1974: SCRTD released a proposal for A Possible Alternative Rapid Transit Plan (In The Event That Proposition “A” Does Not Pass).
It noted that:
There are 169 miles of existing and former railroad rights-of-way available, and if five sections (totaling 1~ miles) of subway are constructed, an effective 183 mile rapid transit system can be developed using all corridors recommended in the Corridor Study, except the lines along Wilshire and across Hollywood. Rapid Transit along the Wilshire Corridor is essential in any event as the “Exposition” rail alignment…will not take its place.
It appears that in six years, rail rapid transit service can be established and completed between Van Nuys and Long Beach, via the [Central Business District], as an initial 42 mile route, financed with the 1/3 local share from Proposition 5 gasoline tax money and 2/3 from [Urban Mass Transit Administration — precursor to Federal Transit Administration].
The 1974 report also mentions that if Glendale and Burbank are willing to put up the difference in cost between aerial and cut-and-cover subway, in order to assure the presence of rapid transit through their communities, that certainly could be done. It also notes the cost differential for a subway station in Pasadena, as opposed to using an existing surface rail station.
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.
More information can be found in the October 30, 2014 Metro Press Release.and the October 30, 2014 post on Metro’s The Source.
