LOS ANGELES, CA – Today Councilmember Bob Blumenfield launched ‘Warner Connects,’ a new Transportation Management Organization (TMO) focused on encouraging the use of sustainable or alternative transportation such as walking, biking, public transit and carpooling. Blumenfield was joined by transit advocates, to educate commuters and community members about local transportation options in Warner Center. By reducing traffic and encouraging transportation alternatives, Warner Connects aims to create a fun and active atmosphere for the entire Warner Center community. A community envisioned as a live, work, play transit-friendly neighborhood under the Warner Center 2035 Plan.

“My vision is for Warner Center is to be greenest and most welcoming destination in all of Los Angeles,” Blumenfield said. “Warner Connects will help us reduce traffic and carbon emissions while improving residents’ and local employees’ quality of life.”

A TMO traditionally brings together community stakeholders to raise awareness of transportation options outside of traditional cars. Warner Connects is specifically a public-private partnership comprised of Blumenfield, local businesses, residents, LA City Planning, Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and LA Metro. This TMO will also leverage its unique position to assist local businesses to comply with air quality and trip reduction regulations and to advocate for regional mobility improvements.

"The road to success is paved with partnerships like this one that will give safe, reliable travel choices to the West San Fernando Valley," said LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds.  "Warner Connects is a trusted guide who can connect people to the best choice for each trip."

Executive Director of Warner Connects Julia Wean says, “Our goal is to connect people to the services and resources they need to better navigate to, from and around Warner Center.”

Warner Center has become the thriving downtown for the West San Fernando Valley and is home to about 14,000 Angelenos as well as thriving businesses like Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente and Westfield, creating over 50,000 of jobs.

This TMO is the latest in Blumenfield’s efforts to encourage cleaner, greener transportation options in the traditionally auto-centric San Fernando Valley. In June, Blumenfield helped launch the new Metro Warner Center Shuttle and joined in its inaugural ride. Replacing the single Orange Line Stop at Warner Center Station, this new line connects riders to 10 new stops including Westfield Topanga & the Village, Warner Center Corporate Park, Kaiser Permanente and others. It serves as a local circulator to make it easier for local residents and workers to get around without using their cars.

Blumenfield stated, “The Warner Center is a major destination in our Valley for businesses and families and it is one of my top priorities to make transportation faster, safer, and greener.”

Community members can learn more at www.warnerconnects.org.

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