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Post by Frank Boothe on Mar 10, 2007 7:11:31 GMT -8
In addition to being so heavily-involved with The Transit Coalition (a regionally-oriented non-profit organization), I also co-chair with Bob Leabow the grassroots group called Friends of the Green Line (www.fogl.us), modeled after Friends4Expo Transit.
I urge you all to weigh in and support the Green Line Construction Authority proposed by State Assemblyman Ted Lieu and supported by State Senator Jenny Oropeza, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl and House Representative Jane Harman. A Green Line extension to LAX would be an extremely popular and timely addition to the L.A. County MetroRail network, and deserves its fair share of funds from the recently-approved Proposition 1B as well as a high prioritization from the L.A. County Metro Board in its Long Range Transportation Update later this year. Ken Alpern Co-Chair, Friends of the Green Line ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Today is Tuesday, March 06, 2007 Originally published Tuesday, March 06, 2007 (Daily Breeze) Updated Monday, March 05, 2007 New public agency is ticket to LAX rail line
Torrance Assemblyman Ted Lieu has introduced state legislation to do something that should have been done years ago: link Los Angeles International Airport to the regional mass-transit system. Lieu's legislation, Assembly Bill 889, would create a new public agency to oversee the design and construction contracts to complete a new leg of the Metro Green Line from the rail station at Aviation Boulevard northward to LAX.
The agency, dubbed the Metro Green Line Construction Authority, would be charged with overseeing a 2-mile-long rail segment that would include stations at the intersections of Aviation and Century boulevards and Lincoln and Sepulveda boulevards.
This new Green Line spur, however, would not reach the airport's central terminals but would connect with a planned airport people mover that would quickly shuttle passengers to their terminals. The proposed agency would be modeled after the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, the agency that is overseeing the Exposition light rail line project that should eventually connect Culver City and Santa Monica with downtown Los Angeles.
Though the prime task of the new agency would be to link LAX with the Green Line, it could lay the groundwork to build the Green Line as originally intended in the 1990s. Under that scenario, its reach would extend from Marina del Rey in the north to the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach.
It is disappointing that the only way to jump-start such an obviously beneficial project may be to create a new government agency, complete with an executive director and staff. But it may not be realistic to rely solely on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, whose outlook is regionwide, to get the job done. A new agency working with the MTA on funding, design and engineering would give the Green Line project the clout it requires.
We're also encouraged that the alliance of public officials supporting the Green Line extension includes Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, South Bay Rep. Jane Harman, State Sen. Jenny Oropeza and Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe. Having all levels of government on board means that multiple funding sources could be tapped to make the project a reality.
The timing is also ripe because the state is poised to devote an unprecedented level of bond funding toward infrastructure projects. Considering how an extended Green Line would cut airport road congestion and air pollution, this is a project that should have a high priority.
Lieu's legislation deserves a fair hearing in the Legislature this year.. To wait any longer would be unconscionable considering how long people have talked about the value of a Green Line extension while nothing gets done.
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Post by whitmanlam on Mar 11, 2007 14:25:13 GMT -8
Hey Frank.
Are there any ridership figures for the Union Station Flyaway bus ? From talking with passengers I heard the satisfaction was good. As an alternative to the Green Line, this could be a major case study. I still prefer a DIRECT rail connection to LAX without a people mover transfer like BART does.
But if the Green Line continues to go no destination in particular, I think an expanded Flyaway service, could be in the near future.
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Post by crzwdjk on Mar 12, 2007 9:49:28 GMT -8
The problem with a line directly to the terminals is that the Green Line also really needs through service northwestward on Lincoln Blvd, which would require splitting the line and making things inconvenient. If a cross-platform transfer is built to the people mover, I think that should be good enough. BART managed to build the worst of all worlds: the line doesn't serve the terminals directly, but it also doesn't go through (or past) the airport, adding a noticeable delay for Millbrae-bound passengers, and a double transfer from Caltrain to the airport. And if the people mover is actually just a dedicated service using lightly modified Green Line cars, then it might even be possible to run direct airport express service from Downtown.
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Post by ladude on Mar 18, 2007 12:59:56 GMT -8
Hi everyone, im new as a member, but have been sporadically reading the Transit Coalition for the past couple of months and am really interested in it.
I live in Downey pretty close to the Lakewood station Green Line and have been thinking about how the city could best utilize this asset. My friend from school is the daughter of the Mayor and so it wouldn't be too hard for me to have a conversation with him especially since we go to the same church as well. What could the mayor/city council do to fully maximize the Light Rail station in our city? I know not many cities can say they have a link to the MTA system so I just was wondering if you guys had any idea on how to approach this.
