Overview
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is conducting a study of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor, a project that would create an almost 2-mile transit link between the Gold and Blue Line light rail systems through downtown Los Angeles. This Regional Connector would eventually connect not only with projects currently under construction including the Gold Line Eastside Extension, which is expected to be operational in 2009, and the Expo Line, which will connect Downtown to Culver City by 2010, but also with potential new rail transit projects. Metro is now exploring several alternative alignments for the Regional Connector, including a light rail transit (LRT) extension that would serve several new downtown stations and allow through-service between these lines. By allowing trains to operate without transfer, the Regional Connector is a critical piece in creating a true transportation network for the region.
Where We Are in the Process
Metro is currently in the initial 9-month Alternatives Analysis (AA) phase of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Study. After taking the input received from public meetings held in November 2007 and February 2008, as well as from meetings held with key project stakeholders, Metro is evaluating a number of alternative routes and at least three new stations: Central Library, Bunker Hill/Music Center, and Civic Center/Historic Core/Little Tokyo West. Metro is now refining these alternatives, and will present its recommendations to the public in the fall of 2008. Staff will then present its findings to the Metro Board in fall 2008 and, with Board approval, the study will proceed into an environmental review process for a smaller set of alternatives. As the study moves forward, funding options will be identified for future project implementation.
| Completed: | |
| Early Scoping Meetings | November 2007 |
| Definition of Alternatives and Community Update | February 2008 |
| Initial Screening of Alternatives | May 2008 |
| Upcoming: | |
| Completion of AA Study Report and Community Update | Fall 2008 |
| Recommendations to Metro Board | Fall 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 Gold Line and Blue Line, and between the Eastside Gold Line and 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.
Study Area
The study 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. Project area map