On August 13, WTS-LA hosted a dynamic forum at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles spotlighting the transformative transportation initiatives shaping Southern California’s mobility future. The event, sponsored by WTS-LA Platinum Corporate Partner Arcadis, brought together leading voices from LA Metro, LADOT, and the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority to discuss legacy projects that are redefining how Angelenos move through the region.

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Building Legacy Through Innovation

The panel, moderated by Lydia La Point of Arcadis, featured Martha Butler (LA Metro), Lisa Levy Buch (Foothill Gold Line, part of the Metro A Line system), and Jesus Serrano (LADOT), who shared insights on three cornerstone projects: the Vermont Transit Corridor, the Foothill Gold Line extension, and the Dodgers Stadium Multi-Modal Study.

Vermont Transit Corridor BRT is poised to become LA’s first Bus Rapid Transit system in a public right-of-way. Martha Butler emphasized its role as a cost-effective, high-impact alternative to light rail, delivering faster travel times and improved station access while building ridership toward future rail conversion.

Foothill Gold Line Extension, opening September 19, is transforming a former freight corridor into vibrant, transit-oriented communities. Lisa Levy Buch highlighted the corridor’s economic ripple effects—from construction jobs to housing development—and its potential to shift thousands of students and residents out of cars and onto rail.

Dodgers Stadium Multi-Modal Study is LADOT’s response to the city’s evolving mobility goals ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Jesus Serrano outlined plans for walkability improvements, mobility hubs, and network gap closures, all aimed at supporting a transit-first Olympic experience.

Community Engagement as a Cornerstone

Panelists underscored the importance of community-driven planning. LA Metro’s partnership with over 40 community-based and faith organizations helped shape the Vermont Transit Corridor into a project that reflects local priorities. LADOT’s advisory boards and mitigation plans ensure technical improvements are grounded in neighborhood needs. The Foothill Gold Line team’s long-term outreach strategy has built trust and momentum across corridor cities.

Looking Ahead: Near-Term Wins, Long-Term Vision

From bus-only lanes to strategic corridor planning, agencies are focused on delivering quick wins that pave the way for lasting impact. Whether it’s LADOT’s Olympic readiness strategy or Metro’s incremental BRT improvements, the message was clear: legacy is built one milestone at a time.

As Southern California prepares for the global spotlight of the 2028 Olympics, these projects exemplify how thoughtful planning, community engagement, and visionary leadership can create a more connected, equitable, and sustainable future.

See more photos of the program HERE.