Some ideas I have so far: 1) Contact The Olson Company(olsonhomes.com) who specialize in small to medium sized TOD's throughout Southern Ca. Inform them of opportunites for development of underutilized land in Downey that is within walking distance of the Green Line. 2) Get the mayor to join the coalition that Ted Leiu has started in the south bay to also convince the state to expand the Green line east to Norwalk Metrolink so this way the city has a link to the OC as well. 3)......not much else lol....this is where I need your guys' input :]
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Post by Justin Walker on Mar 18, 2007 13:11:01 GMT -8
Making the usefulness of a Green Line extension contingent on a People Mover's construction seems to be a very poor plan. The People Mover was part of Hahn's LAX Master Plan, which Villaraigosa promptly discarded when first elected. Villaraigosa has presented no new LAX plans of his own so progress for LAX is a very long ways off.
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Post by whitmanlam on Mar 18, 2007 17:47:52 GMT -8
The problem with Green Line is it doesn't really GO to any major destinations. It comes pretty close to: LAX, Inglewood Racetrack, Boeing/Raytheon facilities.
It does serve: Toyota Sports training center and a Marriott Inn in El Segundo.
I think what is really going to help is a major luxury Hotel (A Hilton, Sheraton, Four Seasons etc.) next to Green Line.
Also need a Green Line extension to LAX and along the Lincoln Blvd to the Venice Boardwalk. This will make for more destinations.
But these plans are so expensive. and will take years or even decades to build. Soooo..... A short term fix.
Start a Farmer's Market, or Swap meet, near the Green Line station. Having big events / concerts / carnivals, draw a large crowd. Start a regular shuttle bus service that takes people beyond walking distance of the train station.
Remember, people are only willing to walk so far from a station, you need to bridge that gap.
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Post by kenalpern on Mar 18, 2007 20:01:48 GMT -8
The best way to get a future Norwalk Green Line extension is to create a LAX linkage that will galvanize the entire region adjacent to the line to get their own extensions and/or local stations. Right now we do have some Norwalk-area politicians getting on board with Ted Lieu's Green Line Coalition, and that needs to be encouraged.
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Post by wad on Mar 18, 2007 23:13:44 GMT -8
The coalition's pretty big. See greenlinecoalition.com for the surprising list.
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Post by kenalpern on Mar 19, 2007 4:54:26 GMT -8
...including Councilmember Mario Guerra of Downey , and Councilmember Gordon Stefenhagen of Norwalk, as well as other local politicians of the Southeast Cities. Local residents who access this board would do well to contact their local politicians to jump on board.
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Post by kenalpern on Apr 2, 2007 5:05:10 GMT -8
Argonaut, March 28: LAX Metro Green Line Extension to Airport Clears a Hurdle
The effort to extend the Metro Green Line to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) cleared another hurdle Friday, March 23rd, when a Los Angeles City Council committee endorsed state legislation to create a Green Line Construction Authority.
The council's Intergovernmental Relations Committee voted to approve, in concept, Assemblyman Ted Lieu's legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 889, which would establish a new public agency to oversee the design and construction contracts to complete this leg of the Metro (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority) Green Line.
The committee also endorsed efforts by Lieu and Metro staff to amend the legislation by increasing local control of the new agency.
"This is an important moment in our efforts to finally get mass transit into LAX," said Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who has been championing the Green Line extension.
"Our campaign is moving and gaining strength and momentum."
The proposed agency would be modeled after the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, the agency that is overseeing the Exposition light rail line project to connect downtown Los Angeles with Culver City, and perhaps eventually Santa Monica.
The authority would be charged with overseeing a two-mile-long rail segment that would include stations at the intersections of Aviation and Century Boulevards and Lincoln and Sepulveda Boulevards.
"Establishing a construction authority would jump-start funding and building the Green Line extension," Rosendahl said. "I am delighted to see that I have garnered the support of my colleagues for this important legislation."
Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith praised Rosendahl's efforts.
"This is long overdue," Smith said. "I am glad Councilmember Rosendahl has brought it forward."
Various community organizations and local transit advocates have also endorsed the proposed Green Line Authority.
In 1994, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved an EIR/EIS (Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement) to construct a Metro Green line extension to LAX and beyond.
But due to funding constraints, the extension was never constructed. Currently, Los Angeles World Airports is developing an updated master plan that includes an analysis of extending the Green Line to LAX.
