FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions & Answers
What are Alternatives 4 & 5?
Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners (STCP) is proposing two heavy rail options:
- Alternative 4: A mix of underground and aboveground sections.
- Alternative 5: Almost entirely underground, except for a short aboveground section near the Van Nuys Station.
Both alternatives include 8 strategically located stations, including one at UCLA, and provide a 20-minute ride from the Valley to the Westside.
What is heavy rail transit (HRT)?
Heavy rail transit runs on dual tracks and is the backbone of high-capacity metro systems in the U.S. and worldwide. It is already in use by Metro on the Metro Red Line (B Line).
STCP’s proposed heavy rail alternatives are built to last for over a century with regular maintenance and upgrades. Because they run mostly or entirely underground, and provide a
fast, reliable
transit option for Angelenos.
What are some benefits of Alternatives 4 & 5?
- Travel Times and Speed: With trains reaching up to 70 mph and arriving as frequently as every 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes at peak operations, travel times will be the fastest in LA history:
- Valley to Westside – 20 minutes
- Van Nuys to Expo Line – 20 minutes
- Westwood Blvd. to Ventura Blvd. – 6.5 minutes
- Wilshire/Westwood to Santa Monica Blvd – under 1.5 minutes
- 8 Convenient Stations: Alternatives 4 and 5 include eight stations strategically placed for easy access, allowing riders to park and board the train in just a few minutes. They are designed to accommodate high ridership numbers in each area.
- Reduce Nearby Congestion: Stations along the route offer quick connections to the D, E, and G Lines—giving commuters faster and more flexible ways to get where they need to go, which will help alleviate nearby traffic congestion.
- Designed to Minimize Disruption: Alternatives 4 and 5’s tunnel design and construction approach are intended to protect against aboveground disruption. The stations feature a compact footprint to reduce construction impact and limit environmental impact.
- More Connectivity and Travel Options: Seamless connections to Metro’s D, E, and G Lines, plus Amtrak and Metrolink, will offer passengers easy transfers to existing public transportation.
- Built for the Future: Alternatives 4 & 5 will deploy state-of-the-art technology, including driverless trains that will enhance safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility.
- STCP brings decades of collective experience building and operating some of the most innovative rail systems around the globe — from the U.S., London, Paris to Western Sydney and Riyadh.
What is the expected ridership of Alternatives 4 & 5?
The following charts, developed by Metro, show ridership numbers for various alternatives. Both Alternatives 4 & 5, indicated with the red asterisk, accommodate the highest ridership numbers at peak.

What are the travel times between stations for Alternatives 4 & 5, and how often will the trains arrive?
The entire end-to-end journey is completed in just 20 minutes. Trains will arrive at each platform as frequently as every 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes at peak operations. Travel times to know:
- Valley to Westside – 20 minutes
- Van Nuys to Expo Line – 20 minutes
- Westwood Blvd. to Ventura Blvd. – 6.5 minutes
- Wilshire/Westwood to Santa Monica Blvd – under 1.5 minutes
Please see the graphic below for time between stations

Where are your stations located and why?
Alternatives 4 & 5 both propose a total of 8 stations, strategically located in high-demand areas to maximize ridership and convenience. Learn more about each station here. Alternative 5 includes 8 stations, 7 of which are underground, while Alternative 4 also features 8 stations, with 4 underground.
The UCLA station is a key stop, expected to be Metro’s busiest non-transfer station. It will serve students from across the Valley, as well as thousands of employees and visitors to UCLA’s medical facility, one of the region’s largest business hubs.
All stations are designed with a compact footprint to reduce short-term disruptions from construction and environmental impact.
Seamless connections to Metro’s D, E, and G Lines, plus Amtrak and Metrolink, will offer passengers easy transfers to existing public transportation. We’re committed to getting you where you need to go — safely, efficiently, and on time. From expanding transit in Van Nuys to improving access along Sepulveda and connecting Angelenos to jobs, schools, and entertainment, we’re building a more accessible LA.
How many tunnels will be built for Alternatives 4 & 5?
Both Alternatives 4 & 5 feature a single-bore tunnel that extends from the Westside through the Santa Monica Mountains. The tunnel will carry trains in both directions. For Alternative 5, the tunnel continues under Sepulveda Blvd., while Alternative 4 transitions to an aboveground structure south of the Ventura station.
The tunnel design and construction minimize aboveground disruption. An innovative ventilation system controls airflow inside the tunnel, removing the need for intermediate ventilation structures at the surface of the Santa Monica Mountains segment. This system also provides increased safety in the event of an emergency.
