October 30: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

Written by Kenn Bicknell

2009: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announces that he is building a coalition to support the acceleration of the transit projects included in Measure R over 30 years into 10 years.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (R) with Metro Chief Executive Officer Roger Snoble on March 26, 2009. Click for more information

The “30/10” program would leverage the $20 billion approved by voters in the Measure R half-cent Countywide sales tax for 12 transit projects to expedite construction and the job, health, and environmental benefits the projects will bring.

More information can be found in the October 30, 2009 post on Metro’s The Source.

2012: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announces that it has issued more than 20,000 FasTrak transponders in advance of the November 10, 2012 debut of Metro ExpressLanes on the 110 Harbor Freeway. More information can be found in the October 30, 2012 Metro Press Release.

2014: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announces completion of the $3.6 million restoration phase for the historic Lankershim Depot near the Metro Orange and Red Lines in North Hollywood.

The 1896 depot, historically known as Toluca Southern Pacific Train Depot, undergoes one year of restoration including a new foundation, roof, electric and plumbing systems, platforms, signage and seismic upgrades. The initial restoration process began in 2010 with the removal of contaminated soils, roofing, and lead-based paint throughout the structure, along with the stabilization of the historic exterior woodwork.