Readers React: The San Fernando Valley is no longer Metro’s ugly stepchild

To the editor: After essentially getting shut out by the first two ballot measures, the first draft of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed expenditure plan recognizes that it’s time for the new golden age of transit development to be extended to the San Fernando Valley. (“L.A. County officials need to commit to keeping Metro’s lines running,” editorial, March 22)

With three major transit projects included, and all three breaking ground in the first phase, the Valley should be pleased with this plan. This couldn’t have happened without a consensus effort by our elected leaders, businesses, neighborhood organizations and labor, which stopped complaining and started organizing.

Coby King, West Hills

The writer is the immediate past chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.

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To the editor: Thanks to The Times for not dredging up the stale argument of bus service being a cheaper alternative to rail. Heavy rail subways and light rail surface trains are expensive to build and maintain — but they also have an allure that standing on a corner waiting for a bus (even an electric one) cannot match.

Nothing short of a far-reaching, totally accessible rail system throughout the county will cause the necessary shift in thinking on transit in Los Angeles.

Michael Meilan, Studio City

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