Alternative, (LPA), is then selected by the Metro Board of Directors from the project alternatives and is recommended for final refinement in the Final EIS.
A Final EIS is then prepared to catalogue and address public comments received during circulation of the Draft EIS. The Final EIS will identify and compare the impacts of the LPA to the No Build and TSM Alternatives evaluated in the Draft EIS.
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is similar to an EIS, except that this document is required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). State level requirements for an EIR are similar in content and purpose to the federal requirements of an EIS;, therefore, the two efforts are typically coordinated and combined into a single document.
What is being proposed for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor?
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the City of Los Angeles are studying various options to improve transit service in the east San Fernando Valley (between Ventura Bl and the I-210 Freeway). Initial options being considered include:
- No-Build – Existing highway and transit services and facilities remain unchanged, except for any projects that are under construction and/or funded through 2035.
- Transportation Systems Management (TSM) – Lower cost capital improvements to increase transportation system efficiencies which can include intersection widening and signal timing along with increased bus service.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – A premier, clean fuel (CNG), bus service – similar to the Metro Orange Line -- that could run in an exclusive lane or in mixed-flow traffic.
- Light Rail Transit (LRT) – An overhead electric-powered rail system, similar to the Metro Blue, Green and Gold Lines, that runs on an exclusive right-of-way.
- Streetcar – a smaller than LRT, overhead, electric-powered rail system, similar to the one in operation in Portland, OR. Typically streetcars run in mixed flow traffic, but can operate on an exclusive guideway similar to LRT.
How will Metro select the mode for the corridor (i.e. Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, or Streetcar)?
An Alternatives Analysis (AA) process is being used to narrow the potential options that will be studied in more detail through an EIS/EIR that complies with both federal and state environmental requirements. The alternatives will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Mobility Benefits and Impacts
- Regional Connectivity
- Cost-Effectiveness (such as capital and operating costs)
- Environmental Benefits and Impacts
- Land Use Considerations (such as job creation, development opportunities, and quality of life improvements)
- Community Support
How will the Project be funded?
In 2001, recognizing the need for transit efficiency improvements in the San Fernando Valley, a $100 million Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP) earmark was made available to Metro to “build a north/south corridor bus transit project that would interface with the East/West Burbank-Chandler corridor project (later named the Metro Orange Line) and with the Ventura Bl Rapid Bus project.”
In 2008, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure R -- a half-cent sales tax measure that includes approximately $65 million for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor project. A total of $170 million has been identified for the project in Metro’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
Will bike lanes be included along the Corridor as part of this project?
During the AA and the Environmental Study, we will look for opportunities to integrate bike facilities into the project as well as provide secure parking for them at stations.
How will the location of stops or stations be determined?
Generally, Metro locates stations approximately one mile apart. Streetcars have more closely spaced stops. The one-mile spacing enables railcars/buses to operate more efficiently and obtain greater travel speeds. Other factors include transfer opportunities to east-west bus lines as well as activity centers along or near the Corridor, affording Metro the opportunity to maximize ridership potential.
Will on-street parking be affected?
It is too early in the process to identify the effects, if any, on parking. A detailed EIS/EIR will be prepared to analyze this further and provide specific information.
Will Corridor businesses be affected?
Similar to the previous answer on parking, it is too early in the process to identify the effects, if any, that the project will have on businesses. A detailed EIS/EIR will be prepared to analyze this further and provide specific information.
How will a new transit system help the area economically?
A new high-capacity transit system has the ability to create new development opportunities along the Corridor because it will provide increased regional connectivity as well as increased travel options. It will also allow riders to conveniently access retail centers along the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, thereby stimulating increased sales revenues for local businesses.
Opportunities for transit oriented development (TOD) around stations can lead to providing service to residential and commercial projects, which in turn create job opportunities.
How will the proposed East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project improve transit connections to the entire region?
The East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor intersects with the Metro Orange Line, which connects to the Metro Red Line in North Hollywood. Metrolink and Amtrak stations are located within the corridor, providing linkages to regional destinations. The Corridor connects with the Ventura Bl Rapid Bus to the south and intersects to the north with the San Fernando Bl Rapid Bus (a route that provides services to downtown Los Angeles).
As the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Study advances, it will take the future planned Sepulveda Pass project into consideration and will make recommendations on how the two projects can one day connect and serve to support and complement each other.
Is Metro determining where the greatest number of people need to --or want to--travel?
To better learn where people want to travel to and from, who live and/or work in the Corridor, is one of the key reasons Metro and the City of Los Angeles held Community Meetings in the fall of 2011. We will continue to reach out to the community in an effort to better understand transit needs. Further, Metro will complete a person trip distribution analysis within the study area to enable us to understand the travel characteristics of our patrons.
Will a new maintenance facility (for the proposed system) be needed?
If a LRT or streetcar alternative is selected, it is likely that a new maintenance facility will be needed. If BRT is the preferred alternative, then modifications to Metro’s existing bus maintenance facilities or a new facility may be required.
Will the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project look at connections beyond the San Fernando Valley into West Los Angeles and/or LAX?
The project will evaluate travel patterns beyond the Corridor itself as part of the ridership forecasting process. By evaluating travel demand outside of the Corridor, Metro will have a better understanding of the number of riders that would be attracted to the new service. However, Metro is not studying a transit extension beyond the Ventura Bl terminus at this time. A separate study of the Sepulveda Pass Corridor will be undertaken by Metro. Both Study efforts will be coordinated.
Does SB 211 (Robbins Bill) impact the project?
SB 211 applies certain restrictions to mass transit rail projects within the former Burbank/Chandler Branch rail right-of-way (ROW) which was used to construct the Metro Orange Line. If rail is proposed as a build alternative, it would most likely connect to and/or cross the East/West Burbank-Chandler Branch ROW just north of Oxnard St. Merely connecting to, and/or crossing the ROW, should not subject the project to the restrictions contained in SB 211.
When will this study be completed?
This study is expected to take about two and a half years complete, and is scheduled for completion in the later part of calendar year of 2014.
Why has the Study Area been expanded to include a Sepulveda Bl Corridor and a Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station?
In the fall of 2011, Metro and the City of Los Angeles held three Community Workshops designed to present the project and to encourage feedback from those residing or doing business in the Corridor. In addition to the Workshops, Metro presented the project to several community groups, neighborhood councils, and business groups where, comments again were encouraged.
At these meetings, support was voiced for an evaluation of Sepulveda Bl, which parallels Van Nuys Bl and is approximately one mile to the west. Other comments received supported a Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station northern origination/terminus for the project, rather than a terminus on Van Nuys Bl near the I-210 freeway. In response to these comments, we have expanded the project’s Study Area.
How can the public participate in the planning process?
Opportunities for public involvement will be provided throughout the planning process for the project. Metro representatives will be available to make presentations on the status of the project.
The public can submit comments and questions in a number of ways:
Keywords: East SFV Transit Corridor; FAQ's
Last Revised:
Tuesday April 10, 2012
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