The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) released new information on the highly anticipated Sepulveda Transit Corridor, shedding light on projected travel times, ridership estimates, and cost ranges for the transformative rail project. 

The update, shared during the first of five community meetings, provides a clearer picture of how the project could reshape one of Southern California’s most congested travel corridors.

A High-Capacity Alternative to the I-405

If constructed, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor would offer a fast and reliable rail connection from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside and beyond, providing much-needed relief from traffic on the notoriously congested I-405 freeway. 

Current proposals estimate travel times between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and the Metro E Line (Expo Line) would range from 18 to 33 minutes, depending on the alternative selected. Commutes to Century City would take 25 to 36 minutes, while trips to Santa Monica would take between 32 and 50 minutes.

By comparison, those same trips by personal vehicle during peak hours can take more than twice as long. 

Metro estimates that over 400,000 people cross the Sepulveda Pass daily, with the average Valley commuter losing nearly 59 hours per year in traffic delays on the southbound I-405 alone.

Projected Ridership and Environmental Benefits

Ridership for the proposed rail corridor is expected to be substantial, with projections ranging from 63,000 to 124,000 daily boardings, depending on the selected route and technology. This would mark a dramatic increase from current transit usage through the Sepulveda Corridor, which is presently just 2% of total trips, served only by bus service.

In addition to reducing traffic congestion, Metro emphasizes the project’s potential to improve air quality, public health, and traffic safety, while enhancing regional economic productivity. These broader societal benefits are key components of Metro’s project objectives.

Estimated capital costs for the project fall between $15.4 billion and $24.4 billion, with annual operations and maintenance expenses projected between $130 million and $157 million. These figures are based on a 15% design level and are expected to be refined as the project advances through further engineering and environmental review.

What’s Next

Metro is preparing to release a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), which will provide an in-depth analysis of the five alternatives under consideration. The alternatives vary in alignment, station locations, connection to UCLA, and technology type, including potential differences between heavy rail and monorail options.

Once the DEIR is published, Metro will begin its official public comment period, inviting stakeholders and the broader community to weigh in on the project’s environmental impacts and priorities. 

A final decision on the preferred alternative will consider the DEIR findings, public feedback, technical data, and considerations such as cost-effectiveness, expected ridership, and long-term regional goals.

The Sepulveda Transit Corridor is one of Metro’s most ambitious undertakings and is viewed as a linchpin project in the agency’s long-range transportation plan, the agency said. Metro will host additional community meetings to ensure continued transparency and public engagement as the corridor continues to develop.