Subway To The Sea Community Update Meeting - SaMo September 3, 2008

Background

Over the past 30 years, tremendous population and employment growth, worsening congestion, changing land uses and traffic patterns, as well as Metro’s challenge to meet transit demand, have led to the need to improve mobility in the Westside Corridor.

Against this background, the Metro Board of Directors authorized an Alternatives Analysis Study for the Westside Transit Corridor Extension, which is reviewing previous planning studies, and updating materials in relation to the new and changed conditions along the Corridor. This includes evaluating changes or shifts in population, development, employment, and travel patterns. Upon completion of the Alternatives Analysis Study, the results and recommendations will be presented to the Metro Board of Directors. The initiation of a full environmental analysis process may then be authorized.

The Westside Extension Transit Corridor Study is looking at various modes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with dedicated bus lanes, as well as at-grade, below-grade, and above-grade rail options, and at least two alignments respectively along Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards. Additionally, funding constraints could dictate a series of phased extension segments that would need to be identified and evaluated.

Study Area

The study corridor extends from the existing Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland and Wilshire/Western Stations to the Pacific Ocean. The northern boundary of the study area follows the base of the Santa Monica Mountains along Hollywood, Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards. The southern boundary follows Pico Boulevard. The overall study area is approximately 38 square miles. Study area map.

Official Website: http://www.metro.net/projects_studies/westside/default.htm