Senate subcommittee hears plans to shore up Los Angeles rail corridor; officials stress ridership growth and funding needs

The California State Senate Transportation Subcommittee on Los Angeles Rail Corridor Resiliency held a hybrid hearing focused on strengthening service, increasing ridership and financing capital work along the Los Angeles rail corridor, lawmakers and agency officials said. Panelists from Metrolink, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described short- and long-term projects, climate-driven threats near the coast and the need for sustained state and federal funding.

The panelists told senators they are pursuing a mix of schedule changes, station and track projects, and targeted fare initiatives to attract “choice” riders while also shoring up coastal segments threatened by bluff erosion and sea-level rise. Senator Blake Spear, the subcommittee chair, said she has sponsored bills to require resiliency planning and to direct the state transportation agency to submit corridor improvement plans to the Legislature. She said the corridor is vital ahead of major events and for meeting the state’s climate goals.

Metrolink Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler described a recent service redesign intended to flatten peak/valley schedules and add midday and…