LA Metro Begins Work on Vermont Avenue Rapid Bus Line and Approves Station Changes
LA Metro has started construction on the Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project while renaming a Downtown station for Biddy Mason and backing a Metrolink station move to Pico Rivera.
- by Camila Reyes
Construction has officially started on the Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project in Los Angeles, according to reports from Bus-News, MyNewsLA.com and Patch. LA Metro broke ground on the Vermont Transit Corridor project this week, kicking off work on the rapid bus line. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that the transit agency has promised the new Vermont Avenue line will deliver faster ride times and carry more passengers along the corridor.
The start of work on Vermont Avenue comes as the agency advances other transit infrastructure across the region. Earlier this week, LA Metro broke ground on an East San Fernando Valley light rail project, which Secret Los Angeles and Mass Transit reported is a $4 billion effort that will return local commuter trains to Van Nuys Boulevard after 70 years.
Alongside its construction projects, LA Metro has approved several changes affecting rail stations in Los Angeles County. In Downtown Los Angeles, the agency renamed a train station in honor of Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved Los Angeles pioneer, according to Patch and the Los Angeles Daily News. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that the station renaming aligns with a new name for Pershing Square.
Elsewhere in the county, LA Metro has backed a proposal to move an existing commuter rail stop. Both Patch and MyNewsLA.com reported that the transit agency approved an effort to relocate the Commerce Metrolink station to Pico Rivera.
As LA Metro updates its network, the agency is also facing criticism in Azusa. NBC4 Los Angeles reported that the city of Azusa has accused LA Metro of dumping passengers in the city. According to NBC4 Los Angeles, city officials and Azusa neighbors are blaming the transit agency and the passenger drop-offs for an uptick in local crime.
Meanwhile, for riders using the transit network this weekend, LA Metro announced that passengers can take its system to Grand Avenue Arts All Access and other fall events taking place in Los Angeles from October 23-25.
Sources
- NBC4 Los Angeles: Azusa accuses LA Metro of dumping passengers in city, leading to uptick in crime
- LA Metro: Go Metro to Grand Avenue Arts All Access and the best fall events in Los Angeles: October 23-25
- Los Angeles Daily News: LA Metro renames train station for Biddy Mason, aligning with new name for Pershing Square
- Patch: Metro Backs Plan To Relocate Commerce Metrolink Station To Pico Rivera
- Mass Transit: L.A. Metro breaks ground on East San Fernando Valley LRT project
- Bus-News: Los Angeles: Construction Begins on Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Project
- MyNewsLA.com: LA Metro OKs Effort to Relocate Commerce Metrolink Station to Pico Rivera
- Patch: Metro Renames DTLA Station For Formerly Enslaved LA Pioneer
- Los Angeles Daily News: LA’s Vermont Avenue rapid bus line work begins; Metro vows faster ride times, more passengers
- NBC4 Los Angeles: Why Azusa neighbors are blaming LA Metro for uptick in crime
- MyNewsLA.com: Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont Ave. Rapid Transit Project
- Secret Los Angeles: L.A. Metro officially breaks ground on $4 billion light rail project, bringing local commuter trains back to Van Nuys Boulevard after 70 years
- Patch: Construction Begins On Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project In LA
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Questions readers ask
What is being built on Vermont Avenue?
LA Metro has started construction on the Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project. The agency has promised faster ride times and more passenger capacity along the corridor.
Who is the Downtown station named for?
The station was renamed in honor of Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved Los Angeles pioneer. The renaming aligns with a new name for Pershing Square.
Where could the Commerce Metrolink station move?
LA Metro backed a proposal to relocate the existing station to Pico Rivera.
What events can riders reach this weekend?
LA Metro said passengers can take its system to Grand Avenue Arts All Access and other fall events in Los Angeles from October 23-25.
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Camila Reyes
City reporterCamila covers Los Angeles city hall, housing and transport.
