Regional Connector Transit Corridor (Source: metro.net/projects/connector)

Metro | projects | Regional Connector Transit Corridor

Overview

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is conducting an environmental review of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor, a project that, if built, creates an almost 2-mile transit link between the Metro Gold and Metro Blue Line light rail transit (LRT) systems through downtown Los Angeles.

This Regional Connector will connect the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and the Metro Expo Line, which is currently under construction and will link Downtown to Culver City with other potential new light rail transit projects.

By providing continuous through service between these lines, the Regional Connector will improve access to both local and regional destinations – and help create a true transportation network for the region. The Regional Connector is slated to receive partial funding from Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in November 2008.

Benefits

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 Metro Gold Line and Metro Blue Line, and between the Metro Eastside Gold Line and Metro 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.

Project Area

The project 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