Daily Trojan (Opinion): Metro must choose heavy rail for Sepulveda Pass
Don’t let the shiny monorail fool you; everyday Angeleno commuters deserve better.
Whether you are a resident of Los Angeles or an out-of-state or international student, you’ve almost certainly become familiar with the car-ridden nature of our city. At the same time, you’ve likely heard our public transportation heavily criticized for its lack of speed, connectivity and safety, if you haven’t experienced it firsthand.
LA Metro knows this, and the agency has been hard at work for years not only making its existing lines safer and faster, but also planning a series of projects that will radically change the way Angelenos get around the city over the next few decades.
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As an update to STCP’s “Report of Stakeholder Meetings” STCP have met with the following stakeholders through March 2025:
At the City Council meeting on Feb. 10, 2025, the council authorized a letter to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in support of Alternatives 4 and 5, the inclusion of a direct, on-campus station at UCLA, and a seamless connection to the D Line at the Westwood/UCLA Station for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. From the staff report “Metro is currently in the process of conducting environmental review for the first phase of the project between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. As part of the environmental review, Metro is studying five alternatives for the project ... To read the full article click here
Sherman Oaks Street Fair
Learn More About Alternatives 4 & 5 for the LA Metro Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners Selects Stadler Rail Cars and Siemens Mobility Rail Signaling Technology for Proposed Fast, Green Line Connecting Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley & Westside
After recognizing the benefits offered by Alternative 6, the Editorial Board also endorses Alternative 5 as a tangible solution for reduced transit times and more efficient travel.
The article discusses a presentation by Los Angeles Metro about the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, which could offer travel times of 12 to 39 minutes from the San Fernando Valley to UCLA campus. Six rail alternatives were presented, with heavy rail options being favored due to shorter travel times and higher ridership projections. Students, including members of the Undergraduate Students Association Council, attended to advocate for heavy rail options. Public feedback is considered important in the decision-making process, and further events will be held to gather input. The article also includes comments from a graduate student supporting the heavy rail alternative.
The LA Metro is planning a rail project to connect the San Fernando Valley with the Westside, and the choice is between an overhead monorail and an underground subway. A recent report revealed that 93% of respondents prefer the subway, while only 7% support the monorail. The project aims to alleviate heavy traffic on the 405 freeway, with over 400,000 daily car trips. The main debate revolves around the potential visual impact, cost, and safety of the two options. Proponents of the subway argue that it provides better transfer options and faster travel times, while monorail supporters emphasize its lower cost and minimal noise. The project is still in the early planning stages, with an estimated completion between 2032-2035. The next steps involve conducting an environmental impact study and further public consultation before the LA Metro Board makes the final decision on the preferred route and mode.
The LA Metro released data on the proposed Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, comparing six alternatives for connecting the San Fernando Valley with the Westside. An underground subway is projected to carry more riders and offer faster travel times compared to an aerial monorail. The subway options would directly connect Van Nuys to UCLA, while the monorail options require transfers, adding to travel time. The completion of the chosen alternative is estimated between 2033-2035. Proponents of the monorail argue for its lower cost, while supporters of the subway emphasize its potential to ease congestion and reduce pollution. Various groups, including student associations and nonprofit organizations, have voiced support for the heavy rail alternative.
Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners is committed to collecting local input and clarifying community concerns and/or misconceptions that could affect our proposals to provide an alternative to the 405 with fast, green and connected rail transit with stakeholders from the Valley, the Westside and across Southern California and beyond.