Los Angeles is undertaking a significant transit overhaul of the Vermont Avenue corridor, one of the city's busiest bus routes, with a total project cost of approximately $339.1 million. The Federal Transit Administration has awarded $149.9 million through its Capital Investment Grant Small Starts Program, with additional funding secured through Measure M, a half-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles County voters.
The Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will enhance 12.4 miles of the avenue, extending from Sunset Boulevard to 120th Street. Planned improvements include dedicated bus lanes, upgraded stations, and all-door boarding to expedite passenger movement. Metro expects construction to commence in late 2026 or early 2027, with the system slated for service by the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Vermont Avenue currently serves around 36,000 transit trips daily. Metro projects that the BRT system could increase ridership to approximately 66,000 daily passengers, attracting over 12,000 new riders. Travel times are also anticipated to decrease, with current 70-minute trips expected to be reduced to about 53 minutes.
The overhaul encompasses 26 stations for both northbound and southbound buses. Station upgrades will feature improved platforms, canopies, shelters, seating, lighting, and real-time arrival information, alongside pedestrian enhancements at intersections. The corridor will integrate with several Metro rail lines, including the B and D Lines, the E Line, and the C Line, as well as numerous east-west bus routes. Key landmarks and institutions along the route include Los Angeles City College, Exposition Park, USC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Metro has already initiated preliminary work on Vermont Avenue, which includes underground utility exploration in preparation for the main construction phase.