Transit watcher Nick Andert has a new video out today. Its the third and final in the current series, following on earlier features about Metro's transit build-out and Metro proposals for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor. The new video focuses on what Metro transit projects appear most likely to receive federal and/or state monies, and how the funding picture is likely to impact the schedule for building-out the system. The video mostly focused on more expensive rail projects, but also notes schedule for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
In his usual wonky yet fast-moving and entertaining style, Andert breaks down possible state and federal monies. California has a $75+ million surplus, with some funding expected to be programmed to L.A. transit. The just-Senate-approved, but still being reconciled, federal infrastructure bill also has significant transit and intercity rail funding. Various Metro transit projects are eligible for various pots of money.
Current California and federal funding for transit/rail - via Andert video
Note that, as Andert points out, to be eligible for federal monies, projects need federal environmental clearance (under 'NEPA' - the National Environmental Protection Act.) Some transit projects, intended to be paid for using just local and state dollars, have saved time and money by omitting NEPA reviews, but now have essentially no chance for federal funding. These projects - which include the Foothill Gold Line extension to Montclair, the C (Green) Line extension to Torrance, and Eastside Gold Line extension - would likely need to be focus on state funding to make up for shortfalls beyond voter-approved Measure M and R budget amounts.
Yes, even summarizing Andert's points gets wonky.
Chart of southern California transit projects and their eligibility for and likelihood of securing various funding - via Andert video
Transit ridership and freeway funding are up. $14 million for MicroTransit was postponed. South Bay C Line extension draws both controversy and support. Law enforcement, Taylor Swift, bus lanes, and more!