Single-bore tunnels are used in several metro systems worldwide, including the Paris Metro (Line 14), Tokyo Metro (Hibiya Line), and others.
Will I hear or feel trains running through the proposed tunnel?
Alternatives 4 & 5 will be deep enough underground that you will not feel or hear the trains. STCP brings proven expertise in tunneling and underground rail, including the recently completed Regional Connector (adjacent to the Disney Concert Hall) and the D (Purple) Line beneath Wilshire Blvd. STCP’s experience also includes the Elizabeth Line in London, which spans 40 miles of track beneath the city’s core.
Metro trains currently operate beneath a wide range of structures — single-family and multi-family homes, commercial and retail buildings, parks, schools, performance venues, and religious institutions — without generating noise or vibration complaints. Metro’s tunnels run adjacent to hospitals and commercial recording studios, both with highly sensitive equipment, which continue to operate without disruption. Additionally, property owners have successfully built projects above Metro tunnels and stations.
Are there environmental benefits of this project?
STCP is committed to building responsibly and sustainably, using technology that minimizes our carbon footprint. With favorable ridership numbers and efficiency, the rail line will reduce air pollution by encouraging people to choose public transit over driving. All 8 stations are also designed with a compact footprint to reduce environmental impact.
Will housing be impacted because of the line’s construction?
Yes, some housing will be affected during construction. However, STCP is committed to minimizing impacts by working closely with the community and Metro’s Real Estate Department to explore solutions. Our goal is to build this project while being as considerate as possible to residents and businesses.
What safety measures are in place?
- Platform Screen Doors: Designed to prevent track intrusions and accidents, enhancing station safety.
- Secure Access: Ticket-controlled entry, with staff patrols and surveillance ensuring a safe environment.
- 24/7 Monitoring: A dedicated control center oversees operations, and underground stations are secured at night to prevent unauthorized access.
Will STCP hire local workers?
Yes, the project is anticipated to create thousands of new jobs. We’ve already partnered with 27 local businesses from across the area, each bringing specialized expertise and a commitment to the craft. These local businesses are central to the success of this project, contributing local talent and knowledge that are key to its execution. As the project progresses, we aim to grow this network even further, ensuring that the diversity and professionalism we bring continue to reflect the communities we are working alongside.
What kinds of jobs will this project bring to the surrounding communities?
This project will generate high-quality, skilled construction and labor opportunities, benefiting local workers, businesses, and the broader economy. We will also work collaboratively with local unions. From early site preparation to final system installation, it will require a diverse workforce, including specialized trades and infrastructure experts. By partnering with local businesses and unions, we will develop and strengthen workforce skills, creating lasting career pathways that extend beyond this project.
Job opportunities may include:
- Land and site preparation
- Tunneling
- Aerial structure construction
- Underground station construction
- Operations and maintenance facilities construction
- Street, sidewalk, and landscape construction
- Worker and general population safety support
- Railroad and systems construction
What is the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), and why is it necessary?
The DEIR is a detailed report to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with a project including identifying and assessing ways to mitigate potentially significant environmental impacts. The process is necessary to ensure that the project is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, also known as CEQA.
Where can I learn more about the project?
You can communicate with our team by clicking the “Stay in Touch” button on the upper-right corner of this page. Metro’s official project page (www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor) includes the agency’s contact information and an online comment form. All communications about the DEIR should be directed to Metro, not to STCP.
What opportunities are there for public input?
For official information regarding the Project, please visit Metro’s project website: www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor. Only comments made to Metro will become part of the official administrative record for the Project.
STCP is committed to transparency and responsive planning that reflects community needs. We actively seek public input to ensure this project serves residents effectively.
- Community Meetings: STCP has been hosting open house meetings, in addition to those hosted by Metro, to inform, educate, and engage the public, answer questions, and gather feedback.
- Ongoing Updates: Stay informed by clicking “Stay in Touch.” Share your contact information, and we will keep you updated on project developments and future opportunities to provide input.
Additionally, Metro received input from nearly 3,100 individuals, organizations, and institutions during its “scoping period” for STCP, which you can read about here: Scoping Summary Report.
Metro also conducted three community open houses in Van Nuys and Westwood; you can read their feedback on comments received at these meetings here. In addition, Metro commissioned a public opinion survey regarding the project and reported on its findings here.
Where can I find Metro's project page?
For more information, please visit www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor.