Mayor Bass Breaks Ground on Vermont Bus Rapid Transit Corridor

Mayor Karen Bass broke ground on the Vermont Bus Rapid Transit Corridor in South Los Angeles on October 21, 2026. The 12.4-mile project will establish dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority, and off-board fare payment on the county's busiest bus line, which serves over 38,000 weekday riders. The initiative aims to reduce end-to-end travel times by up to 24% for an estimated 66,200 daily riders and includes 26 enhanced stations with ADA-compliant ramps and weather shelters.

Funded by a $149.9 million Federal Transit Administration grant, state funds, and Measure M sales tax revenue, the project is expected to support 4,800 construction jobs and 260 permanent positions. Metro officials noted that passengers will benefit from improvements in sections as they are completed. Along with the transit launch, Bass announced a relief plan for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers struggling with high bills following severe heat waves, requesting a pause on residential utility shutoffs through the end of the year.

Additionally, Bass and Rick Caruso, Founder and Chairman of Steadfast LA, announced progress on Executive Directive 19. This directive seeks to streamline construction in Los Angeles through a new utility service delivery program.