With available funding from U.S. Tiger grant, Los Angeles has big hopes for its downtown which include a streetcar line that would go from north to south. Critics say the line is redundant of other existing transit.
"Los Angeles submitted an application for U.S. TIGER funds with the intention of building a downtown streetcar line. But the alignments proposed are very similar to those offered by existing rail and bus services - and each would operate in a one-way loop, a failed transit concept," said reporter Yonah Freemark.
Even though the new proposed streetcar plan will pass through similar points, many advocate that "the line would attract more customers to their stores and contribute to a more vibrant environment. The majority of costs for the line ($50 to $60 million) are expected to be covered by property owners, who are enthusiastic about the regeneration of the area," says Freemark.
Though there are several routes under consideration, a final route will be selected in February of 2012.
Read the full story: Los Angeles’ Streetcar Plans: Too Duplicative of Existing Services?
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
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Montrose County
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