L.A. Metro reviews private-sector proposals for transit improvements

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has received 82 unsolicited proposals to improve its services.

Of that total, the agency has reviewed 75. Five are still being reviewed, while 22 have advanced to a "more detailed analysis" phase, the agency's blog reported yesterday.

While the proposals run the gamut in terms of proposed transit improvements, the most significant focus area is on delivering major capital projects, including those funded by the Measure M initiative that L.A. County voters approved last year.

"Projects of the size and magnitude seen in Measure M take a long time to develop, but the substantial progress made in the first year gives Metro confidence that unsolicited proposals will improve timelines and outcomes," Metro officials wrote in the blog.

One proposal submitted by Parker Infrastructure Partners called for project funding flexibility at different stages with the goal of improving project delivery.

Seven major proposals for capital projects had enough merit for a more detailed analysis by Metro staff, who work with financial and legal advisers to evaluate the public-private partnerships.

Other proposals included incentives for improving data access and management.