February 12: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1973:  Southern California Rapid Transit District releases its alternate transit corridor and systems technical study titled “Preferential Bus Operations On Streets And Freeways.”

The report identifies several improved service possibilities for local and express bus services, including preferential treatment for buses over other traffic on streets, arterials and freeways; 100% exclusive use of selected lanes by buses mixed with carpooling automobiles; small rapid transit “people-movers” or PRTs, and interim or permanent commuter rail service.

 

 

2002:  The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority issues its Final Environmental Impact Report for the San Fernando Valley East-West Transit Corridor, a planned 14-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) “busway,” between the Metro Red Line subway station in North Hollywood and Warner Center in Woodland Hills.

The “locally preferred alternative” for the San Fernando Valley East-West Transit Corridor busway had been approved by the Metro Board of Directors on July 26, 2001 and the final environmental report is certified on February 28, 2002. The busway is planned for the median of the Burbank/Chandler right-of-way, with construction slated for Spring, 2003 and operations to begin in Spring, 2005.

 

More information can be found in the February 12, 2002 Metro Press Release and the February 14, 2002 MyMetro employee news digest.

 

 

2002:  The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority breaks ground on the Whittier Greenway Trail, a 5.2-mile bicycle path — one of more than 100 such projects the agency funds since 1993.

Whittier Greenway Trail groundbreaking

(Click for more information)

At the time, LACMTA Board Director Beatrice Proo states that “The MTA wanted to support this project with $8.5 million because it becomes a regional form of transportation.  We try to make each dollar go as far as possible and to service as many cities as possible, and this is one example of one that will be doing so.”

Whittier Greenway Trail groundbreaking

(Click for more information)

As of 2002, LACMTA provides $82 million in funding through its Call For Projects program for 108 bikeway projects totaling 200 miles of bike paths and bike lanes in Los Angeles County.

More information can be found in the February 12, 2002 issue of MyMetro employee news digest.

 

 

2007:  Metro officials welcome the first “production car” of the new 2550 light-rail fleet alongside top executives of Ansaldobreda, the Italian manufacturing company.

The initial order consists of 50 cars, with two 50-car options.sd

More information can be found in the February 14, 2007 MyMetro employee news digest.