A new bus rapid transit system, dubbed “light rail on wheels,” is set to reduce commute times by as much as 17 minutes along one of the county’s busiest routes, stretching from Los Feliz to South Los Angeles.
Pre-construction efforts for the Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) are expected to kick off shortly, as noted by LA Metro.
This project aims to establish a dedicated 12-mile bus lane from Sunset Boulevard to 120th Street, modifying existing roadways for BRT-exclusive lanes.
These dedicated lanes will run adjacent to parking areas, ensuring minimal disruption to commercial parking in the vicinity.
The BRT system is designed to enable buses to navigate corridors more swiftly and reliably, with features like “traffic signal priority.”
Per the announcement, crews will begin operations on Monday, May 11, to pinpoint underground utilities by digging small, controlled holes to locate and confirm the existence of pipes and cables prior to major excavation.
Officials believe that once the Vermont Corridor is completed, the current end-to-end commute, which is utilized approximately 36,000 times daily, will drop from 70 minutes to just 53 minutes.
The announcement also highlights that when construction starts later this year, commuters should prepare for some temporary road closures, including reduced daytime traffic on Vermont Avenue in both directions, as well as limited sidewalk access and potential parking bans.
When finished, the new BRT line will function similarly to light rail, featuring “enhanced stations” that offer shelter, seating, lighting, and real-time arrival updates.
As per the Federal Transportation Administration, this project plays a pivotal role in the city’s vision for a cohesive transit system ahead of the 2028 Olympics, linking many significant destinations such as the University of Southern California, museums, and sports venues.
The initiative to enhance the Vermont Avenue line originated back in 2016 when Los Angeles voters approved funding for the effort.
Completion is anticipated by 2028, with possibilities for future upgrades into light rail or subway systems.
This development marks the beginning of a broader initiative to enhance the city’s transportation network in preparation for the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, with a grand celebration planned for May 8 at 12:30 PM, coinciding with the public opening of the first segment of the Los Angeles Metro D Line Extension.
This nearly four-mile subway extension will introduce three new stations along Wilshire Boulevard, allowing passengers to travel from Koreatown to Beverly Hills in about 21 minutes from Union Station.
The upcoming opening has already sparked excitement online, driven by Metro’s “Ride the D” T-shirt campaign, transforming the long-awaited train launch into a social media sensation early this year.
Further comments have been requested from L.A. Metro.
