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SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
One Valley. One Voice.
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) – in partnership with Los Angeles Metro (Metro) – recently concluded a feasibility study to evaluate and improve mobility in the San Gabriel Valley. The study evaluated short- and long-term transit options designed to enhance communities and the lives of residents, commuters and visitors, with a focus on our most vulnerable populations: transit-dependent populations and equity-focus communities constrained by existing transportation systems. This planning effort was conducted with a close eye on future growth – balancing the needs of existing and future transit users and enhancing connectivity to create an integrated transit network for the entire region.
STUDY PURPOSE
The purpose of this Study will be to identify feasible transit solutions that enhance communities and lives through providing a high-quality mobility project to the San Gabriel Valley—meeting the Metro Strategic Plan goals of developing and providing equitable and accessible transit services, reducing travel times, managing roadway congestion, and enhancing connections to the regional/local transit networks.
This Study evaluated a combination of transit solutions in areas not served by Metro and Metrolink systems, including:
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New infrastructure, like new bus, rail, or other fixed-guideway lines
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New connections to existing infrastructure such as the Metro L Line (Gold), Foothill Silver Streak, Metrolink, including north-south options
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Improvements to existing transit service, such as expanded transit schedules to provide convenient service all day long
This Study is an important first step in achieving these goals. Over the course of the Study, the team continues to analyze data and gather input from stakeholders – with a focus on underserved communities – to learn about the area’s transportation needs and elicit meaningful feedback on the alternatives.
STUDY STATUS
The SGVCOG conducted Phase 1 of the feasibility study between July 2021 and June 2022. During Phase 1, the team evaluated 15 possible alternatives for improving mobility in the San Gabriel Valley. The concepts were scored based upon such criteria as whether they increased access to major transit hubs, fulfilled near-term mobility needs, improved transit service, supported land use development, and more. Upon conducting this evaluation, the SGVCOG elected to reduce the list of alternatives from 15 to the seven most feasible options, carrying those forward into Phase 2.
The Phase 2 analysis concluded in December 2023 with additional input from the community and local stakeholders. Ultimately, a series of transit service improvements were identified for short- and long-term implementation. These have been designated as "Jump Start Projects," "Mid Term Plan," and “Long Term Vision Plan.” SGVCOG is now working with LA Metro to identify funding for the next phase of project development including environmental analysis and preliminary engineering with the goal to construct the Jump Start project elements ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The full study with appendices can be found below.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
Metro believes that access to opportunity should be at the center of decision-making around public investments and services.
This is especially true for transportation, which is an essential lever to enabling that access. Vast disparities among neighborhoods and individuals in LA County limit this access, making opportunities harder to reach for some, whether it’s jobs, housing, education, health care, safe environments or other essential tenets of thriving, vibrant communities. Transportation infrastructure, programs, and service investments must be targeted toward those with the greatest mobility needs first, in order to improve access to opportunity for all.