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Angelenos to Benefit from Shorter Commutes, Greater Connectivity between San Fernando Valley, Westside
Los Angeles is one step closer to a direct rail connection that will make travel much faster and easier through the Sepulveda Pass, one of the most notoriously congested corridors in the country, after the Metro Board selected an underground heavy rail option as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. This move marks a key milestone for the region’s most critical infrastructure investment, which is expected to transport riders between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside in less than 20 minutes.
Once implemented, the Project would connect the Metrolink Van Nuys Station to the Metro E Line, drastically reducing commute times that can take 40 to 80 minutes by car. Additionally, a trip from Van Nuys (at the G Line) to Westwood (at the D Line) on the Sepulveda Transit Corridor would take about 10 minutes, reducing similar and unpredictably long commute times. The project would provide regional access and connect Metro’s growing rail transit network with connections to the Metro D, E, G and East San Fernando Valley Lines, Van Nuys Metrolink Station and UCLA. This safe, fast, reliable trip is anticipated to drive high ridership translating to economic, environmental, health and mobility benefits for the entire region.
“A direct rail connection through the Sepulveda Pass will connect people to jobs, schools, airports and entertainment faster than ever,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilmember Fernando Dutra. “This project will cut travel time, reduce air pollution and is the kind of bold, forward-looking investment that moves Los Angeles County into the future.”
The Sepulveda Corridor is a vital link for the communities of greater Los Angeles, connecting residents in the San Fernando Valley to the Westside’s bustling employment and educational hubs and cultural landmarks. The natural barrier created by the Santa Monica Mountains makes traveling between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside difficult, unpredictable and slow.
The agency released a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) last summer evaluating five different build alternatives for a fast, reliable rail transit option through the Sepulveda Pass.
The Metro Board selected Modified Alternative 5 as the LPA for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project based on technical evaluation and robust community and stakeholder input. During the public comment period for the project’s DEIR, Metro collected more than 8,000 public comment submissions.
With the LPA selected, Metro will focus its efforts on conducting additional design refinement and community engagement to move forward into the next phase of the environmental review process.
Building a More Connected Los Angeles County
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project is the most recent project Metro has advanced as a part of the most ambitious transit capital program in the nation.
Over the past four decades, Metro has built 118 miles of rail, with more than 50 additional miles currently in planning or construction. In 2025, Metro opened the LAX/Metro Transit Center, which created a direct connection between the Metro C and K Lines, as well as a transit connection to Los Angeles International Airport for the first time. Metro also opened of the Metro A Line Extension to Pomona last year, reconnecting light rail service to the San Gabriel Valley for the first time since 1951.
And, when all three phases have been completed, the D Line extension will catalyze ridership on the entire Metro System, bringing tens of thousands of new riders to the transit system and dramatically improving access between downtown, cultural districts, universities, business centers and residential neighborhoods.
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor represents the next generation of investments to expand access, reduce congestion and improve quality of life for millions of Angelenos.
“This is a historic moment for transportation in Los Angeles,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The Sepulveda Corridor Project is one of the most ambitious transportation investments in our region’s history and will redefine how millions of people travel across Los Angeles. With today’s action, we are entering the next chapter of our transit revolution.”
For more information about the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, visit metro.net/stc, email sepulvedatransit@metro.net, or call 213.922.7375.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines, utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses. The latest October 2025 customer experience survey showed that customer satisfaction has risen to 87%.
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