Metro Board to Vote on $7-9 Billion Southeast Gateway Light Rail Line

The Metro board is set to vote next Thursday on the final environmental impact report for the Southeast Gateway Line, a light rail project that will serve predominantly Latino cities in Southeast Los Angeles County. The planned line will stretch from Artesia to the Slauson Avenue station of the A Line (formerly the Blue Line), and eventually reach downtown L.A. by 2035.

The project, previously known as the West Santa Ana Branch, has been renamed the Southeast Gateway Line to reflect the "Gateway Cities" it will serve, such as Vernon, Huntington Park, Bell, Cudahy, and South Gate. These cities have long endured poor air quality due to nearby freeways, heavy industry, and truck traffic. Many residents are essential workers who rely on public transit.

Why this matters: The Southeast Gateway Line aims to address transportation disparities and provide direct access to downtown L.A. for residents of underserved communities. The project represents a significant investment in public transit infrastructure for the region.

If approved, the initial stretch of the line is estimated to cost between $7 billion and $9 billion, including funding from Measure M. The project will then move forward with design and engineering work.

Metro board member and L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "This light rail line is going to serve communities that have been historically underserved by our transit system. Folks in Southeast L.A. County need and deserve a reliable way to get around and this project is going to make a big difference in people's lives."

Key Takeaways

• Metro board to vote on Southeast Gateway Line, a light rail project in SE LA.
• The line will serve predominantly Latino cities, addressing transportation disparities.
• The project aims to provide direct access to downtown LA for underserved communities.
• The initial stretch is estimated to cost $7-9 billion, including Measure M funding.
• Metro board member Janice Hahn emphasizes the project's importance for SE LA residents.