Los Angeles Pushing To Become Nation's Mass Transit Leader
source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/31/los-angeles-pushing-to-be_n_666261.html
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- TimALoftis
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If successful, the novel plan to borrow billions from the federal government, led by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, would result in the largest transit expansion project in the nation.
Los Angeles County voters agreed two years ago to pay a half-cent sales tax over the next 30 years to extend train and rapid bus lines, projects that would routinely require federal assistance.
But the mayor, who sits on a county transportation board, wants a loan instead of Washington handouts to get the projects built in a decade rather than 30 years. He contends it would save money in the long run, result in more construction jobs and less traffic and pollution.
If the approach works, it could set a precedent for cities and states across the country considering major rail and road improvements.
"We can't wait because traffic is unbelievable and the environmental problem is too severe," said Denny Zane, who is building a coalition of business, labor and environmental groups pushing for the plan. "The need for jobs and economic development is also very severe."
In the first half of the 20th century the Los Angeles region boasted an extensive system of streetcars and high-speed electric railways including the famed Red Cars. After World War II, Southern California began abandoning those systems in favor of personal automobiles and freeways, leaving mass transit to buses.
Now, with gridlock commonplace, the focus is back on high-capacity transit systems – light rail, interurban heavy rail, dedicated busways – to catch up with the transportation demands of millions of people.
But with federal and state transportation funds dwindling due to a reduction in gas tax revenue, experts say the time is right to test innovative ideas in transportation financing.
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estee_arie
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they pushed it here in phoenix and are contiuously expanding the light rail now - i voted against it - i wanted more freeway budget - i lost - but now a few years later - i know people that use the lightrail all the time on the weekend and say is is quite a good time on the train on the weekends here in downtown phoenix. so maybe i was wrong....dammitt.
- 1 year ago
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estee_arie
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EthicalVegan
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I find it so difficult to feel optimistic. After all, Los Angeles had her chance decades ago, before the auto manufacturers took away what was good about mass transportation.
Growing up in New Jersey, I always hugely appreciated New York City's system. I just think it may be too late for L.A. to go so far as to become the LEADER of mass transportation.
Needless to say, though, I'll keep hoping... sigh.
Thanks for submitting this, Tim!
- 1 year ago
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EthicalVegan
