MTA proposes bus service changes
Public hearings set
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is holding a series of public hearings to obtain input from citizens on proposed service changes to metro bus lines.
Locally the transit agency is proposing the following:
• Reduce the frequency of Line 40 and add larger capacity buses
• Modify route 620 to serve First Street and Mott Avenue
• Assign smaller capacity buses to route 710 and increase the frequency
• Put smaller business on Line 740 and increase frequency
• Modify route 202 to serve a new shopping canter on Alameda Street across from the Metro Blue Line Artesia station.
• Modify the route of line 607 to serve the Ladera Center at La Tijera Boulevard and Centinela Avenue.
These changes are in addition to those proposed to take place in December. Implementation of those modifications were delayed in order to give the MTA an opportunity to complete an equity analysis for the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA).
MTA was one of two bus systems in the country that last year was subjected to a civil rights audit under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The other was Atlanta’s MARTA system.
The review was prompted by a civil rights complaint filed by the Bus Riders Union that accused MTA of discrimination against the poor and people of color.
The MTA says it is proposing some of these latest changes (Line 740, for example) because of anticipated reduction in bus passengers with the opening of the Exposition Light Rail. Other changes are being proposed, because the agency said the passenger traffic is not heavy enough to support the larger buses (i.e. Line 710).
Any changes that are made are expected to go into effect June 17 or later.
The hearings will be held today at 2 p.m. at Salt Lake Park Community Center, 3401 E. Florence Ave., Huntington Park; Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m., Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Blvd., Inglewood; and Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in El Monte City Hall East, Council Chambers, 11333 Valley Blvd., El Monte.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) has proposed making major changes to nine lines that serve the African American community, and the transportation agency is placing the blame for the cuts the economic doldrums the nation has been in for the last few years.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The county’s transportation authority today suspended changes to a handful of Metro bus lines that were scheduled to go into effect on Sunday.
The agency made the unusual last minute decision because it needed more time to analyze the affects the changes would have on riders in light of recent changes to federal and state regulations, a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman said.
SANTA MONICA, Calif.—A groundbreaking ceremony was held today in Santa Monica for the Expo Line Phase 2 project, which will extend the light rail line from Culver City to Santa Monica.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was among the dignitaries helping to turn dirt in a ceremonial groundbreaking event at Colorado Avenue and Fourth Street—the planned terminus of the line.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—More than $30 million in federal stimulus funds has been set aside for buying property and doing other preliminary work in the Los Angeles area for a high-speed rail system that would run from San Diego to the Bay Area, transit officials announced.
California High-Speed Rail Authority and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said the money might be used to buy Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, where three segments of the line would converge.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The cash-strapped Metropolitan Transportation Authority will eliminate nine bus lines and reduce service on several others starting Dec. 12.
Metro spokesman Rick Jager said the cuts will save $30 million a year, and are part of a package—along with layoffs and the cancellation or deferral of certain projects—to close an operating deficit of $250 million this fiscal year.
Five Metro Rapid lines and four local lines will be canceled, and their service reallocated to other other lines operating along the same corridors.