Earlier this year, Rosendahl, Lieu, State Senator Jenny Oropeza and Congresswoman Jane Harman formed the Green Line Coalition to advocate for the Green Line rail extension. Since its inception, over 25 other elected officials have endorsed the coalition's effort.
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lasam
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Post by lasam on Apr 2, 2007 12:43:02 GMT -8
So what is the next hurdle?
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Post by kenalpern on Apr 2, 2007 16:09:28 GMT -8
Funding and prioritization in the Metro Long Range Transportation Update later this year. Getting some commitment from LAWA for funding would help in this endeavour. We shall see!
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Post by kenalpern on Apr 28, 2007 4:40:01 GMT -8
We are so very lucky to see political leaders like Ted Lieu and Bill Rosendahl working together at all levels of government and interacting across the aisle and across geographic and political boundaries to get this overdue Green Line Construction Authority. Support from State Senator Jenny Oropeza and House Rep. Jane Harman has been vital, as has County Supervisor and Metro Boardmember Don Knabe. After the 12-0 vote from the Assembly Transportation Committee and a 6-0 vote from the Assembly Local Government Committee, it is evident that bipartisan and broad geographic momentum exists for a Green Line Construction Authority. The need to finally have a Green Line and future MetroRail network that includes future links to LAX from the north, south and Downtown is more evident than ever, and Los Angeles City and County deserves no less a modern rail/air transportation infrastructure than any other modern metropolitan region. Whether it is the state, county, federal or city level of government, the taxpayers and voters want to see cooperation for the common good, and the Green Line Coalition is an excellent example of just that. Ken Alpern Co-Chair, Friends of the Green Line www.fogl.us(Press Release from Ted Lieu): Lieu Bill to Bring Rail Service to LAX Continues to Surge Ahead Sacramento, CA – Late yesterday, the Assembly Local Government Committee approved AB 889, a bill by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) and Senator Jenny Oropeza (D-Carson) that would create a single-purpose entity charged with connecting the Metro Green Line to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The vote was 6-0, with one abstention. Through two committees, the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support, and has not received a single “no” vote. “This bill now has an amazing amount of momentum,” Lieu said. “I want to thank my colleagues of both sides of the aisle for supporting this effort. Completing the Green Line is a long-overdue project that will benefit the entire region.” The MTA originally built the Green Line in 1994 with the idea of running rail service into the airport. The line, however, stops in El Segundo, just 1 mile short of the airport, turns South, and comes to a final end in Redondo Beach. 13 years later, MTA is still unable to give a convincing reason why the project has never been finished. The impetus for bringing this legislation forward now is the planned modernization of LAX, plans for which will be coming forward soon. A broad consensus is developing that any modernization must include rail service into the terminal area. Lieu and Oropeza are partnering on this bill with LA City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, who represents the airport and the surrounding areas. The three, along with Congresswoman Jane Harman, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, and more than 50 other elected officials from the South Bay, have formed the “Green Line Coalition,” an organization to promote the completion of the Line. "I am thrilled to see so much support for the Green Line extension," Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl said. "We are moving forward and quickly approaching our dream of a rail line into LAX." For more information on AB 889, please visit www.assembly.ca.gov/lieu or www.greenlinecoalition.com.
