Traveling between the Westside and the Valley

[Dan Wentzel]

I almost entitled this thread, "Abandon all hope ye who enter here."

Putting aside a Sepulveda LRT, and a one seat ride from North Hollywood to the Westside which the MTA squashed, that leaves buses. The choices on offer are, quite frankly, awful.

The 156 is popular, but is up for service cuts.

The 218 goes from Cedar Sinai and up Laurel Canyon, and is very popular with the little old ladies, but leaves you at Laurel Canyon and Ventury, not even at the Orange Line.

The "Rapid" 761 is a mess, providing local service in the backend of Brentwood and Westwood and then pooping out at Wilshire/Westwood, forcing extra transfers.

What is to be done about this?

Why not extend the 218 up to the Orange Line?

Why not fix the 761 by spinning off the local portion to the 20 or a revived 21 bus (perhaps going from Vermont/Wilshire to Getty for service hour neutrality) or giving the service area to the Big Blue Bus for local service, and having the 761 go deeper into the Westside to Pico perhaps or the eventual Expo Line?

Then what about those turf disputes between the MTA and the Big Blue Bus that cause unnecessary forced transfers at Pico/Rimpau and Wilshire/Westwood? Perhaps the "compromise" is letting the BBB extend from Pico/Rimpau to Vermont/Wilshire and letting the 761 go south on Westwood or Sepulveda to Pico? What can be done about these "turf" disputes?

Anyone have any suggestions?

[gibiscus]

My plan for the 761 is to extend it all the way to LAX. Culver CityBus line 6 would retain local service, and could be extended to the Getty Center. There should also be additional late-night runs of line 233 all the way to LAX. Actually, I think the 761 extension should be a sort of hybrid between the CCB 6 and BBB 12, running down Westwood to the Westside Pavilion, then using Pico to continue to Sepulveda.

[ieko]

Isn't 761 long enough? They're creating a rapid service for Culver City 6 anyway, also the current 6 route runs south until midnight I believe, it's not frequent after rush hour which could be fixed, but otherwise it works out fine. Also I'd hate to be waiting for 761 heading south or north of the current wilshire terminus during rush hour... traffic is quite awful there.

From my experience transfering in that area isn't much of an issue except for maybe the additional cost of a transfer but if one makes that trip frequently then an EZ Pass should be acquired.

[Dan Wentzel]

I think a Sepulveda BRT is the way to go between the Green Line and the Orange Line (or even Metrolink), untili we can have a Sepulveda LRT.

Until that time, while the Rapid 761 is too long, it still needs to go deeper south into the Westside if it is to be a viable public transit alternative for traveling between the Westside and the Valley, to at least Pico (and eventually the Expo Line).

To maintain service hour neutrality, the local service to the back end of Westwood can be served by an extension of the BBB8 or BBB12 or bringing back the MTA21 and running it from Vermont/Wilshire to the Getty.

Somehow, these turf disputes have to end, and forced transfers between the BBB and Metro at Wilshire/Westwood and Pico/Rimpau have to end.

For now, I'd split the 761 into two services, a Rapid 733 providing rapid service on Van Nuys between Ventura Blvd. and Sylmar and the Rapid 761 running between Pico (or the Expo) and the Orange Line with only two stops in the Valley: Ventura Blvd. (MTA 150/240/750) and the Orange Line.

[Tony Fernandez]

The problem with the 761 is the same problem that a LRT through the Sepulveda Pass would have: speed and capacity. LRT would be too slow over the pass, and it wouldn't have the capacity unless it was completely grade separated (and at which point can you really call it LRT?). If you build it has HRT, it can zip through the Sepulveda Pass and have the capacity to carry hundreds of thousands through the pass. Right now, we need to work on increasing the speed of the 761 and finding a way to run more buses through there. Of course, that's probably very expensive, and to me it seems that the only viable solution is HRT.

[Dan Wentzel]

I rode the 761 today and it did take too long. The first thing that has to be done is taking away that local service in the back end of Westwood and Brentwood, and then extended down to stops on Santa Monica, Olympic and Pico to reduce the need to take a CC6, BBB8, BBB12 (and thus an unnecessary transfer). That at least makes it more user friendly.

[ieko]

I've taken that route many times from the Orange line station to Wilshire and yeah it's a very long trip.

I think the question really is, "but is it necessary?" Big Blue Bus and Culver City do a very good job of providing service in that area and extending a route as long as 761 in to a highly congested area will only make the service less reliable and personally I rather transfer than sit in a bus for 90 minutes.

[Dan Wentzel]

As someone who lives on the Westside, I'd say, "yes it is necessary".

