Area Transit Planning

I drove downtown, parked alongside what might become the new convention center and walked to the station to take a free ride on L.A.’s Blue Line, our region’s first modern rail system. It is money well-spent; taking people out of cars and using efficient public transportation. When the tracks become elevated, passengers can see the city--surprisingly green. Someday, soon perhaps, empty lots and forsaken property will be improved.

With success like this, it would be near criminal if the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission were unable to purchase the irreplaceable rights of way for sale by the Southern Pacific Transportation Co. and the Union Pacific and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroads. We should support the efforts of LACTC to acquire and protect these rights of way for future transportation use. Hopefully, the San Fernando Valley will understand the wisdom in preserving the SP Burbank branch for a light-rail system to help relieve the congestion and gridlock that currently exists along Ventura Boulevard and the freeway.

JEFFREY WEINSTEIN

Santa Monica