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Post by kenalpern on Apr 28, 2007 4:42:22 GMT -8
Last week, Bill Rosendahl and his planning deputy Grieg Asher were lobbying different Assemblymembers and other legislators and heavy hitters at Sacramento to achieve a 12-0 passage of AB 889 from the Assembly Transportation Committee. Ted Lieu and his own team were there to lead the charge and work for governmental consensus in Sacramento after finalizing local consensus down here. This week, while Bill was attending a Los Angeles City Council Transportation Committee meeting to address such measures as bus-only lanes on Wilshire Blvd. and one-way boulevards on Olympic and Pico, his chief of staff Mike Bonin and Grieg Asher were doing the same to achieve a 6-0 passage of AB 889 from the Assembly Local Government Committee. Yet they were not alone; Bart Reed, who is executive director of The Transit Coalition and who has been active with Friends of the Green Line's efforts for years, was in Sacramento with Bill and Ted to represent the grassroots and assist with "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure". On a similar note, the grassroots will be meeting again in Bill Rosendahl's Westchester office (Manchester and Lincoln) the evening of Monday, May 21, where there will be presentations from Friends of the Green Line, The Transit Coalition and Metro to bring people up to speed. It is hoped that a Green Line Construction Authority can ensure that any LAX modernization efforts include a LAX People Mover and Green Line network that creates the long-term and comprehensive transit system that will fulfill the transportation needs of both the airport (LAWA) and the county (Metro) in a manner that encourages and enhances the rest of those two entities' other long-term goals. With LAX modernizations under way and in full swing, and with major investment studies to link LAX with both the Expo Line and Union Station via Crenshaw Blvd. and the Harbor Subdivision Right of Way, it has never been more urgent than now to create this airport/rail network the right way. The right way...the first time...with all parties at the table (including the grassroots!) to discuss, debate and deliver this long-overdue Green Line Extension to LAX. Ken Alpern Co-Chair, CD11 Neighborhood Empowerment Congress Transportation Committee (Bill Rosendahl Press Release) www.councilmanrosendahl.com City Hall (213) 473-7011 West LA (310) 575-8461 Westchester (310) 568-8772 For Immediate Release April 26, 2007 Contact: Safiya Jones, 213-400-1142 GREEN LINE BILL WINS APPROVAL OF ANOTHER KEY STATE COMMITTEE LOS ANGELES- The effort to extend the Green Line to Los Angeles International Airport has won approval from yet another key committee in Sacramento-- the California State Assembly Local Government Committee. The California State Assembly's Local Government Committee voted yesterday, 6-0, to approve AB 889, a bill by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) and Senator Jenny Oropeza (D-Carson) that will establish a new public agency to oversee the design and construction contracts to complete a new leg of the Metro Green Line. "I am thrilled to see so much support for the Green Line extension," Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl said. "We are moving forward and quickly approaching our dream of a rail line into LAX." "This bill now has an amazing amount of momentum," Assemblymember Ted Lieu said. "I want to thank my colleagues of both sides of the aisle for supporting this effort. Completing the Green Line is a long-overdue project that will benefit the entire region." Rosendahl's chief of staff, Mike Bonin and planning deputy, Grieg Asher attended the committee meeting and urged committee members to approve the legislation. Rosendahl said the bipartisan support gave him tremendous hope in completing the rail line during the LAX modernization process. The proposed agency would be modeled after the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, the agency that is overseeing the Exposition light rail line project that should eventually connect Culver City and Santa Monica with downtown Los Angeles. The authority would be charged with overseeing a 2-mile long rail segment that would include stations at the intersections of Aviation and Century Boulevards and Lincoln and Sepulveda Boulevards. The Daily Breeze, community organizations, and local transit advocates have also endorsed the proposed Green Line Authority. In 1994, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved an EIR/EIS to construct a Metro Green line extension to LAX and beyond. Due to funding constraints, the extension was never constructed. Currently, Los Angeles Department of Airports is developing an updated LAX master plan that includes an analysis of extending the Green Line to LAX. Earlier this year, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Assemblymember Ted Lieu, Senator Jenny Oropeza, Congresswoman Jane Harman and County Supervisor Don Knabe formed the Green Line Coalition to advocate for the much-needed Green Line rail extension. Since its inception, over 50 elected officials have endorsed their effort.
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Post by whitmanlam on Apr 28, 2007 21:24:37 GMT -8
See, that's what I'm talking about, local grassroots support for light rail.
Just 2 miles, could make such a huge difference. We've seen this in other places the gap is so short it's absurd why they didn't finish connecting it.
Just 2 miles, people, what a huge accomplishment (I'm not being sarcastic.)
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Post by kenalpern on Apr 28, 2007 21:46:46 GMT -8
Three "Green Gaps" identified by Friends of the Green Line (FoGL):
1) A two mile gap to LAX
2) A two mile gap to the South Bay Galleria Mall and the adjacent bus transit hub of the South Bay Metro Sector
3) A two mile gap to the Norwalk Transportation Center to connect with Metrolink
These were explored and evaluated by FoGL for a few years, and we concluded that the best way to get all three gaps completed is to connect LAX first. Should that gap be filled, interest in the South Bay and Southeast L.A. sectors to connect to the Green Line as well would probably increase.
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Mac
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Post by Mac on Apr 30, 2007 18:46:26 GMT -8
I couldn't agree more. Many people worry about the overhead contact lines interfering with communications or something, but I've recently been to Philadelphia airport and the Septa has overhead contact lines too. There, the line goes directly to the terminal, but i doubt it would work for lax. Lax is like a super huge loop. It really is. This ain't some average metropolitan airport. This is the gateway for Asians traveling to America. In Phili, its just 1 long line of terminals, which makes it easy access for trains. don't get me wrong here, i do support the lax extension, but we can only extend to a certain point. From there, i think we would need a people mover.
