City Council To Review Transit Accessibility Improvements for First Last Mile Plan
The West Hollywood City Council is set to receive an update on the Rail Integration Study and consider adopting the First Last Mile (FLM) Early Assessment Plan, a key step in enhancing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accessibility ahead of Metro’s planned Northern Extension of the K Line.
In October 2020, the City Council directed staff to conduct a Rail Integration Study (RIS) in preparation for future rail service. As part of this effort, the FLM Plan was developed to evaluate existing conditions and identify improvements around the three proposed Metro K Line stations within West Hollywood.
The plan includes recommendations to enhance connectivity, safety, and comfort for transit users based on technical walk audits conducted in winter 2022, virtual community outreach in winter 2023, and feedback from city commissions, advisory boards, and stakeholder groups.
San Vicente/Santa Monica Station
- Challenges include steep inclines to Sunset Boulevard and limited direct pathways due to the Metro Division 7 Bus Yard and Pacific Design Center.
- Pedestrian improvements, such as wider sidewalks and increased shade, are recommended for San Vicente Boulevard.
- The station’s location makes it a prime candidate for a Metro Bike Hub, offering bike parking, repair services, and rentals.
- Potential for transit-oriented development and affordable housing exists, given the adjacent Metro and Los Angeles County property.
Fairfax/Santa Monica Station
- Santa Monica Boulevard is pedestrian-friendly, but Fairfax Avenue faces obstructions that reduce sidewalk width.
- Enhancements to pedestrian lighting and traffic calming measures on Crescent Heights Boulevard are recommended.
- Existing buffered bike lanes on Fairfax Avenue could be upgraded to protected bike lanes, pending further analysis.
La Brea/Santa Monica Station
- Santa Monica Boulevard serves as a well-designed “main street,” though accessibility improvements could maximize rail service benefits.
- Increased pedestrian traffic is anticipated due to changing land uses along La Brea Avenue.
- The plan suggests implementing a scramble crosswalk at La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard to improve pedestrian safety and accommodate increased foot traffic.
This plan supports advocacy for the San Vicente-Fairfax route, which would provide greater service coverage within West Hollywood. The city’s proactive approach aims to ensure readiness for regional, state, and federal funding opportunities, many of which require inclusion in a formal FLM plan.
Some pedestrian and bicycle improvements outlined in the plan could be incorporated into broader city infrastructure projects, independent of the final Metro route selection. While certain recommendations are straightforward and could be implemented with minimal additional analysis, others—such as major infrastructure changes—will require further feasibility studies and community engagement before moving forward.
Metro is expected to finalize the locally preferred alternative (LPA) for the K Line extension in spring 2025. West Hollywood could receive one or three stations depending on the selected route. By adopting the FLM Early Assessment Plan in advance, the city aims to demonstrate a commitment to collaborating with Metro to enhance connectivity and accessibility, ultimately influencing Metro’s decision-making process.
