19 ways of looking at a Subway to the Sea

The Subway to the Sea idea's looks more complicated now, with 19 alternatives -- including not having a subway at all -- on the table. After all, the first round of meetings we had were ostensibly to see "what, if anything, would be built," to quote Jody Litvak of Metro.

So it makes sense that, at this early stage, many options are still on the table for consideration. Thus, we have 19 alternatives -- and the resulting map (above, via Bottleneck Blog) looks quite different from the simpler map we were looking at during the first round of meetings (below).

Weigh in on what you think is best at the upcoming meetings (details on where and when are here). The first one happens tonight at LACMA!

In other traffic news: L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 2008 Traffic Relief Initiatives (PDF) -- covered more briefly in a press conference yesterday -- lays out the 10 short-term measures for the next 12-16 weeks. Zach Behrens of LAist has a quick rundown of the initiatives.

Comments

[Dan W.]

Just seeing that map makes me weep with joy.

We need BOTH lines. Wislhire Blvd. alignment first, but both Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvd.

There should be spur into Century City on the Purple Line (Wilshire). The Santa Monica Blvd. alignment might spur to the Beverly Center.

But we need both. The direct line from the Valley to the Westside is exciting too.

I'm so glad that MTA is taking a Santa Monica Blvd. alignment in addition to Wilshire Blvd. seriously. Yay!

We need both of these lines to keep Los Angeles economically and environmentally sustainable and I will pay any reasonable increase in taxes or fees to pay for them.

[Kate]

I'd love for the final line to have a stop at or near UCLA. It would transform the commute for so many people.

[Matthew]

I truly hope we can get these lines in. Having faster commuting along the Wilshire corridor from Santa Monica all the way in to midtown is a dream.

I've been looking at these maps with anticipation on how I can get from my home in Santa Monica to work in Westwood, Hollywood and Highland for a show at the Bowl... this is great.

If anyone on the planning commission reads this blog. Please make this happen out city needs this!

[Eric]

Absolutely Yes. I'd support an increase in sales tax to get these subway lines built. The sooner the better. We need to build the Expo line using the existing right of way, the Wilshire or Santa Monica line or both and a line or two running north/south as well.

[paul garcia]

build the line through mid-wilshire.

run an extensive trolly system north and south along the main boulevards in west los angeles.

[Roadblock]

Henry Waxman is to blame for this mess. We should name a pothole in his honor.

[marcotico]

I'm going to UCLA once a week, and my class is in the north east corner of campus. I always thought a simple shot down Wilshire was the way to go, but now that I'm on Campus I can see that is a very long walk from most of campus to the corner of Wilshire and Westwood, so an on-campus alternative may make lots of sense.

I too look at that map and think "Great! buiild it all!"

[Phil]

Stop talking about a $ubway to the SEA...instead, stop cancelling bus routes and GET ME TO WORK.

[Jim]

I made the smart decision years ago to find a job within walking distance of my residence in Santa Monica and hate the idea of paying additional taxes in order to continue subsidizing the idea that it's okay to work 15+ miles from where you live. Truly sustainable development would result in incentivizing developers and local city zoning boards to work together to create higher density residential areas near places where people work - NOT spending billions upon billions (with inevitable overruns in the addtional billions) on a system that will not result in reduced traffic or pollution. When was the last time a new lane opened on a widened freeway and traffic didn't expand to fill the space?

[Dennis]

Why don't the two lines heading west meet at some point? Does one have to ride the bus to get from one line to the other?

I would think there would need to be a connecting line or more--running north and south, maybe along La Cienga, Westwood, Lincoln, etc.

[David]

Can we throw in a line to the airport as well?

[JS]

All these East/West lines and none connecting North/South....what about extending the red line down Vermont to connect to the new Expo Line or even down La Brea? And the stops are so far between that alot of people will be in for long walks to their destinations.

[smo]

A continuing line from Hollywood & Highland through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood/UCLA and stopping in Santa Monica is a MUST. A paralell line down santa Monica blvd and a connecting North South line would have to be put in place.

[robert]

Always making life easier for the financially well off. residents east of the county could benefit with multiple lines from San bernadino, through San gabriel valley and onward to down town. Working class should not have to be subjected to few and limited stops of the metro link. There are other cities that need to be connected toresidents with variables hours of work.
the metro link is the only line from the east with limited service, and stops at 9 or 10 pm. people work late night too. The gold line catered to Pasadena's wealthy, while the working class still have to juggle with a combination of busses and limited train schedules. BUILD MORE LINES! Los angeles is behind.

[Jared]

It is OK to live more than 15+ miles away from where you work, its called America, you can live where you want. Some people don't want to live in giant apartment complexes with no green space. And we're not talking about adding lines on a freeway here - where did that come from?

[skd]

It's true the lines are definitely aimed at the more affluent western expanse of the city. These are the people who cause the problems. They own all the cars and contribute to the gridlock that grips the city everyday. We need to build both lines. Through West Hollywood and complete the Wilshire corridor line. Along with the Expo line these subway systems will create economic opportunities and alleviate the daily horrific traffic.

We can blame the politicians, but really it's everyone's fault. Neither the people nor the politicians had the foresight ten or 15 years ago to demand a comprehensive rail system. Villaraigosa for all his personal shortcomings, does possess a vision of a future Los Angeles that includes a mass transit system that won't clog our streets and freeways. We need to bite the bullet now and fund these projects, because every year we wait the cost will increase exponentially.

Those people who want to do nothing and not pay the cost to build the new Los Angeles, need to reevaluate where they live....and move to Arizona or another state where you can drive your car and choke on the smog and sit in traffic frustrated.

[Dan W.]

While these lines reach the more affluent parts of the city, that is hardly a reason not to have them. These lines alos connect and reach major job centers. As many people will probably travel TO destinations including job centers on the Westside and not just from the Westside.

But the network will need to continue to expand to other parts of the county as well.

Metrolink is wonderful and comfortable and expanded Metrolink service should be part of any regional transportation plan.

The MTA is aware that North/South connectors are needed, especially a north/south link from Metrolink in the Valley to/from LAX, and an expansion of the Green Line to Metrolink, LAX and the South Bay. I can imagine a northward extension of the Crenshaw line up to Hollywood too, perhaps via La Brea or Fairfax.

When new lines are built, it increases its usefulness and demand as new possibilities are raised.

London (which is a more appropriate comparison to L.A. than New York) is a sprawl and it is ably served by a comprensive heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail and bus system

.