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Post by James Fujita on Apr 30, 2007 20:03:16 GMT -8
personally, I would love to see the Green Line or any LAX rail line head directly into the "loop" area of the terminals, but I know that there are a lot of roadblocks.
for one thing, the very design of the airport itself is different from other airports and I think it would be hard to build a rail line that would satisfy Southwest (north side of the loop), United (south side) and the international carriers (west); for another, the future plans for LAX are still very much under consideration; there are plenty of commuters who will want to get from (for example) Santa Monica to the South Bay without slogging through the airport; and there are simply some things where a people mover might be the right tool for the job (switching from one terminal to another, for example)
that said, there is no logical reason why the Green Line shouldn't be extended to at least Century Boulevard and hopefully beyond that (to the remote parking lots, for example, and from there to Westchester, etc.). as for the terminals themselves, I doubt that the Green Line will be the last or only rail connection to LAX. maybe if the Harbor Sub gets Metrolink-ified or electrified, ten years down the line, might not there be a public outcry for a closer link?
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Mac
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Post by Mac on May 8, 2007 19:39:50 GMT -8
Also, another important connection is Norwalk Metrolink. Soon, the California High speed rail will have a stop there, and a connection would boost the ridership up.
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Post by kenalpern on May 18, 2007 10:25:03 GMT -8
The public is invited to a public forum this Monday evening (May 21st, 2007) at the Westchester office of Councilmember Bill Rosendahl from 6:30 - 8:00 pm that will primarily address the long-overdue Green Line/LAX connection that is being explored by LA World Airports and Metro planners at this time. The Westchester office is located at the southeast corner of Manchester and Lincoln Blvds.
David Mieger of Metro Planning will review past, present and future Metro projects, including those intended to connect LAX to a regional transit network.
Kent Strumpell and John Ruhlen of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association will address how a Green Line extension to the Westside could improve issues affecting Westchester residents that relate to traffic, economic activity and quality of life.
The public is invited to listen, learn and give input on the long-overdue and ever-elusive LAX/Green Line extension that is so crucial towards expanding a Los Angeles County passenger rail network for the 21st century.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Jun 2, 2007 17:16:42 GMT -8
A nice little article in The Argonaut although they take a little dig at Ken's position on the fare increase. I think that they must also mean that the gold line sgv extension is in danger, not the east la extension? Top StoriesLAX: MTA official says Green Line extension to LAX is 'not even on the radar screen right now' BY GARY WALKER New increases in transit fares voted on last week by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) may not be enough to offset a delay in pending capital rail projects such as the Expo Line and the Green Line extension, says a high-ranking MTA official. Terry Matsumoto, Metro's chief financial officer, told The Argonaut that even with the recent fare hikes, the possibility that some light rail extensions may be postponed is a very real one, due to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to take $1.3 billion in transit funding to close the state's burgeoning budget deficit. "It's safe to say that (if the governor takes away the transportation funds), there are going to be delays," Matsumoto confirmed. The Mid-Cities Exposition Line, known as the Expo Line, broke ground last summer in downtown Los Angeles and is scheduled to arrive in Culver City by 2010, and continue to Santa Monica in its second installment of construction. The Green Line extension to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is backed by many Westside politicians, including Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe, State Assemblyman Ted Lieu and Congresswoman Jane Harman of Venice. While the Expo Line and another extension from Crenshaw Avenue to LAX are two of MTA's light rail priorities, the Green Line extension to LAX is not considered to be a top priority on the transit agency's current capital project list, says Matsumoto. "It's not even on the radar screen right now," said the Metro financial officer. Ken Alpern, co-chair of the Friends of the Green Line, seemed unperturbed about the possibility that the rail extension to the airport that his organization has championed might be delayed. "I'm not really concerned (about a potential delay in the extension)," Alpern said. "I think that the increase was enough to allow them to muddle along." Other projects that could be pushed back include the Gold Line extension to East Los Angeles, the Orange Line expansion to the West San Fernando Valley and the Red Line subway extension, known as the Purple Line, to Santa Monica, which is the pet project of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Matsumoto said. Referring to the $1.3 billion that the governor plans to take, Matsumoto said, "Those were funds that we expected to come in because of the economy, and because we don't plan on having them now, it's safe to say there will be delays," he