Good news: Metro Los Angeles will open the long-awaited Expo Line extension, connecting Santa Monica and the the beach to Downtown Los Angeles, this weekend. Bad news: the public waited until now to worry about the parking around new stations.
Laura Nelson reports on a concern tempering the excitement over this weekend's debut of light rail service to Santa Monica, at the western end of Los Angeles County and, for that matter, the United States. According to Nelson, "beneath the anticipation of the May 20 launch is a lingering concern: Parking. Four of the seven new Expo Line stations will not have dedicated spaces for transit riders. The other three have a combined 544 spots, which are expected to fill up early."
Planners anticipated that some commuters would park in the neighborhoods surrounding stations. Now Nelson reports that "the lack of parking has been met with confusion and apprehension by some residents, particularly those who are used to driving."
The Los Angeles Times even published a follow up article sharing the letters to the editor from several residents who are obviously a little upset about the parking arrangements at new stations.
The feature-length article includes a lot more details of the parking arrangements at specific stations as well as other user experience considerations.
FULL STORY: The Expo Line is finally coming to the Westside, but limited parking raises concerns
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