The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners Thursday approved the final configuration of the East San Fernando Valley Corridor project, the first rail line to service the area since the 1950s.

Metro officials said this is the first planned rail line in the San Fernando Valley since the demise of the red cars in 1952.

The project will connect the Van Nuys Metro station with the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station, servicing commercial corridors and densely populated residential areas in the Valley, Metro officials stated.

“For far too long, the Valley was neglected by transportation planners who have seen us as the center of car culture,” Krekorian said. “But the Valley needs more transit, the Valley wants more transit and the Valley will support more transit.

“This project will be a huge step forward for the residents and small businesses of the East Valley, who have longed for the return of light rail transit for well over a half century.”

The Metro board voted to ensure the project will be constructed soon, and the board will compete for additional state and federal funding for it.

The $2.2 billion line is expected to begin “major construction” in 2022 and begin operations in 2028, Metro stated.

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