To the MCA Station

For months now, MCA Inc. has vigorously lobbied the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in an attempt to relocate a proposed Red Line subway station, slated to open in the year 2000 on Lankershim Boulevard, a steep half-mile downhill from MCA’s Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. MCA, rather late in the game, argued for a site more convenient to its studios and other popular venues, such as CityWalk.

The problem, according to transportation officials, was that MCA’s request came so late that a change would cause significant additional costs (estimated at $41 million) in building the subway, and construction and design delays of up to two years. Transportation authority officials were adamant that MCA should defray much, if not all, of the new cost. MCA officials were equally adamant that they should not be forced to assume the full bill.

The uncomfortable truth here is that a Red Line station closer to MCA’s property does makes more sense. It would be considerably less objectionable to MCA’s residential neighbors. And it would ease transportation hassles for the several million, both tourists and local residents, who visit Universal City’s attractions each year.

Fortunately, a compromise has been proposed that might allay the transit agency’s concerns over delays and costs and also meet MCA’s wishes for a subway station that better accommodates visitors. At the request of Mayor Richard Riordan, James M. Okazaki, the chief of the city’s transit programs, looked into the impasse and came up with what appears to be a win-win solution. He suggests using the original Lankershim site but adding an entrance to Universal Studios, shuttle service up the hill and roadway improvements.

It’s a workable plan, say county transportation officials. To MCA Development President Larry Spungin, it’s “an 80-to-90% solution.” Now, only a formal recommendation of the plan is needed. The transportation authority board should do just that--and thank Riordan and Okazaki for their help.