In brainstorming alternate alignments for the Westside Regional Connector, I struck upon a radical idea to recast the Expo's role in a future transit system. From the Expo line to the Purple Line to the Crenshaw/Prairie corridor, regional connectivity constantly seems to be an afterthought to Metro's rail proposals (when it is thought of at all). The Downtown Regional Connector is a prime example of this kind of backwards approach. With Fix Expo now lawyering up to argue their case regarding what they believe to be negligent and poor design of the South LA segment, Expo may need to come up with a contingency plan to salvage the project if the court case derails Phase I. So how about if we just start with Phase II in combination with the Pink Line and Westwood Regional Connector? Let’s build the Westside System from the center outward rather than getting bogged down with contentious radials like the South LA segment. Such a strategy would:
1) Allow resources to be devoted to establishing a robust core infrastructure.
2) Establish strong centrality right from the start of the project rather than forcing us to retroactively build it into the system, as is now being done with the Downtown Regional Connector.
3) Prime land in the core for transit-oriented development with maximum connectivity and give a head start to real estate in the core to develop and mature.
4) Build support both from within (i.e. for extension outward from communities directly served by the line) and from without (i.e. for connection into the system from communities not directly served)
5) Reduce traffic by improving first local mobility, then regional mobility once the connection with Downtown has been established.
6) Allow time to review the design, build consensus, and secure any additional funding should it be determined that revisions to the South LA segment are deemed necessary.
Current plans for the Expo place way too much emphasis on connecting Santa Monica and Downtown. A true transit network will need to serve more than just those two destinations and its Westside hub should be Westwood. Perhaps we should build outward from the Westwood core rather than getting bogged down on radial routes like the South LA segment.
4 comments:
First, I'm going to get to the partial westside costs you asked for.
Second, you need to be sensitive that running rails to the Courthouse in Santa Monica could endanger and subway to the sea. "Look they already have rail. Now they want a subway when out [ethnic] area has neither?"
I think Rob Dawg is incorrect. This will not endanger the "Subway to the Sea". There is already wide acceptance that both the Expo and Purple (and possibly Pink) Lines will end up in Santa Monica.
One issue is that Santa Monica WANTS and plans for the Expo to be AT GRADE. This may help blow away those Cheviot Hills NIMBYs who are trying to sabotage the project from ever getting to Phase II.
Interesting idea.
your idea seams awfully self serving.
the idea of having the expo line go all the way to downtown is not just so that people in santa monica can go to downtown. but that people from all over the metro touched la county can get to santa monica.
not to mention that the santa monica leg of the expo line is still only in its design phase. while the phase 1 portion is well into construction.
From a pure design perspective, of course, what you are proposing makes a great deal of sense.
From a political frame of mind, and an economic framework, they are non-starters.
"Not enough money."
Post a Comment