WATCH: Rep. Gomez Announces $149.9 Million in Federal Funding for LA’s Busiest Bus Corridor in House Floor Speech

Following Gomez’s advocacy, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awards grant for the Vermont Avenue BRT project, expected to become the nation’s highest-ridership bus rapid transit line: estimated to serve over 66,000 daily rider and 26 stations

Washington, September 1, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) announced $149.9 million in new federal funding for Metro’s Vermont Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, a major investment to deliver faster, more reliable service along Los Angeles County’s busiest bus corridor. 

Gomez, who advocated for the project alongside members of the Los Angeles congressional delegation, announced the funding during remarks on the House floor Tuesday. 

“For too many Angelenos, a bus ride to work, school, or home takes far too long. Today, we’re changing that,” said Rep. Gomez. “With this federal funding, Angelenos will soon have a transit option that gets them where they need to go faster, safer, and on-time. This federal investment, which is the maximum federal contribution allowed, is a major step toward a more connected, affordable, and livable LA.” 

The 12.4-mile Vermont Avenue BRT project will create dedicated bus lanes and 26 enhanced stations along the Vermont Avenue corridor. Once fully operational, Metro projects the line will serve more than 66,200 riders every day, making it the highest-ridership Bus Rapid Transit line in the United States. 

The project is also expected to: 

  • Cut travel times by 24 percent 

  • Support more than 1,000 jobs during each year of construction 

  • Connect riders to Metro’s B, C, D, and E rail lines and other major bus routes 

  • Improve access to jobs, schools, health care, and other destinations throughout Los Angeles. 

The $149.9 million award represents the maximum federal contribution permitted under the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant Small Starts Program and matches Metro’s full federal funding request. 

Metro intends to complete the project ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when millions of visitors are expected to travel throughout Los Angeles. 

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