As I live near Wilshire, the service as is works for me, but that extra transfer onto the BBB8/BBB12/CCB6 between Wilshire/Westwood and Pico (BBB7/Rapid7), Olympic (BBB5) or eastbound Santa Monica Blvd. (MTA4/704) discourages use of the service for others. We're only talking three stops here, and if the local back end of Brentwood/Westwood service were spun off to other service I imagine only a marginal service hour increase, if any.

[ieko]

Hmm, okay I see what you mean but perhaps the extension would be better served by a 961 rather than 761?

I should mention when taking that route I usually would transfer and either head to Santa Monica/Venice or Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance so I don't really mind the transfers between my trips since I understand the line can't go on forever.

Though I have to wonder how long you typically wait at the transfer point? From my experience the service provided by BBB and CC is pretty frequent on most routes, nothing really to discourage the average person from transfering I think. But if anything some service could be increased I'm sure.

[Dan Wentzel]

There's very little chance of a 961.

Our best bet is getting that Sepulveda BRT moved up sooner, until we can get that HRT from LAX to Metrolink. via UCLA and Van Nuys.

[JerardWright]

May 15, 2008 10:39:14 GMT -8 ieko said:

Hmm, okay I see what you mean but perhaps the extension would be better served by a 961 rather than 761?
... so I don't really mind the transfers between my trips since I understand the line can't go on forever.

On the bus level, I've been working with the San Fernando Sector Governance Council member as the current chair of the Westside/Central Sector for the past year and a half to find opportunities to work a higher quality and faster service on the 405 corridor to at least Westwood and then link deeper into the Westside to have a connection at the Venice/Robertson Expo Line terminal when Phase 1 of Expo opens in 2010. The working name of this idea is the 560X in honor of the previous express service the ran from the Valley, Westwood and LAX via the 405.

We have been working with the Operating managers working out a strategy to get this service up and running as soon as possible while understanding some of the pitfalls and finding ways to mitigate them. I'd love to have it operating this year, but the key is getting that conversation started and keeping the conversation going with the right people and fine tuning it to the point that it works and its very successful from day one and the new users will clamor for more of it.

[ieko]

I like that idea much better than extending 761, would that just be a rush hour service?

By the way can someone explain how this turf war started? I'll be honest, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me since most of the lines that go to these turf limits are quite long to begin with and seem to have a natural end to them, but yeah just curious.

@dan: What do you mean by Sepulveda BRT? Isn't that what 761/CC6 is/will be?

[nickv]

KFI - SF Valley Wildfire Resource Guide

A one-stop resource guide to closures, phone numbers, maps and up-to-date information about the wildfires in the area.

Information from KFI as of Wednesday, October 15, 2008 (AM)

GENERAL FIRE INFORMATION

The Los Angeles Fire Department has set up a phone number for the public to get information on wildfire-related traffic problems, evacuations and shelter locations.

The phone number is [phone].
Dial 211 for information and services available to fire victims.

EVACUATIONS

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Sesnon Fire evacuations are lifted for the following areas . Residents only with ID's can get back into the area:

Box Canyon
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Woolsey Canyon
Lilac Lane
Porter Ranch North of Hwy 118
East of LA County Border West of Reseda Blvd
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Sesnon Fire evacuations in these areas are being reevaluated:

Santa Susana Pass State Park
North of Santa Susana Pass East of L.A. County and Ventura County Borders. LA/Ventura County Line North of HWY 118
North of 118 East of Reseda Blvd and West of Balboa Blvd (O'Melveny Park Knollwood)

Sesnon Fire evacuations are still in place for:
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Tapo Canyon in Simi Valley
North of Bell Canyon road and West of the LA County Line

Sesnon fire structures loss and damaged:
15 single family homes total loss
6 single family homes damaged
47 Out-buildings
41 vehicles

Marek Fire evacuations have been lifted for some areas.

Little Tujunga/Kagel Canyon evacuations lifted. Residents only with identification. No livestock.

Evacuations still in place for Lopez Canyon.

EVACUATION CENTERS

The American Red Cross has set up evacuation centers at four high schools. Classes will still be in session at the evacuation centers.

San Fernando High School
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Shepherd of the Hills Church (small animals accepted)
19700 Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch, CA

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Two schools have been designated as standby locations that could be opened as Red Cross Shelters. THEY ARE NOT YET OPEN.

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A Reunification Center (no shelter facilities) has been set up for families to be reunited with their loved ones.

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People who have been displaced from their homes are being urged to stop by an evacuation center even if they have other places to stay, and register with officials to indicate that they are safe.

RED CROSS INFO

Anybody who is available to help fire victims should call 310-445-2685 for more information.

The Red Cross has a "Safe and Well" number for those affected by the fires to list their well-being. Evacuees can let loved-ones know that they are safe by registering at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online.

