Metro board approves 'modified Alternative 5' to link East San Fernando Valley and West Side

The Metro board has approved a modified Alternative 5 alignment intended to connect the East San Fernando Valley to Los Angeles’ West Side, officials said at a council‑hosted presentation. Supporters described the decision as the culmination of years of study and said it will provide a new transit option beyond congested freeway corridors.

"After many years of research, we're finally moving forward with a plan that's going to connect the West Side to the San Fernando Valley," a Metro representative said (Unidentified Speaker 6). The speaker said the alignment reaches Van Nuys, borders Panorama City, and will improve access for UCLA students and other West Side destinations.

Students and other public commenters told the council the new line would be an important alternative to long, congested freeway commutes. "I am a low income commuter student...it would make higher education more accessible if there is a line that could pass rail lines," a UCLA student said during public comment (Public Comment Speaker 28).

The presentation did not include final construction schedules or a project cost breakdown in the meeting record; speakers emphasized ongoing community outreach and coordination with regional agencies. Proponents said the line will address longstanding resource disparities between the San Fernando Valley and other parts of the region.

Officials urged continued public engagement and contact with elected officials to help shape service patterns and local hiring strategies, but no formal Metro funding appropriation or final environmental clearance was recorded in the city's meeting transcript.