http://thesource.metro.net/2014/07/24/other-actions-taken-by-the-board-of-directors-today-including-motion-on-orange-line-upgrades/#more-69545
By Steve Hymon, July 24, 2014
Other actions taken by the Metro Board at their meeting today:
•The Board approved a motion by Board Members Paul Krekorian, Eric
Garcetti, Michael Antonovich, Zev Yaroslavsky, John Fasana and Ara
Najarian directing Metro staff to study potential upgrades to the Orange
Line, including adding more articulated buses, grade-separated
crossings, improved traffic signal priority and rail conversion. The
motion also calls for the study of extending the Orange Line to Burbank,
Glendale and Pasadena, where it would connect or offer a transfer to
the Gold Line.
As I’ve noted before, this is an unfunded project and that converting
the Orange Line to rail is not in Metro’s short- or long-range plans at
this time.Metro Board Member Paul Krekorian noted that only two of
Metro’s 80 rail stations are in the San Fernando Valley, where nearly 20
percent of county residents live. He said that the Orange Line’s
ridership demonstrates that Valley residents are willing to take
transit. Metro staff said they will return to the Board this fall with
more details on how they plan to proceed with the Orange Line study. Motion
An amendment to the motion by Board Members Pam O’Connor and Don
Knabe directs Metro staff to develop protocols for adding unfunded
projects to the long-range plan — a need brought in part by Metro
studying future ballot measure that could potentially fund new projects.
As the amendment notes, some Measure R road and transit projects remain
underfunded or are facing higher expenses to build, adding to the
difficulty of building projects that are not set to receive Measure R
funds. Amendment
•A separate motion by Board Members Michael Antonovich, Ara Najarian,
Mark Ridley-Thomas and Ara Najarian directs Metro to continue the
planning process for expanding bus rapid transit to eligible corridors,
including Vermont Avenue and a line connecting the Orange Line to the
Gold Line. The motion asks for a report from Metro staff this fall with a
staffing, funding and implementation plan on expanding BRT. Motion
In an amendment to that motion by Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti,
Metro was directed to make such BRT projects the first priority when
Metro pursues federal Small Starts or Very Small Starts funding. The
amendment also asked for a center-running alternative where feasible in
the study of the Vermont and Burbank-Pasadena BRT.
•The Board approved a motion by Board Members Eric Garcetti, Mike
Bonin, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Diane DuBois, John Fasana and Jackie
Dupont-Walker to begin environmental studies of adding ExpressLanes to
the 105 freeway between the 605 and 405 freeways. Motion and earlier Source post
•The Board approved Metro’s short-range transportation plan, which
looks at transportation funding over the next decade. The plan basically
echoes the same priorities and timelines laid out in the 30-year
long-range plan approved by the Board in 2010. It’s important to
understand that the plan does not fund any transit projects that are not
already funded.
The Board also approved a motion by Board Members Mike Bonin, Pam
O’Connor, John Fasana and Mark Ridley-Thomas directing Metro to build a
strategy that would provide a regular funding stream for active
transportation projects — i.e. pedestrian improvements and bike lanes
and other infrastructure. Motion
•The approved a Small Business Pilot Assistance Program for merchants
between 48th and 60th streets along the Crenshaw/LAX Line alignment.
The motion “Authorize[s] the CEO to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce
Development Department to create a Business Solutions Center providing
staff and one-on-one case management for technical assistance and access
to capital services for approximately 120 small businesses between 48th
and 60th Streets, as well as information and referrals for
businesses along the entire alignment at a walk-in location.” Staff report
•The Board approved a motion by Board Members Eric Garcetti, Gloria
Molina, Don Knabe and Jackie Dupont-Walker to allocate $4 million within
the Regional Connector’s existing budget to build a pedestrian bridge
from the 2nd/Hope Station to street level at Grand Avenue. The motion
asks Metro staff for a report back this fall on efforts to ensure the
bridge is built. The Board approved the bridge concept as part of its
approval in April of a contractor to build the 1.9-mile underground
light rail line in downtown Los Angeles that will connect the Blue, Expo
and Gold Lines. Motion
•The Board approved a contract amendment up to $3 million with
Walsh/Shea Corridor Constructors to make modifications to the
Crenshaw/LAX Line to accommodate the eventual construction of a new
station at Aviation/96th Street. The station would be built to connect
to the LAX people mover that will take passengers to the airport’s
terminals. Staff report. The Board also approved a motion
by Board Members Don Knabe and Mark Ridley-Thomas asking for a plan by
Metro to accelerate construction of the new station to 2019.