Small animals can be evacuated to Shepherd of the Hills Church, West Valley Animal Care Center or the Mission Animal Care Center. Please call [phone] or 9324 to make arrangements.

The Hansen Dam Equestrian Center is no longer available for livestock and horse evacuations. Pierce College has cleared 15-20 stalls for horses and livestock. They also have facilities for some domestic animals. The college does not accept stallions or horses that can't be tied.

Ventura County Fairgrounds
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VCA Animal Hospitals will provide free bording for pets until October 29.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Information on LAUSD school closures will be updated on the school district's information line at [phone] and on its website.

ROAD CLOSURES

The following streets and freeways are closed (as of Wednesday AM):

Jolette Street closed at Sesnon

Neon Place closed at Sesnon

I-5 and 14 Fwy off-ramps to Balboa are closed

Public Transportation

Metrolink's Ventura County Line is now operating on its regular schedule. Get more information from Metrolink.

Metro Service has been cancelled into Porter Ranch (as of Wednesday AM). For updated public transportation information and route changes, call (800) COMMUTE.

INSURANCE CLAIMS

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has information available for consumers who have been affected by the wildfires on his website.

Some insurance holders are covered for living expenses incurred during a mandatory evacuation, including hotel expenses. If you are forced to leave your home, you should contact your insurance provider.

Farmers customers, call 1-800-435-7764.
AAA customers, call 1-800-672-5246.
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State Farm customers, click here.MetLife customers, click here.
Mercury customers, call 1-888-313-6372.Liberty Mutual, click here or call 1-800-2CLAIMS.Nationwide, click here or call 1-800-421-3535.
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USAA customers, call 1-800-531-8222.
Western Mutual, please call 1800-927-2142, or click here.

Civil Service Employees, should call 1-800-282-6848.

Information is also available from the Insurance Information Network of California.

[vnc]

May 6, 2008 14:49:29 GMT -8 Dan Wentzel said:

I almost entitled this thread, "Abandon all hope ye who enter here."

Putting aside a Sepulveda LRT, and a one seat ride from North Hollywood to the Westside which the MTA squashed, that leaves buses. The choices on offer are, quite frankly, awful.

The 156 is popular, but is up for service cuts.

The 218 goes from Cedar Sinai and up Laurel Canyon, and is very popular with the little old ladies, but leaves you at Laurel Canyon and Ventura, not even at the Orange Line.

The "Rapid" 761 is a mess, providing local service in the backend of Brentwood and Westwood and then pooping out at Wilshire/Westwood, forcing extra transfers.

What is to be done about this?

Why not extend the 218 up to the Orange Line?

Why not fix the 761 by spinning off the local portion to the 20 or a revived 21 bus (perhaps going from Vermont/Wilshire to Getty for service hour neutrality) or giving the service area to the Big Blue Bus for local service, and having the 761 go deeper into the Westside to Pico perhaps or the eventual Expo Line?

Then what about those turf disputes between the MTA and the Big Blue Bus that cause unnecessary forced transfers at Pico/Rimpau and Wilshire/Westwood? Perhaps the "compromise" is letting the BBB extend from Pico/Rimpau to Vermont/Wilshire and letting the 761 go south on Westwood or Sepulveda to Pico? What can be done about these "turf" disputes?

Anyone have any suggestions?

I have wanted to see Line 156 be extended back up Van Nuys Blvd to serve the Van Nuys Amtrak/Metrolink Station. But then have it extended to the Northridge Mall. Via Parthenia St. From Van Nuys to Tampa Ave. Or have it run all the way to Topanga Cyn Blvd and Nordhoff St.


I had also been thinking about. Breaking up Line 167. And have it terminate at Van Nuys Amtrak. And extend Line 218 to Van Nuys Amtrak. But run Line 218 Via Coldwater Cyn. In Place of Line 167 on Coldwater Cyn.


I also wouldn't seeing Line 233, 234 and or 734. be extended south on Sepulveda Blvd. From Ventura Blvd all the way to Wilshire or to Sunset. I see a lot of gated communities. That would love to have access to Bus Service.

[bobdavis]

The Pico-Rimpau dividing line between Metro and Santa Monica BBB goes back many years. It used to be a streetcar to bus tranfer point back in the LATL days (and probably in the LARy days). I would guess that when the terminal was established at Rimpau, it was "out in the boonies" and there was no reason to build any further.

[vnc]

Well.

I have heard from a Caltrans Official (Division of Rail). I think the new section of Amtrak's San Joaquin Thruway Bus. between Van Nuys and Torrance. You may be able to travel locally on these thruway Buses. And I am hearing these Buses are picking up with new riders on these Buses. I guess, Metro isn't interested in Service between the Valley and Westside,South Bay regions?