Padilla, Schiff Announce Nearly $150 Million in Federal Funding for LA Metro Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement that it is providing nearly $150 million in federal funds for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project . The federal funding, which Padilla and Schiff have championed, was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is the maximum amount permitted under the Capital Investment Grant’s Small Starts Program. The Vermont Avenue BRT Project will include 12.4 miles of all-day dedicated side-running bus lanes. The project will also provide 26 enhanced bus stations along the route with upgraded lighting to improve public safety, as well as installing safety-focused crosswalks. The Vermont Avenue BRT Project is a key component of LA Metro’s transportation plan for the 2028 Olympics and is expected to significantly reduce travel time on major transit corridors across Metro’s service area during the games. “Our local public transit systems are the backbone of economy, connecting people to jobs, schools, essential services, and opportunities in their communities,” said Senator Padilla . “As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we must ensure Angelenos and visitors alike can rely on safe, accessible, and high-quality public transportation. With the Games now less than two years away, this funding is an important down payment, and we look forward to working with DOT and the Administration to secure the remaining federal transportation investment essential to making the Games a success.” “I am proud to work with Senator Padilla, our Congressional partners, and local leaders in securing these important federal dollars that will help deliver safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for thousands of Angelenos ahead of the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Senator Schiff . “This investment will support local economic growth, upgrade bus stations along the route, reduce travel time, and connect thousands of people along one of Los Angeles County’s busiest bus routes.” “I am grateful to U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and to our LA County Congressional Delegation, for their strong and effective advocacy for the Vermont Avenue BRT Project,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins . “This Congressional support will benefit hundreds of thousands of Angelenos, as this project will, in the near future, be the highest ridership bus rapid transit project in the United States. The support of the Federal Transit Administration and our U.S. Senators and House delegation also means that this project will play a key role with respect to our mobility plans for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Metro very much looks forward to building this project that will improve the quality of life for so many LA County residents.” Senator Padilla has been a strong advocate for critical funding for transit access across California. Earlier this month, Padilla and Schiff joined their Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded by the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, including its continued lack of action on the next phase of Metro’s Southeast Gateway line, which is critical to strengthening and expanding transit infrastructure in Los Angeles. In April, Padilla announced that the Los Angeles metro area would receive nearly $90 million for transit costs associated with hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. In 2024, Padilla announced new federal transportation infrastructure investments for the LA region and nearly $900 million in federal investments in LA Metro to improve mobility and upgrade transportation infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. ###