A Subway Saga

Today marks the opening of the first 4.4-mile segment of the Metro Red Line, which runs from Union Station to MacArthur Park. Here is a look at some of the project’s problems and milestones during the past two decades: 1973: Councilman Tom Bradley, in his bid for mayor, promises voters a transit system. 1974: Proposition 5, allowing use of highway funds for public transit, is enacted by voters. 1975: State, local and federal officials begin planning the first segment of Metro Rail. 1980: Proposition A, a half-cent sales tax for transit improvements, passes by 54% in Los Angeles County. 1983: President Ronald Reagan signs $117.2-million Department of Transportation appropriations bill for advance design work and the beginning of construction. 1985: Reagan signs federal spending bill that contains $429 million for the subway’s first phase. 1986: Reagan, citing the growing budget deficit, now denounces federal financial support for the subway. But the House of Representatives rescinds a hold on federal spending. In September, Metro Rail construction begins. 1989: An audit reveals millions of dollars in Metro Rail funds were not accurately accounted for by RTD bookkeepers and managers. 1990: A state Court of Appeal rules it unconstitutional for the RTD to have commercial property owners pay part of the construction costs for the first leg of the subway. : In June, the L.A. County Transportation Commission takes over because the project is behind schedule and over budget. : In July, a 750-foot stretch of tunnel collapses in an accidental fire near the Hollywood Freeway, causing $2.2 million in damage. It is the third fire in the same tunnel complex within 24 hours. : In September, records show the number of work accidents is 28% higher than industry standards. : In November, voters approve Proposition C, which adds another half-cent, transit-related sales tax surcharge in the county. 1991: A Times examination of hundreds of bills, receipts and accounting documents shows that the transportation commission paid millions of dollars to a consulting firm that has charged taxpayers for expenses ranging from vacation trips to England to doughnuts for office meetings. 1992: The state Supreme Court upholds the creation of the benefit-assessment districts, which will assess 30 cents per square foot on commercial property within “walking distance” of Red Line stations. : In February, transportation officials quietly approve a $25.7-million cost overrun for the station at 5th and Hill streets, pushing the price to $69.5 million--80% more than it was supposed to cost. 1993: Mayor Tom Bradley announces that the subway will open Jan. 30, three weeks later than scheduled.