reiterated. Unlike many bus riders and their advocates, Alpern does not see the fare hikes as being unfair to everyone who uses public transportation — just on those who depend on it. "If the fares were not raised appropriately, we would hurt those who need public transportation the most," he said. There are people who use public transportation, like the disabled, senior citizens and low-income wager earners who cannot afford the fare increase, Alpern says. And then there are others who do not have a high standard of living, but who can still afford to pay the higher rates. "They own iPods, computers and cellphones, so they are not considered impoverished," the Green Line advocate contends. "Those who will be hurt the most are the people who truly can't afford (the new transit fares)." MTA approved its first increase in rail and bus fares in over a decade in an effort to close the agency's ongoing debt, which is projected at about $1.8 billion over the next decade. The first boost in fares will come on July 1st. This is will generate about $30 million in new revenues, which is not as great an increase as MTA chief executive officer Roger Snoble and other transportation officials sought. Closing the budget gap was the primary concern for the board, and increasing fares was the least painful option, say transit officials and members of the county Board of Supervisors, who sit on MTA's board of directors. "It was the best compromise that we saw, to increase the fares without a reduction in services," said David Sommers, Knabe's press deputy. The new single-ride cash fee is the transit fare that will increase the least, from $1.25 to $1.50 over the next two years. The monthly pass, which is popular among many train and bus riders, will gradually rise from $52 to $75 by July 1, 2009. The day pass will go from $3 to $6 over the same period. The new rate hikes are a "start" to closing the budget gap, says Matsumoto. "It's a good first step." Alpern, the Green Line extension advocate, feels that state and county officials should look for way to assist low-income riders with the new raise in transit fares. "MTA has not done enough to ensure that the federal government would be comfortable in providing funds for capital projects," he alleged. "The county needs to subsidize public transportation needs like they do for highways." He also took issue with Schwarzenegger's plan to raid funds earmarked for public transportation. "I find it appalling and vexing that a supposedly public-transit governor would abscond with public transportation money," Alpern said. Rosendahl bristled at the news that the Green Line extension is not a primary capital project priority to the MTA. "I strongly disagree with that," he said. "If we don't invest more in our light rail infrastructure, the Westside crisis of gridlock will explode even more." Discretionary funds from Prop. C could also be used to help reduce the deficit, said Matsumoto. These funds cannot be applied to capital projects.
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Post by kenalpern on Jun 4, 2007 5:24:06 GMT -8
For those who've not yet seen this, I responded with a broad cc list that went to the Metro Board: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To All: As the expression goes, "you win a few and you lose a few." After two overwhelmingly favorable subcommittee votes in Sacramento, some interesting behind the scenes efforts probably caused this bill to suddenly stop its previous momentum in the Appropriations Committee. Most likely the Metro staff and/or Boardmembers who had opposed the Green Line Construction Authority (whoever they are) played a role in this sudden reversal of fortunes, but of greatest and most immediate importance are three key points of note: 1) This vote will in no way, shape or form slow down the aggressive (and cooperative!) efforts of LAWA, Metro and LADOT planners to work on a Green Line extension to LAX in the Green Line Interagency Task Force, because planning this Green Line/LAX extension has been made more urgent because of: a) LAX modernization efforts that will include this Green Line extension, as well as b) The need to start planning now for the Crenshaw Corridor Project (a transit line connecting the future Expo Line from Crenshaw/Exposition to LAX at Century/Aviation) that is prioritized on the Constrained (in other words, virtually guaranteed) Metro Long Range Plan after the Expo Line is funded and constructed to Santa Monica 2) Those who favor the Green Line Construction Authority are at all levels of government and exist throughout the region, and they're not going to end this fight 3) Those who oppose the Green Line Construction Authority are not opposed to a Green Line that goes to and through LAX...and in particular one that might someday connect to the Westside, Mid-City, Downtown and San Fernando Valley regions That third point is one which we should all recognize in light of the ability of a Green Line that reaches LAX, and with stations at/near Century/Aviation and Lincoln/Sepulveda (LAX Parking Lot C) to ensure long range transportation planning that benefits the entire county. This is not just some local Westside/South Bay project that needs to "wait its turn", any more than is the Downtown Light Rail Connector some local Downtown project because it will become particularly urgent in the minds of voting, taxpaying commuters in 2009-10, when we realize we have four light rails that go Downtown but don't directly connect to each other! Los Angeles County needs a countywide rail and bus transit network for the 21st century, as much as we needed our freeway network last century, in