Talking transit with Streetsblog

From “people powered transportation” to the Westside subway, I tackled a wide-ranging series of questions this week from readers of Streetsblog Los Angeles on our region’s pressing  transit challenges—past, present and future.

Among many other things, I called for a break with “dated, auto-centric models” in favor of bicycling, walking and public transportation. I explained why I believe it is imperative that we finally bring mass transit to the Westside in the form of projects such as the Exposition Light Rail and the Westside Subway Extension. And I offered my views on the tensions that have erupted between Beverly Hills and Metro on the subway’s route, stressing that decisions will be based on evidence and science, not emotion.

Looking farther down the road, I talked about the possibility of someday building a 405 rail corridor between West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley and extending the Red Line subway through West Hollywood.

For the full text of my two-part Q & A with Streetsblog, you can click here for the first segment on regional transit needs and here for the second one on cycling and pedestrian issues. Feel free to let me know what you think at [email protected]

Posted 7/28/11