Ivan Sanchez

Ivan Sanchez is a Master of Urban and Regional Planning student concentrating in transportation policy and planning. His work focuses on improving transit access and understanding how freeway and bus networks shape mobility and equity across Los Angeles. He currently supports research at Caltrans District 7 on reimagining freeways for bus rapid transit and high-quality regional access. Previously, he worked with the city of Santa Clarita, where he developed a strong foundation in community-facing planning and development review.

In his free time, Ivan enjoys exploring Greater Los Angeles and participating in faith-based and secular community service.

Project Overview

My project evaluates how freeway corridors in Caltrans District 7 can be adapted for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). I am using the Harbor Transitway and El Monte Busway as primary case studies, while also drawing lessons from national and international systems. The goal is to develop a feasibility framework that helps Caltrans identify and prioritize corridors for future high-capacity bus service.

Why is this topic, specifically, important to you?

Having often commuted from the Antelope Valley to UCLA to save on living costs, I’ve seen firsthand how transportation access impacts access to opportunity. This project is important to me because it explores how to repurpose existing infrastructure to create more equitable and reliable mobility for transit-dependent communities.

Who are the partners involved in this project and how will you be working with them?

I am working closely with my client, Caltrans District 7 feasibility studies manager Ryan Snyder.

How do you hope that this project will impact the field moving forward?

I hope this project helps spark a conversation at Caltrans about retrofitting freeways, providing a foundational framework for expanding high-capacity transit and improving regional mobility.