While “Red Cars” had arrived on tracks in Owensmouth, the Van Nuys-Owensmouth Extension was formally completed in July, 1913.
“As far as mass transportation is concerned, the ultimate solution of the rapid transit problem in a large and densely populated area can be found only in rail rapid transit, and there is no doubt but that such a solution will eventually be necessary in portions of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
In the intermediate stage, a satisfactory alternative is available, for the provision of express highways and the operation of suitable buses thereon makes it possible to provide the desired rapid transit simultaneously for both private and public types of transportation.
The Board has therefore prepared a plan for such special stop-free highways and presents a pattern arrangement toward which it believes development should be directed.”
The report goes on to note that “by appropriate landscaping, an express highway may become an arterial parkway, and a utilitarian non-stop roadway thus transformed from a mere traffic lane to a pleasant thoroughfare.”
