Suspended Segment extensions - Better or Worse?

[TransportationZ]

With Metro celebrating 30 years of the Metro Red Line, I began searching online for old maps of the originally planned extensions. I thought it would be an interesting topic to discuss the original segment 3 extensions that were suspended, and if the extensions that were eventually built are better or worse than those originally planned extensions.

For example, I think the current D line extension with the eventual K-Line is a much better system than the weird extension to Pico/Rimpau.

On one hand, I would've preferred a Red Line extension to the east, but I think the Little Tokyo/Arts District we eventually got with the Regional Connector is a much better location than the station originally planned near the maintenance yard. Pico/Aliso would've been completely bypassed. The main I thing I like is that it would've set up the Red Line to be extended straight down Whittier Blvd to Whittier. I also wonder if ridership would've been any better with the Red Line versus the eventual Gold Line extension.

Anyway, thoughts?

libraryarchives.metro.net/DPGTL/pre-eir-eis-reports-and-studies/metro-red-line-segment-3-eastside-extension/1994-metro-red-line-segment-3-eastside-extension-preliminary-engineering-design-report-march.pdf

[johanragle]

Jul 21, 2023 19:45:43 GMT -8 TransportationZ said:

With Metro celebrating 30 years of the Metro Red Line, I began searching online for old maps of the originally planned extensions. I thought it would be an interesting topic to discuss the original segment 3 extensions that were suspended, and if the extensions that were eventually built are better or worse than those originally planned extensions.

For example, I think the current D line extension with the eventual K-Line is a much better system than the weird extension to Pico/Rimpau.

On one hand, I would've preferred a Red Line extension to the east, but I think the Little Tokyo/Arts District we eventually got with the Regional Connector is a much better location than the station originally planned near the maintenance yard. Pico/Aliso would've been completely bypassed. The main I thing I like is that it would've set up the Red Line to be extended straight down Whittier Blvd to Whittier. I also wonder if ridership would've been any better with the Red Line versus the eventual Gold Line extension.

Anyway, thoughts?

libraryarchives.metro.net/DPGTL/pre-eir-eis-reports-and-studies/metro-red-line-segment-3-eastside-extension/1994-metro-red-line-segment-3-eastside-extension-preliminary-engineering-design-report-march.pdf

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They could have grade-separated HRT along San Vicente to Santa Monica Boulevard in a trench, much like the 1927 plans called for, and then there would've been a proper subway to WeHo and Santa Monica without all the BHHS nonsense if perhaps a bit roundabout.

Plus it would've offered the option of a branch along the old Venice Boulevard ROW, either HRT in aerial or trench-separated configurations, or a separate line connecting at Pico/Rimpau station if branching one line into three would have presented too many operational challenges.

Something like this, perhaps: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1dLhSp5SIXqzB4Ax93mRLFG2LXPECims&usp=sharing