order to serve the needs of all commuters and support our economy and collective quality of life. What if we built the 405 freeway with a gap between LAX and the 10 freeway? Are the portions of the 10 freeway east and west of Downtown mutually exclusive? We didn't build our freeway network in disjointed segments, and we shouldn't do it for our budding rail network, either! Hence the virtually unanimous sentiment in the CD11 Neighborhood Empowerment Congress Transportation Committee favoring its motion supporting the Green Line extension to LAX, as well as the motion supporting the Downtown Light Rail Connector. We want a smooth, speedy and convenient rail network that gets us where we want to go. I can't and won't believe that Supervisor Yvonne Burke and L.A. Councilmember Bernard Parks, who have championed the Mid-City Expo Line and planning for the future Crenshaw Corridor Project, are opposed to the creation of the first mile and first station (Century/Aviation) of that Crenshaw Corridor Project (which should be a first-rate light rail and not a second-rate Busway to serve the Mid-City). I also can't and won't believe they're opposed to a north-south line that connects the Crenshaw District with South Los Angeles (which the LAX/Green Line extension would also do). I can't and won't believe that Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Santa Monica Councilmember Pam O'Connor, both current champions of the Expo Line, are opposed to the creation of future rail projects that will serve Westside north-south commuter needs like the Expo Line will serve Westside east-west commuter needs. I also can't and won't believe they're opposed to the Major Investment Study that will allow DMU and/or Metrolink trains to bypass the 405 freeway and connect the Valley and LAX via the Harbor Subdivision ROW, a project which would likely have a LAX terminus adjacent to the Century/Aviation Green Line Station. I can't and won't believe that Supervisor Gloria Molina, Supervisor Michael Antonovich and other Metro Boardmembers are opposed to the creation of a network that attracts more riders to mass transit while they pursue their other worthy projects in other regions of the county (and they are worthy, quality ideas which need studying, funding and construction). Finally, I can't and won't believe that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who I still believe is the most transportation-minded Mayor that Los Angeles has enjoyed in decades, wants to be the third Mayor in a row that failed to connect the Green Line to LAX. This Green Line extension to LAX opens the gateway not only to new potential rail and busway projects from LAX to Lincoln Blvd., the Sepulveda/405 corridor, Crenshaw Blvd., Union Station, the South Bay Galleria and the Norwalk Metrolink Transportation Center...but would also rally taxpayers and voters to put more faith in the long-overdue extensions of the Purple, Expo, Gold, Green and Orange Lines. Any politician or urban planner questioning the urgency of this vital--yet relatively small and inexpensive LAX connection--need not ask the hard-working Green Line Coalition led by L.A. Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Assemblyman Ted Lieu, Rep. Jane Harman, State Senator Jenny Oropeza and Supervisor Don Knabe about the regional importance and urgency of this project. They need only ask their local constituents to find out how they should proceed. Let's get back to work...but let's work together. Most Sincerely, Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D. President, The Transit Coalition Co-Chair, CD11 Neighborhood Empowerment Congress Transportation Committee Co-Chair, Friends of the Green Line
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Post by JerardWright on Jun 6, 2007 14:32:47 GMT -8
WHat's odd about this whole thing is that in their own documents they have that Green Line connection is understood as "Funded by others". A construction authority of this kind would not need just Prop A and C monies but they can use the increased airport fees, float bond and using a percentage of the parking revenues to fund it or better yet, they can get into the Public pension funds which is currently sitting at around $11 billion dollars that can be used to construct this line and it can be repaid back through increased surcharges and fees surrounding LAX.
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Post by kenalpern on Jun 6, 2007 16:32:35 GMT -8
The whole thing is odd; perhaps the lack of operating revenues that can be guaranteed for even the Expo and Eastside LRT projects is slowing Metro down on this. Still, this ain't over and tomorrow is another day. It's not like L.A. and the Westside is going away, and they want this project.
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Post by bobdavis on Jun 6, 2007 21:49:12 GMT -8
Even if (and it's probably more "when" than "if") the Green Line is extended to LAX, there will still be the transfer at Rosa Parks to/from the Blue Line. OK for LAX employees and those who travel lightly, but I suspect the various "shuttle" services will still have a lot of business with passengers who have to schlep more than a carry-on bag. We still won't have the one-seat-from-downtown that Cleveland, Chicago, Portland and San Francisco have.
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Post by JerardWright on Jun 7, 2007 7:08:06 GMT -8
When the Crenshaw Corridor is built as well as the Harbor Subdivision will provide the Closest to a one line No transfer to the LAX area from Downtown and depending on the People Mover technology(Metro LRT compatible) a direct one seat trip is possible.
