Mayor Bass Breaks Ground on $414 Million Metro Projects, Bringing Faster, Safer Bus Service to Vermont Avenue

The Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project will extend from Sunset Boulevard to 120th Street, with 26 enhanced stations, dedicated bus lanes, upgraded shelters, improved lighting, accessible boarding and safer pedestrian crossings. As the busiest bus route in LA County serving more than 38,000 every weekday, the new transit system is expected to save riders up to 17 minutes of travel time.

"A ZIP Code shouldn't shut someone out of opportunities. South LA residents often spend hours traveling to work, school, or the doctor," said Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. "The Vermont Transit Corridor project is changing this by saving working families valuable time, expanding access to employment and education, and ensuring mobility is not limited by income, neighborhood, or vehicle access."

"I am proud to join Mayor Bass for this groundbreaking. Every day, tens of thousands Angelenos ride the bus on Vermont to get to where they need to go, from work and school to cultural institutions to medical appointments. Today, we are taking a significant step toward delivering on faster, more reliable service with welcoming, and comfortable stops for our residents. When riders can count on the bus coming on-time and getting them where they need to go faster, they get time back to spend as they want," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

"This project improvement represents promises kept when the Vermont line and the last red car were retired," said Metro Board Director Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. "For decades, our riders on Vermont Avenue have navigated crowded buses and congested streets to get to work, school, and healthcare. Today, we are delivering real solutions that honor their time and dignity. With shaded shelters, safer crosswalks, protected bike lanes and dedicated bus lanes, this project elevates the everyday transit experience into something faster, safer and truly world-class for everyone who travels Vermont Avenue."

The project is expected to create 4,800 good-paying union jobs during construction, creating opportunities for workers and supporting the local economy. Once operational, the corridor is also projected to support approximately 260 permanent operations and maintenance jobs annually. Metro is working to have the new service operating in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Carrying 11 million riders every year, Vermont Avenue is a vital lifeline for students, workers, parents and seniors across the region," said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. "We approached this project with urgency and listened closely to the community, making critical adjustments as we are cutting travel times, fortifying our bus network and building a world-class transit system ready to move LA."

Since becoming Chair of the Metro Board of Directors, Mayor Bass has prioritized making Metro safer, more affordable and more reliable for every Angeleno.

• On Wednesday, Mayor Bass officially broke ground on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, creating a 6.7-mile rail line along Van Nuys Boulevard - the first rail service in more than 70 years to be built on the corridor.

• Last month, Mayor Bass led the effort by the Metro Board to approve $1 million in additional funding for Open and Slow Streets events, including CicLAvia, that open streets for people to walk, bike, and roll through communities across Los Angeles County. The funding will support additional events through July 2028.