'Virtual Subways' and Suggested Solutions to L.A.'s Transit Problem

Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus offers broad suggestions for fixing public transit in L.A.

1 minute read

May 20, 2010, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Today I want to offer him and other local officials some ideas for improving bus and rail service over the short and long hauls. These aren't politically easy solutions, and they'd require significant compromises on the part of businesses and commuters.

But big problems require big solutions. So let's put some stuff on the table.

First of all, L.A. needs a world-class subway system - the sort of go-everywhere transit network found in places like New York, London and Tokyo. But we'll never get it. It's just too costly a proposition and would face too much opposition from self-serving (and well-lawyered) neighborhood interests."

He concedes that a subway system won't develop overnight, but suggests creating a set of "virtual subways" -- arteries that are dedicated to rapid buses during rush hours.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 in Los Angeles Times

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

57 minutes ago - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

1 hour ago - CBS News

Red public transit bus in Bangalore, India.

Indian States Give Women Free Bus Passes

The programs are part of an initiative aimed at helping more women join the workforce and improving access to basic needs.

2 hours ago - Next City

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.