The rest of the area will still be served by the Shuttles or even an Expanded Flyaway Network no matter what happens, just like many other airports around the world.
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Post by kenalpern on Jul 4, 2007 12:22:40 GMT -8
The struggle continues, and it will end with a win towards getting a comprehensive rail/airport connection at LAX that not only includes the Green Line but the future Crenshaw and Harbor Subdivision Lines. Ken www.councilmanrosendahl.com City Hall (213) 473-7011 West LA (310) 575-8461 Westchester (310) 568-8772 For Immediate Release July 3, 2007 Contact: Safiya Jones, 213-400-1142 GREEN LINE BILL WINS SUPPORT FROM LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL LOS ANGELES- The effort to extend the Green Line to Los Angeles International Airport has won unanimous support from the Los Angeles City Council. The Los Angeles City Council voted today,15-0, to endorse state legislation to create a Green Line Construction Authority. The bill, which was introduced by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) and Senator Jenny Oropeza (D-Carson), will establish a new public agency to oversee the design and construction contracts to complete a new leg of the Metro Green Line. "The Green Line extension is a common-sense approach to mass transit on the Westside," Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl said. "I am thrilled to see my council colleagues support this resolution." Rosendahl, who has been a stalwart champion of the Green Line extension, said the resolution echoed the need to address traffic congestion on the Westside and the support from the Los Angeles City Council sent a clear message that the Green Line extension would serve as a much-needed relief strategy. "We all agree that the Westside is besieged by traffic gridlock and the Green Line extension is a long overdue project that needs to be completed," Rosendahl said. "The Green Line extension gives us a traffic relief strategy that is smart, simple, and cheap-- a 'no-brainer'." The resolution, which was brought forward by Rosendahl, specifically calls for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to add the LAX Green Line extension to its list of Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) projects that will receive funding. The resolution also calls for the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to add the Green Line extension project to the LAX Specific Plan update. The proposed agency would be modeled after the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, the agency that is overseeing the Exposition light rail line project that should eventually connect Culver City and Santa Monica with downtown Los Angeles. The authority would be charged with overseeing a 2-mile long rail segment that would include stations at the intersections of Aviation and Century Boulevards and Lincoln and Sepulveda Boulevards. The Daily Breeze, community organizations, and local transit advocates have also endorsed the proposed Green Line Authority. In 1994, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved an EIR/EIS to construct a Metro Green line extension to LAX and beyond. Due to funding constraints, the extension was never constructed. Currently, Los Angeles Department of Airports is developing an updated LAX master plan that includes an analysis of extending the Green Line to LAX. Earlier this year, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Assemblymember Ted Lieu, Senator Jenny Oropeza, Congresswoman Jane Harman and County Supervisor Don Knabe formed the Green Line Coalition to advocate for the much-needed Green Line rail extension. Since its inception, over 55 elected officials have endorsed their effort.
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Post by nickv on Jul 5, 2007 22:47:13 GMT -8
I hope this proposal goes through (as with the connection to Norwalk Metrolink)... With a streamlined connection between Norwalk Metrolink and LAX, the Green Line will no longer be referred to the line that goes from nowhere to nowhere anymore... I believe both extensions should be free from any at-grade crossings and I think another good idea if things go through is that Metro should design and install overhead luggage racks on the trains. Any thoughts?
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Post by kenalpern on Jul 6, 2007 23:09:51 GMT -8
That's a possibility, Nick, although many have noted that the main utilizers of the Green Line will be commuting LAX workers and not luggage-toting travellers. I favor both should be accommodated, if possible.
Much of the secondary benefit of a LAX/Green Line connection is that the Norwalk gap, the South Bay gap and any other potential connections become that much more highlighted.
In the past, Norwalk and other adjacent governments aren't focused on the Green Line...but perhaps if enough people contact them then that can change.
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Post by ptoigo on Sept 2, 2007 17:24:36 GMT -8
I think it's far more important to extend the Green Line to the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Station than to bring the Green Line closer to LAX. You already have continuous shuttle service to get you to and from LAX. The proposed extension won't save much of the walking or time it takes to get to/from the gates. Therefore, I don't think the LAX extension will encourage more people to use mass transit to go to/from downtown. Rather the N/SFS extention would allow out-of-towners (like me) with work and family in OC to get more done in a day by not having to deal with the John Wayne curfew or the I-405. And I've got to believe that some of locals sitting on the I-405 would do the same.
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