The Next Orange Line – Pacific Electric / West Santa Ana Branch

May 23, 2012 Leave a comment

The Southern California Association of Governments recently announced its Alternatives Analysis for the Pacific Electric ROW / West Santa Ana Corridor. The Orange Line Development Authority (because it runs to Orange County, though they’re soon changing their name because Metro already has an Orange Line), is also involved. The diagonal corridor left over from the Pacific Electric days stretches from the 105 Freeway in Paramount all the way down to Santa Ana, about 20 miles, in a straight line. The corridor runs through both LA and Orange Counties, and is owned by the respective county transportation agencies in each. Because it spans more than one jurisdiction, the study is being conducted by SCAG, in association with both Metro and OCTA.

The Pacific Electric / West Santa Ana Branch Corridor stretches from South LA County to Orange County in a nearly 20-mile-long straight line.

They are studying both mode and route for the project, with the goal to extend it from both ends of the right of way to Union Station in LA and the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC) in Orange County.

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Expo Line Review: First Rides and First Impressions

May 3, 2012 3 Comments

The following is my first-impression account of the Expo Line after one workday trip in each direction. I wrote it last night while commuting from Culver City to Downtown.

I’m sitting on the Expo Line, literally zooming past cars on the street (and they’re not even in traffic) as I write this. I rode the length of the line on Saturday during the grand opening, but even more significantly, I rode it on the first workday Monday morning to my office in Culver City. Today is my first day riding the return trip from work.

There were cars in this photo when I clicked the button, but by the time the iPhone’s shutter snapped, we had already flown by them. They were moving quickly too.

To be honest, I was slightly surprised at how many people were on it Monday morning. Of course, it wasn’t full like the other lines during rush hour, but the number of people on my train did seem to rival the other lines during off-peak hours. For the first real day of service, that seems like a major success. The numbers will always grow.

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Enduring in the City: Creating a More Connected L.A.

May 2, 2012 Leave a comment

It’s no secret that I love Los Angeles. But at the same time, there are clearly problems with this (or any) city. There are problems with the physical space, the economic equality, the spiritual well-being, the race relations, and much more in the city. Sometimes, these problems make it difficult to endure, but  I believe that Los Angeles is a great city and is getting better. And I believe it’s no accident that we’re here.

Most of what I write on this blog, even the more technical posts, are really all about connecting people as a means to improve Los Angeles. By better connecting people, enabling them to move between neighborhoods quickly and easily,and interact with local businesses and each other, I think there is a better chance to right many of the wrongs in the city.

Whether it’s a pedestrian plaza that brings commuters from Union Station to local businesses, a Metro Rail connection to bring tourists and businessmen from LAX to Downtown, or a new rail line that connects to some of the city’s major cultural, educational, and business institutions, my writings on this blog are mainly focused on improving connections in the city. Similarly, events like CicLAvia, film screenings in historic theatres, and ideas about improving parks and education all contribute to the lives of the people in this city…

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Union Station: Improving Pedestrian Connections

April 26, 2012 1 Comment

With teams having showcased their broad-view ideas for the Union Station area yesterday, I thought I would share one small change I think would make a huge difference. While the plans can include hotels, offices, restaurants, and more, all will certainly bring more pedestrian traffic to the station. It will end up being more of a destination point, rather than just a transfer point, as it is for many travelers now. Of course, with the Regional Connector, possibly High Speed Rail, pass through tracks, and other transportation connections, it will continue to be the major transfer hub for Los Angeles, but with Olvera Street and El Pueblo across the street (and remember, this is where a future streetcar connection would actually end), the additions to the Union Station Property, and potentially Park 101, we will see many more pedestrians exiting the station’s front doors.

The current view walking out of Union Station, with the entry plaza directly ahead blocked by chain and stanchions.

Currently, there is a small plaza leading directly up to Union Station’s main entrance, with some memorial plaques and other pedestrian oriented designs. The problem is, the crosswalks crossing Alameda don’t lead to this plaza, they cross parallel on both sides of it due to Los Angeles Street splitting in two around this entryway as is comes into and out of the station. When you exit the front of the station, you’re actually blocked from crossing onto what is supposed to be an entry plaza by a chain and stanchions, forcing you to go around it.

To better serve pedestrians, this small entry plaza should directly connect the front doors of the station with the Plaza at el Pueblo.

The best way to do this is by consolidating Los Angeles St. to the south (where the current vehicle entry is) and moving the vehicle exit to the north side of the timed parking lot, next to Mozaic Apartments. The current vehicle exit from Union Station and the northern side of Los Angeles St. will be transformed into a straight pedestrian entry plaza that extends from Union Station’s doors, across Alameda Street, up to the entrance of Olvera Street.

An overview of my proposed changes to the Union Station Entrance. A large pedestrian entry plaza, consolidated Los Angeles St., and new vehicle exit lanes.

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