Why Light Rail Is a Band-Aid Solution

This letter is in response to letters (Dec. 22) by Mr. John Sullivan of Woodland Hills and Mr. Philip Nathan of Van Nuys on the proposed light-rail system for the San Fernando Valley.

John Sullivan referred to the proposed light rail as a “silent trolley.” He apparently does not realize that the trolley will consist of 90-foot cars with steel wheels on steel tracks at grade levels with only a 3- to 4-foot earth berm in some areas. Perhaps he has never been close enough to a train to realize that the sound, even 200 feet away, is deafening and the ground vibration can be equally disturbing. I have lived a block south of Roscoe Boulevard. The ground shaking caused by a passing bus would frequently make one think earthquake! Also, bells and whistles will be required at grade-level crossings if the train is to travel faster than 25 m.p.h. Hardly silent!

He also called the proposed light-rail system “traffic free.” These trains (one to three cars in length) will cross most of the north-south Valley streets, at grade, every three to seven minutes during rush hours. Traffic will stop while these trains cross. The few intersections where the train will not be at grade will take the train above the street, elevating not only the train but the noise as well.

Philip Nathan referred to the system as “rapid transit.” The maximum speed of the proposed system is 33 m.p.h. Hardly rapid! I would estimate a travel time of two-plus hours from my home in Reseda to downtown L.A., with travel time to and from the stations and the stops. There are no current plans, however, for a direct connection to Metro Rail, so one will have to take a bus or some other transportation from Universal City to downtown L.A. or to a Metro Rail station.

L.A. wasn’t built in a day. It has taken many decades for our transportation system to reach its current congested state. It will take many decades and much money to build a proper, environmentally sound rapid transit system. Perhaps the only system that will satisfy most of our needs and concerns is a subway. To build the proposed Band-Aid trolley system is penny-wise and dollar-foolish. Double decking the freeway and including a center rail line will just create more noise and pollution by encouraging more people to stay in their cars.

I would like to point out that not all of the groups opposing the proposed system are affluent homeowner groups. Many of the groups are neither affluent or homeowner. Many of the groups are community associations made up of residents. One does not have to be affluent or a homeowner to be concerned with the environment in which we all must live.

ROBERT BONNER

Reseda