Underground

* I have read the many letters regarding the problems at the new North Hollywood Metro Red Line extension. What it shows is a complete lack of understanding of the requirements of the travelers that need or want to “travel.”

Coming from London, England, some 20 years ago, where we have had for over 50 years perhaps one of the best suburban train systems, called the London Underground, what is not generally known is that a considerable part is not underground at all. For instance, Baker Street Station on the West Side is not underground. The line travels some 40 miles into the heart of the countryside, terminating at Amersham, Buckinghamshire. The line also extends outward in the other direction.

The benefit of these farsighted decisions was that affordable housing was built in outlying areas with people knowing they could travel quickly and easily into London.

The congested Ventura Freeway shows just how farsighted our elected “leaders” were in denying people living in the San Fernando Valley a decent travel system.

Yet, there is still time to do the right thing. Extend the North Hollywood line, not with a subway but simply by dropping the line below the surface at those points that are considered sensitive. The same trains could be used, and best of all, people would not have to change trains.

I suppose this solution is too simple!

NIGEL BRENT

Studio City