The Sepulveda Corridor in LA could give the U.S. — a country accustomed to low-tech, low-speed, low-frequency transit — an urban rail line that rivals the best in the world.
Monorail doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t articulate with any other mode. And, if built, it is doubtful that it will ever be extended.
What should also be taken into consideration are the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that are being held in L.A. What will be the best mode for moving efficiently, comfortably, safely, speedily, environmentally-friendlily, reliably, conveniently, affordably (you get the idea) scads of tourists around the L.A. area then and beyond? And, what will be most effective at helping alleviate the traffic congestion current plaguing the 405 freeway through Sepulveda Pass?
You do realize that this project would be doing well to even *start* construction before 2028, right? The Southeast Gateway Line is much farther along in the process (LPA selected and EIR finalized), and it's not expected to open until 2035.
Rail isn't a quick fix for anything. It's necessary, but it takes a looooong time to develop the plans, acquire the real estate, complete geotechnical analysis, construct, test, and open. It takes longer because people like Mr. Ticketmaster feel the need to waste public money with frivolous lawsuits. (We'd already have the D Line extension open probably if Beverly Hills residents hadn't sued to stop them from digging 70+ ft. below the neighborhood. Their goal was actually to relocate the subway station in Century City to somewhere much less useful than the Century City Shopping Center... because they're afraid too many brown people might come to their mall or something.)
You’re right. That information, unfortunately, was not brought out in Benjamin’s article. And, the only hint was his stating: “Perhaps in a couple of decades, this scene will look less like a painfully accurate reflection of reality and more like a quaint relic. That’s because by then, Angelenos will have a real alternative to the dreaded section of the 405 crossing the Sepulveda Pass.” And, not just Angelenos, but anyone, regardless of where they’re from, using this routing to get to/from they need and/or want to go.
But, getting back on point, had this project been done right from the start way back in 2011 and 2012 (and no doubt well before due to time required for planning, etc.), when 405 widening in this section took place, I believe this would not even be an issue today.
Thank you for shedding some additional light, Monica.
One advantage of the monorail is that it would be constantly whizzing past all those drivers stuck in traffic, making them think “I could be on the train.” Given how culturally embedded driving is as the default mode, I think we need a few powerful advertisements like that in our transit systems.
Automated metros are the future: London's Elizabeth Line, Paris' numerous Metro & RER lines, Montreal's REM line, Vancouver's SkyTrain lines.
Monorail doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t articulate with any other mode. And, if built, it is doubtful that it will ever be extended.
What should also be taken into consideration are the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that are being held in L.A. What will be the best mode for moving efficiently, comfortably, safely, speedily, environmentally-friendlily, reliably, conveniently, affordably (you get the idea) scads of tourists around the L.A. area then and beyond? And, what will be most effective at helping alleviate the traffic congestion current plaguing the 405 freeway through Sepulveda Pass?
This isn’t rocket science.
You do realize that this project would be doing well to even *start* construction before 2028, right? The Southeast Gateway Line is much farther along in the process (LPA selected and EIR finalized), and it's not expected to open until 2035.
Rail isn't a quick fix for anything. It's necessary, but it takes a looooong time to develop the plans, acquire the real estate, complete geotechnical analysis, construct, test, and open. It takes longer because people like Mr. Ticketmaster feel the need to waste public money with frivolous lawsuits. (We'd already have the D Line extension open probably if Beverly Hills residents hadn't sued to stop them from digging 70+ ft. below the neighborhood. Their goal was actually to relocate the subway station in Century City to somewhere much less useful than the Century City Shopping Center... because they're afraid too many brown people might come to their mall or something.)
You’re right. That information, unfortunately, was not brought out in Benjamin’s article. And, the only hint was his stating: “Perhaps in a couple of decades, this scene will look less like a painfully accurate reflection of reality and more like a quaint relic. That’s because by then, Angelenos will have a real alternative to the dreaded section of the 405 crossing the Sepulveda Pass.” And, not just Angelenos, but anyone, regardless of where they’re from, using this routing to get to/from they need and/or want to go.
But, getting back on point, had this project been done right from the start way back in 2011 and 2012 (and no doubt well before due to time required for planning, etc.), when 405 widening in this section took place, I believe this would not even be an issue today.
Thank you for shedding some additional light, Monica.
One advantage of the monorail is that it would be constantly whizzing past all those drivers stuck in traffic, making them think “I could be on the train.” Given how culturally embedded driving is as the default mode, I think we need a few powerful advertisements like that in our transit systems.
Watch The Simpson's Monorail episode dude.