Improving the “First-Last Mile”

In October, the KPA team partnered with KOA on walk audits for the Lambert Road Metro Rail Station First-Last Mile Plan. Los Angeles County, with support from Supervisorial District 4 and the City of Whittier, is working on a project to improve accessibility around the future Lambert Road Metro Rail Station where a proposed light rail from East Los Angeles will eventually end.

Based on community opinions and engineering analysis, the plan will identify needed improvements within a 1⁄2-mile walking radius and a 3-mile biking radius from the proposed Lambert Station. This helps cover what’s known as the “first-last mile,” which is an individual’s entire trip from origin (such as their home) to destination (such as work or school).

The walk audits allowed community members to weigh in with their concerns and suggestions by walking with the project team in the proposed project area. Nearly 30 people attended the two walk audits and shared valuable input – such as which streets needed improved sidewalks and crosswalks – to shape the plan moving forward.